The Family Heritage Gift Shop will close on July 26 after 41 years in Franconia Township. (Courtesy of Sheryl Derstine)
Located in the Franconia Heritage Banquet and Conference Center, the shop had a strong emphasis on women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories, but was also well-known for its unique and special gifts
After 41 years of serving the Montgomery and Bucks County communities, the Family Heritage Gift Shop will close its doors at the end of the month.
After sharing the news with her employees in January, owner Sheryl Derstine publicly announced her retirement from the business in May. She described the decision as bittersweet but expressed a readiness to enter the next chapter of her life.
“It took me a long time to process, but I feel very at peace,” said Derstine. “It feels like the right time.”
Located in the Franconia Heritage Banquet and Conference Center, the shop had a strong emphasis on women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories but was also well-known for its unique and special gift items for all occasions. It was established in 1984 by Bill and Anna Freed to complement the Family Heritage Restaurant and Bakery, now known as the Franconia Heritage Restaurant.
Gift shop’s history
In 1995, the business was sold to the Freeds’ daughters, Derstine and Sharlene Immel, and their husbands, Nevin Immel and John Derstine. Derstine later became the shop manager after being unable to find a replacement for the former manager. She quickly fell in love with the role.
“I discovered that I loved the job and didn’t really want anyone else to have so much fun, so I just added that to my other responsibilities,” said Derstine.
While the business began as a gift shop of collectibles, including Byers Choice Carolers, Hummel Figurines, Precious Moments, and Department 56, the changing retail climate compelled Derstine to branch out into other merchandise, including jewelry.
“We started with one little shelf, and within a year, we had about 10 times that space dedicated to jewelry,” said Derstine, adding, “I handpicked all of the jewelry, so our shop was set apart from other shops that brought in whole collections.”
The shop later began selling women’s clothing, eventually becoming one of the few outlets to offer petite, missy and plus sizes. Derstine took pride in her inclusive selection of clothing.
“As women, we are very critical of ourselves. So part of my mission was to help women be able to look good and like themselves as they are,” said Derstine. “For them to be able to say they like the way they look when they clearly haven’t for a long time, that’s gave me a great deal of satisfaction.”
The Family Heritage Gift Shop initially sold collectibles before branching out into other merchandise.
Shop owner Sheryl Derstine (right) and longtime customer Judy Taylor (left) peruse some scarves.
Employee Sue Hanna helps customer Stella Hass try on a shirt.Shekala’s
Following strong consumer demand, Derstine opened Shekala’s, a women’s clothing store in the Telford Train Station, in October 2011. The name is a combination of the first names of Derstine and her two daughters, Kate and Lauren.
“People would come in and say, ‘This reminds me of the Family Heritage Gift Shop.’ So it had a similar flair but was different,” said Derstine, adding, “The stores were less than three miles apart, so people could easily go back and forth. It was a great location for us.”
Over the years, both the gift shop and Shekala’s held numerous fashion show fundraisers and ‘Shop with a Purpose’ nights for local non-profits. Some beneficiaries include RamPacks, a Pennridge-area organization that provides weekend meals to food insecure schoolchildren, the Keystone Opportunity Center, a social services agency in Souderton, and Laurel House, a Montgomery County domestic abuse treatment center.
“I’ve always felt like this is a ministry,” said Derstine. “I don’t have to go to a third world country. I can help people in different ways here, and it’s really great to know that what you’ve done has made a difference. And I have been fortunate to have a staff that also sees their work as a way to serve, and our customers truly appreciate the care they receive.”
Derstine closed Shekala’s on June 26, one month shy of the gift shop’s planned closing on July 26. The closures follow a string of longtime family business closures in the region, including County Line Landscape Nursery, the Moyer and Son feed mill and store and the R&S Keystone Diner. Derstine acknowledges the void that will be left in the community.
“The community will be changed. People say to me, ‘I don’t know where I’m gonna shop for clothes now because I don’t like the department stores,’” said Derstine, adding, “I always tried to find gifts that were meaningful, not just filling space.”
Community reaction
The news of the businesses’ closures was met with mixed feelings from the community, who expressed sadness at the loss of the local fixtures but happiness for Derstine’s retirement.
“I bought the majority of my clothing from both shops. They were my go-to for gifts,” said longtime customer Robin Johnson. “Sheryl had new items coming in all the time for every season and holiday. I’m not sure where I will go to now when I need a gift.”
“Sheryl was so personable and friendly and very helpful in selecting items from jewelry to purses to clothing,” said longtime customer Judy Taylor. “I wish her well in her retirement! She will be greatly missed by me and many other community members.”
“I truly enjoyed my tenure at the Family Heritage Gift Shop, emphasis on family; not only employees but many customers became family,” added employee Sue Hanna. “Although I’ll miss my favorite stores, I’m happy that Sheryl can now enjoy all aspects of her retirement.”
“Sheryl always had a heart for local non-profits with a cause and has a big heart,” said Linda Chaplin, employee and manager of community assistance and supportive programs at the Keystone Opportunity Center. “It is bittersweet to see her retire from the store, but, as staff, we know it is in her best interest at this time.”
Shop owner Sheryl Derstine poses for a picture.
The Family Heritage Gift Shop held a fashion show fundraiser for the Freeland chapter of Eastern Star in April 2025. (Courtesy of Sheryl Derstine)
The Family Heritage Gift Shop employees (Front row from left to right: Debbie Powis, Sue Hanna, Sheryl Derstine, Ann Fellman, Linda Chaplin; Back row from left to right: Joy Thomas, Bonnie Miller, Tammy Freeman, Betty Webe) (Courtesy of Sheryl Derstine)
Shekala’s, a women’s clothing store located in the Telford Train Station, opened in Oct. 2011. (Courtesy of Montgomery Media)Next chapter
In retirement, Derstine expects some nostalgia for the thrill of the business but appreciates the opportunity to spend more time with her family, including her husband, children, grandchildren and her 95-year-old father.
“I know I will miss the adventure of buying and selling and the relationships that I’ve made, but I’m looking forward to having a more flexible schedule so I can be more available to my father and my family,” said Derstine.
As she prepares to hang up her hat at the gift shop, Derstine expressed contentment at ending her career on a high note, maintaining her passion for the business until the end.
“I always wanted to be done while I still loved what I’m doing, and I do,” said Derstine. “I didn’t want to be one of these people that thought, ‘I should’ve quit 6 months ago’ and ‘I’m so tired of this.’ I don’t. I still love what I do, and that feels really good.”
The Family Heritage Gift Shop is currently offering 40% off regular prices of jewelry and 50% off most other priced items. There is also an extra 15% off clearance items. Fixtures, displays and supplies are also being sold. A final “Shop With A Purpose” will happen on July 25 and 26, with RamPacks as the recipient. For more information, visit shekalas.com.
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