Maejean Vintage has come a long way from its humble 2010 beginnings in owners Laura and Amanda’s parents’ basement. Over the years, our all-women run small business has been headquartered out of several private studio spaces in the Lancaster area as it grew from two team members to seven. While building an online business and a global customer base had always been the focus for Maejean, there has always been a dream to have our own showroom where customers can appreciate our vintage heirlooms in person. Beginning in 2022, Laura and Amanda began searching for opportunities to move MJV to a larger space that could not only more comfortably accommodate its growing team, but have a space for customers to enjoy a one-of-a-kind vintage jewelry buying experience.
Following their purchase of the historic Bowman building in 2023, Brent L. Miller reached out to Maejean Vintage. Having already found a tenant, the prestigious Hamilton Watch Company, to occupy the first floor, it was important to them to find the right business to occupy the spacious second floor of the building in order to preserve its rich history in the jewelry industry.
The building first became home to the Bowman Technical School in 1912. Thousands of students of all kinds came to this school to learn the trades of watchmaking, engraving, and jewelry work. Following World War II, the school found itself with booming success as veterans with mechanical and artistic skill were encouraged to apply and build a career in the trades. The 1940s and 50s saw long waitlists and great success at the school. Toward the end of the 1970s, it was necessary for the school to move to another location, and operations continued there until the school’s closure in 1992 (LancasterHistory.org).
Considering the impressive history of the building in the jewelry and watch industry and excellent location in the heart of downtown Lancaster, the invitation for Maejean Vintage to take over the second floor of the historic building was irresistible. As curators and admirers of vintage history, Maejean is proud to be a part of the century’s old history of this fascinating building and bring new life to this space.
Above: The now-showroom of Maejean Vintage before renovation.
Above: Maejean Vintage's appointment showroom on the second floor of the Bowman Building.
This move has allowed Maejean Vintage to not only have a space made for customers to enjoy personalized appointments, but also has given our in-house bench jeweler the opportunity to refurbish our vintage finds on site!
Above: Maejean Vintage's bench jeweler space
Our entire team is so excited to continue the legacy of the jewelry industry in this historic building. Book an appointment with us today to secure your spot for a private, unique, one-on-one shopping experience to find your next vintage or estate piece with us in historic downtown Lancaster!
Sources:
LancasterHistory.org, Bowman Technical School History, https://www.lancasterhistory.org/finding-aids/bowman-technical-school-history/