05/28/2026
A 1951 architect's drawing of the proposed Caste Village Shopping Center, nestled between Weyman, Baptist and Grove Road in Whitehall, as compared with a similar Google Map view from August 2025.
One of the region's first indoor/outdoor shopping malls, the Grand Opening for the Caste Village Shopping Center was held April 9, 1952. At the time only the ground level shops were ready to be occupied.
Some of the primary tenants on opening day were a Thorofare Super Market, Esso Gas Station, Herbert Pharmacy, Clement's Bakery, Manor Barber Shop, Target Cleaners, Schumann's Flower Shop, Beaver Beauty Salon, Village Hardware. Sites Shoe Store and Village Dairy Mart. There were also modern doctor's offices.
The lower level, which housed seven additional shops and a 24-lane bowling alley, opened on August 24, 1952. The total cost of the shopping center was estimated at $3 million.
See comments for three newspaper clippings from 1951-1952 announcing Caste Village.
Nearly seventy-five years after the initial dedication, Caste Village remains a vibrant enterprise, with quality restaurants, a long list of shops offering a variety of services, and the popular Princess Lanes Bowling Center. There are also several events held on the grounds over the year, including vintage car shows, fireworks displays, Family Movie Night and Farmer's Markets.
From the Caste Village Shopping Center webpage:
"The concept for an indoor-outdoor shopping 'mall' to serve post-war families buying homes in suburban developments came from our founder, Felix Caste, who was the primary developer and builder of thousands of homes and apartments in Whitehall and surrounding communities from 1932 through 1992."
"In planning the shopping center, Mr. Caste sought to recreate the village market in his native Italian town where residents came together for dining, shopping and socialization. The idea was to provide basic family needs in a comfortable and attractive setting that encourages people to mingle."
"While the name 'Caste Village' is posted on the main entrance sign, most locals said 'meet me at The Village' when making plans to go to the shopping center. The village concept carried over to recruiting tenants who were customer-service oriented long before that expression became part of our popular culture. Mr. Caste was at 'The Village' every day, talking to merchants and customers to make sure this facility accomplished his goals."
Vintage drawing from https://castevillage.com/
