Meet the merchants of Lancaster’s 300 Block

Here are 3 things you may not know about Marty Hulse, owner of BUiLDiNG CHARACTER — 342 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA, rear warehouses • 717-394-7201 • buildingcharacter.biz & Madcap & Co. — 310 N. Queen St., Lancaster, PA • 717-299-0827 • madcapandco.com:

1. At age 11, Marty started his own neighborhood newspaper called The Lafayette Gazette.

2. Beyond his journalism pursuits, Marty wanted to be a comedian. Saturday Night Live was his ultimate goal.

3. Marty comes from a long line of retailers. In the late 1800s, his family owned a store on Penn Square (where Fulton Bank now resides) called Zahm’s Corner.

BUiLDiNG CHARACTER’s 70+ shops offer vintage, recycled and handmade merchandise under one roof in Lancaster’s largest retail destination. Open 7 days. Mon-Sat: 10-6; Sun: 12-5; until 9 first & third Fridays

Find cards, candles, one-of-a-kind gifts at Madcap & Co., Downtown Lancaster’s go-to shop for the best in local, USA-made, and fair trade goods. We offer a yummy selection at our retro candy counter, too. Exclusive retailer of Lucky Mfg Co. merchandise. Mon-Sat: 10-6; Sun: 12-5; until 9 first Friday

“300 Block Thursday” is an ongoing feature of member merchants.