The Howdy to get a new life

Walter Sprague
Art and Culture Reporter
 
When Jonathan and Linda Stoltzfus moved to Newcastle from upstate New York a year ago this coming August, it didn’t take long for them to feel a part of the community.
“Everyone is so friendly,” Linda said, “It’s the most inviting and nice people who live here.”
Along with the rest of their family, and keeping with their traditional Amish roots, the Stoltzfuses have embraced Wyoming, making it home. And they’re determined to give back to the community that they feel has given them much.
“Our first job was re-roofing the News Letter Journal,” Jonathan said, “It was a wonderful experience. We love hard work.”
That ethic is apparent with the old Howdy Drive-In at 834 S. Summit Ave. The drive-in has been closed for some time but is now slated to open again. Jonathan said the goal is to open on July 2. However, it will not be a burger and fries joint again. Instead, Linda is going to be baking in the Amish tradition.
“It won’t be just a bakery,” Linda said, “We will have a farm market as well.”
The business’ bakery side will sell goods from her signature sourdough bread to pretzel buns and whole grain, as well as many other baked goods. Before moving from the Corning/Addison, New York, area to Wyoming, the Stoltzfuses baked for H&F for about two years. They are delighted to be bringing that skill and enterprise to Newcastle.
“We’re hoping to help the people of Newcastle,” Linda said, “We feel the variety will benefit the other businesses in the area.” 
And variety is what they are planning to have. The store will also sell jellies, honey, maple syrup and bulk items, such as various flours and sugar. They are also planning to open up the spots under the awning for other vendors to sell their goods. Also intended are home-made ice cream and donuts. With the location across from the new Decker’s and the Loaf & Jug, plus the other businesses that surround the intersection of U.S. Highway 16 and South Summit Avenue, they believe that area is turning into a block for one-stop shopping. 
The couple is leasing the Howdy from Janice and Lyle Womack and has been cleaning, repairing and bringing the building up to code. The store has new counters and shelves. Even a good baking oven is coming, thanks to Dan Decker, who has graciously helped them out. Jonathan said that it’s been quite an adventure, and he is optimistic and excited to be able to open Howdy’s Bakery in the old landmark. 
“I think the July 4 weekend will be the perfect time to open,” he said, “We just hope we will be able to serve the ice cream and doughnuts as well at that time.”
For the future, the Stoltzfus family also plans to feature seasonal items. At Christmas, Linda said they will have holiday cookies and stollen, a traditional German dessert bread, and with each holiday coming up she plans to change things around to cater to those specific festivities. 
Jonathan and Linda say they love to talk with people and are looking forward to serving your bakery needs. For some old-fashioned baked goods and farm-fresh items, they invite you to stop by starting July 2. They will be open Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both say they are grateful for the friendships and openness they have received from the community and they hope to build lasting relationships.