At Just In South River Structures, LLC, based in Lebanon, Oregon, our commitment goes beyond constructing high-quality sheds and portable structures. We care about what it means to build something that lasts—not just in materials, but in legacy. That’s why we find inspiration in places like Downtown Lititz, Pennsylvania—a historic small town that exemplifies the values of craftsmanship, community, and purposeful growth.
Understanding the story of Lititz helps us tell our own. By reflecting on the legacy of a town that successfully preserved its identity through centuries of change, we reinforce what it means to be a shed builder in Lebanon, OR who’s invested in local heritage and long-term value.
The Founding of Lititz: A Town Built on Values
Founded in 1756 by members of the Moravian Church, Lititz was designed to be a spiritually unified and self-sustaining community. Early settlers were mostly German immigrants who brought with them a strong work ethic, advanced building techniques, and a sense of duty to the collective good. For nearly 100 years, only members of the Moravian Church were allowed to live in the town—a unique arrangement that led to remarkably cohesive planning and design.
Credits by: Jklamo in wikipedia
Lititz was not just built—it was crafted. Streets, homes, and churches followed intentional layouts, and trades like blacksmithing, woodworking, and tailoring thrived. This preserved focus on manual skill and small-scale enterprise created a community deeply rooted in pride of workmanship.
Downtown Lititz Today: A Living History
Even after more than 250 years, Downtown Lititz retains much of its original character. Walk through its center, and you’ll see 18th and 19th-century architecture, brick sidewalks, and family-owned shops. The downtown isn’t a theme park version of the past—it’s a thriving, functional part of the present.
Lititz Springs Park: A Community’s Heartbeat
A central element in Lititz’s story is Lititz Springs Park, located right in the heart of downtown. Donated to the people by the Moravian Church, the park has hosted public events since the 1800s. From Fourth of July celebrations to seasonal craft fairs, it remains a gathering place that connects generations. The park symbolizes the town’s enduring commitment to shared spaces, stewardship, and public life—all values we carry into our work in Lebanon, OR.
Credits by: Derck & Edson
Wilbur Chocolate Company: A Sweet Legacy
One of the most iconic businesses to emerge from Lititz is the Wilbur Chocolate Company, founded in 1884. It wasn’t just a manufacturing facility; it was a sensory landmark, filling the air downtown with the unmistakable aroma of chocolate. Though the original factory closed in 2016, its legacy lives on in the Wilbur Lititz Hotel and Market, a space that merges historical preservation with modern utility—just like a good structure should.
At Just In South River Structures, we see parallels between this transformation and our own work. A shed may start with a simple purpose—storage—but it can be transformed into something far more valuable when built with care and vision.
Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery: A First in America
Founded in 1861, the Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery holds the title of America’s first commercial pretzel bakery. It continues to operate today, offering tours and pretzel-making classes, attracting tourists while preserving one of Pennsylvania’s most charming food traditions. This blend of commercial enterprise, history, and hands-on engagement mirrors the kind of community-focused entrepreneurship we value in Lebanon.
What Lebanon, Oregon Can Learn from Lititz
Though Lebanon and Lititz are separated by thousands of miles and over two centuries of development, their core DNA is surprisingly similar. Both towns feature:
A strong rural heritage
Locally-owned businesses
Close-knit community networks
A balance of history and growth
At Just In South River Structures, we honor these similarities by treating every build like a contribution to the local landscape. Our custom sheds, barns, garages, and portable buildings are designed to not only serve functional purposes but to enhance the charm and usability of your property—just as Lititz’s historical buildings continue to serve real, everyday needs.
Building with Purpose: From Lititz to Lebanon
If Lititz has taught us anything, it’s that buildings matter. They are more than shelter—they are symbols of who we are and what we value. In a time when mass production often sacrifices quality for speed, Lititz stands as a case study in how craftsmanship and thoughtful development endure.
In Lebanon, OR, we see a growing appreciation for these same ideals. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to create space for a backyard workshop, a business needing secure on-site storage, or someone wanting a custom retreat space, the structure you choose should reflect the same level of thought and care that built towns like Lititz.