Sixth-generation broom makers open shop in Lopez

Lopez, Pa. — Since the late 1800s, the Meckley family has been handcrafting brooms using the same methods and equipment from a century ago. Now the family is stepping into the future with a new brick-and-mortar shop to sell their popular handmade goods.

Owners Brett and Briana Meckley, of Meckley Brooms, recently opened a retail shop in Lopez, just eight miles north of Ricketts Glen State Park.

The shop officially opened in May 2024 and sells handcrafted corn brooms. The Meckleys still make each broom the old-fashioned way, just like they have been for six generations.

“It’s always been in the family,” explained Briana. “The broom equipment is from the mid-1800s and has been passed down through all the generations.”

The store offers traditional house brooms and whisk brooms in a variety of colors, which are all dyed by hand.

Decorative and fantasy-inspired brooms are especially popular during the fall. Brett, a retired electrician, uses high-voltage electricity to make the unique lightning pattern on the wooden broomsticks. Other custom brooms are made from tree branches found on the property.

Visitors can join a “Make and Take” class to learn how to create their own whisk brooms, witchy brooms, or kitchen tools (such as cake testers and pot scrubbers). Walk-ins are welcome; please call ahead for groups of four or more. Meckley Brooms also sells broomcorn and other supplies for DIYers.

Beyond the retail shop, Meckley Brooms operates a wholesale business and e-commerce website where they ship their brooms throughout the United States. They also attend craft shows in Pennsylvania and beyond.

Meckley Brooms is located at 4851 Route 487 in Lopez. Their regular hours are Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additional hours are by appointment and anytime the open flag is flying. You can visit their online store at meckleybrooms.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok.