Square Roots Collective, a group of enterprises united by their commitment to a thriving Kennett Square, is readying a new cocktail bar that will honor the heroes of The Underground Railroad, writes Richard Gaw for the Chester County Press.
Star and Lantern will open in the former boiler room at The Creamery of Kennett Square to represent the creative intersection of two Square Roots Collective initiatives: The Creamery and the Voices Underground Project, a partnership with Lincoln University that promotes the history of The Underground Railroad, along with promoting racial healing through storytelling.
“The entire theme of this concept, from the art on the wall to the names of the cocktails to the stories on the menus, (is) to encourage curiosity around the history of The Underground Railroad,” said Mike Bontrager, who founded the Square Roots Collective with his wife, Dot.
The name was also inspired by the movement, as stars and lanterns were two key symbols prominently featured along The Underground Railroad.
The venue is expected to open later this year, in commemoration of the Juneteenth celebration.
Read more about the Square Roots Collective in the Chester County Press here.
