Welcome to RootsinRecipes.com

RootsinRecipes.com is a celebration of the timeless connection between food, family, and the stories that bring generations together. It is inspired by the remarkable legacy of Phyllis Emogene Payne, affectionately known as "Pep," and her husband, Jack Gleason, who together created a vibrant chapter of family history through their shared passion for food and hospitality.

A Legacy Rooted in Vision and Hard Work

Before opening the Fagleysville Hotel, Jack Gleason worked as a sales manager for a life insurance firm, while Phyllis pursued her career as a research chemist. Their professional paths took them across the country before they settled in the Delaware Valley in 1962. Jack, originally from the Pottstown area, saw an opportunity to leave the corporate world and fulfill a shared dream with Phyllis—to transition from restaurant patrons to proprietors. He brought his natural leadership and management skills, and she, her creativity and talent as a gifted cook. Together, they began their search for the perfect place, ultimately finding the historic Fagleysville Hotel. 

The Fagleysville Hotel: From Taproom to Gourmet Destination

The Fagleysville Hotel, located in what is now Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania, was steeped in history. Originally purchased in 1861, it had once served as a Revolutionary War encampment and operated as a quaint country taproom. When Jack and Phyllis acquired it in 1964, they envisioned transforming it into something much more—a gourmet destination offering "adventures in dining."

With Jack managing the front of the house and Phyllis, affectionately known as "The Chemist in the Kitchen," leading the culinary side, the transformation began. They redecorated the space, expanded the menu, and introduced exotic dishes that drew attention from far beyond the local area. Jack's charm and attention to detail, including personalized “reserved for…” cards at each table, made guests feel at home, while Phyllis’s inventive dishes delighted their palates.

A Hub of Culinary Excellence

Their efforts quickly gained recognition. A 1966 Main Line Chronicle feature brought in a new clientele, and soon the Philadelphia Inquirer and other publications were spotlighting the restaurant. The Fagleysville Hotel launched a 26-month series of international dinners, each showcasing a different cuisine and expanding their menu’s horizons.

The hotel’s country charm included a Victorian mahogany bar, white linens, and candlelit tables, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere for the 90 guests it could accommodate. With a robust wine cellar featuring vintage French wines and a menu priced for a “properly lubricated meal,” the hotel became one of eastern Pennsylvania’s finest dining establishments. Notable guests, including chefs and culinary leaders, dined there, and the hotel even served as a test kitchen for new products in collaboration with Mrs. Paul’s Foods.

Preserving a Family Legacy 

Our family's journey to preserve the over 3,000 recipes from the Fagleysville Hotel led to a wonderful experience of remembering and capturing our history for future generations. These recipes hold more than just the flavors of the dishes—they embody the spirit of a time and place where hospitality and excellence flourished. Handwritten notes from patrons, ranging from glowing praise to thoughtful critiques, serve as a time capsule of the hotel’s rich history and the vibrant community it created. Through this process, we’ve been able to honor the past while ensuring that these cherished memories and traditions live on.

The Heart of RootsinRecipes.com

At RootsinRecipes.com, we believe every recipe tells a story. From the smell of a favorite dish to the taste of a long-lost tradition, food has the power to transport us back to treasured memories and moments of connection. This website is dedicated to helping families preserve those stories and pass them on to future generations. Just as the recipes discovered years ago brought one family closer to their roots, this site is here to help you honor your own family history.

Through RootsinRecipes.com, you can create your own family cookbook—a collection of recipes and memories that can be shared with loved ones and passed down to future generations. Cookbooks, whether physical or digital, have a unique way of bringing people together, reminding us of the tastes, smells, and stories that make each family unique.

Our family recipes represent more than just our favorite foods—they represent the essence of who we are and the stories we share. This project began as a way to preserve one family’s history, but it has grown into a resource to help others do the same. By sharing our recipes and stories, we pass the baton of family tradition to the next generation, ensuring that the heart of our heritage continues to thrive.

Let RootsinRecipes.com inspire you to dig into your family’s culinary past and create something meaningful for the future. Whether you’re preserving a grandmother’s handwritten recipes or discovering forgotten treasures, your journey to reconnect with your roots can begin here.

With love and inspiration,

The RootsinRecipes.com Team