Oxford Hall Celtic Shop Commemorates 40 Years of Celtic Charm

New Cumberland has faced its share of challenges over the years with the closing of long-standing businesses like Coakleys, Dingledein Bakery and Avatar Natural Foods, along with shorter-lived businesses like Shugars and The Loft Eatery.

In more recent years, the town has shown signs of recovery with the adoption of a focused Master Plan in 2023, along with the return of the West Shore Theater, and the opening of Wild Rabbit Pies & Pints.

Owner Cindy Washburn of Oxford Hall Celtic Shop and Café, located on the corner of 3rd and Bridge Street, has remained a constant presence. Since moving to the town in 1991 and later purchasing and renovating the handsome brick shop on the corner, Washburn has embraced the philosophy that “a rising tide lifts all boats.” This November her business will be celebrating its 40^th anniversary.

How It Began

Oxford Hall’s story began at the home of her in-laws Tom and Barbara Washburn in New Oxford, Pennsylvania. “They had been going to Ireland on occasional trips and thought it would be nice to pick up some furniture pieces,” said Washburn. This led the couple to a contact who was buying old Irish antiques and restoring them. The hobby turned into a passion and soon pieces were shipped in via tractor trailer—many of which were Irish pine. “It was the epitome of farmhouse chic in the 1980s and 90s,” recalls Washburn. The couple soon ran out of room and began storing the pieces in a carriage house and in Amish-made barns on the property.

Eventually an introduction to the Irish Craft Council inspired the couple to begin traveling to people’s studios. “My mother-in-law (who was born on May 17) began bringing in shirts and sweaters and the business was named Oxford Hall Old and New and Irish Too,” explains Washburn. Due to its proximity to Gettysburg, many customers came from DC and Virginia.

As time passed and the couple grew older, their son Steve took over part of the business and eventually moved the store toNew Cumberland in 1991. “The corner of Bridge and Third is our fifth location in New Cumberland. We’ve grown from a 600 square foot store to one that is now 2,700 square feet,” Washburn said.

A Civil War-Era Building

Cindy’s beloved husband, who passed recently, had his work cut out for him when they purchased the building in 2009. “It was in quite a bit of disrepair, with holes in the roof and was in need of about $350,000 of renovations,” said Washburn.

The couple recognized the importance of the historic property so it became a passion project. “The house, which we believe dates to 1870, was built right after the Civil War by Joseph Bronawell who was a farmer living in York County. He operated a butcher shop where the yard is now. Some of his land later became the Army Depot,” explains Washburn.

The property changed hands a few times over the years, most often purchased by workers at the newly opened Steel Mill at the time, explained Washburn, adding that upkeep wasn’t necessarily a priority to many of the stewards.

Washburn, who lives upstairs from the shop, said that it’s been an ideal location. “What I like most is its proximity to the highway system. That’s why we get visitors from Maryland, Virginia, and Johnstown,” she said.

The Cafe

Cindy’s son Seth has played an important role as part owner and café Chef, serving things like meat pies, scotch eggs, sandwiches and soups, scones and more.

The shelves in the café are also stocked with imported groceries and more than 100 loose teas.

Customer Linda Ries lives within walking distance and considers it her “happy space.” “I am retired, but do editorial work part time. After a couple of hours in the morning sitting at the computer, I feel the need to get up and get out of the house.” Ries said that it’s a quiet, pleasant spot to sit and sip tea, meet friends, have a light lunch and just ponder the world. “The food is excellent and I have gotten to know the staff as family in the 10-odd years I have been eating there,” she said.

The Shop

Oxford Hall continues to import a wide variety of Irish goods–jewelry, toiletries, gifts, food and apparel. “Cookies and candy bars are a big thing too, as is jam, which isn’t as sweet as ours here and carries fewer preservatives,” she said.

Washburn has five employees and maintains a robust online presence. “We use our website as our biggest communicator to the public and are shipping across the country,” she said, adding that the current goal is to get the website up to $50,000 in orders annually.

To reach new customers, Oxford Hall advertises at the West Shore Theatre and in TeaTime Magazine, which is devoted to tea culture. She also participates in a local small business association, which helps keep advertising costs manageable.

A Community Legacy 

As Oxford Hall Celtic Shop marks its 40^th year, Washburn reflects on the community support that was built over the years. “I think my husband would be shocked at the response of our customers when he passed away. He was dearly loved and we’ve made so many good friends over the years. I hope that we will continue to be impactful to the community in the years to come."