Our Story

The Twin Valley was a "valley of peace" for the various Indian tribes hunting here. The Shawnees had a settlement nearby as late as 1804. The first pioneers arrived in the area in 1798 and stayed about six years before most moved on. Germantown later became known as the “Jewel of Twin Valley”.

 

Germantown was settled in August, 1804 by German-speaking families from Pennsylvania. They were led by Philip Gunckel, the only original settler who spoke English. The German language was spoken in Germantown until the early 1900s. Mr. Gunckel established the first plat in 1814 and laid out the town plat that still serves as the heart of the Municipality. This “plat” included a unique “alleyway system” that was incorporated into the original plans and is still in use today within the downtown Historical District.

 

The Gunckel Town Plat, maintaining many of its original 19th and early 20th century buildings, has been recognized as a Historic District and has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Six area buildings, as well as the entire downtown business section, have been designated Montgomery County Landmarks: the I00F Lodge building, the K of P Lodge building, the Rohrer Mansion, the old Shuey Mill, and both the Mudlick Homestead and the old Mudlick School.

 

Gunckel selected the Twin Valley as a site for a grist mill largely in part due to its proximity to two waterways which later became know as “Big Twin” and "Little Twin” creeks.  In 1847, the Mudlick Distillery was established and, with an output of 30 barrels of whiskey a day, was considered the largest in the country for many years. At one time, the Municipality housed up to 12 cigar warehouses and five factories, with the tobacco industry employing many residents up until the 1970s.

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For many years, this building was home to Bud’s Market, one of many grocery stores that called Germantown its home. In the early 1980s it was converted to a restaurant and has remained a restaurant since that time.  When our family first considered purchasing the restaurant, we jumped at the opportunity to be able to continue to provide a place where people could come together and enjoy a chance to dine with family and friends.  Our parents/grandparents, Dean and Jeanine Stiver, were frequent visitors to this establishment, so in a way, we are continuing that tradition.

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The name of our restaurant, Alleyway Cafe, was chosen as a way to reflect the tradition and heritage of Phillip Gunckel, and his ingenuity when he designed the layout of our town.  All of us were born and raised in Germantown and truly feel like our town is indeed the “Jewel of Twin Valley”.

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So come in, enjoy the food and atmosphere, get to know our staff, and let us know how we are doing.  We are truly honored to be able to give back to the community that has given all of us so much.

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Sincerely, the Stivers, Nobles and Jarretts.