Loren and Dorcas Yoder are the owners of Silver Star Leather, located near Shipshewana in the northern Indiana Amish community. I first met Loren in 2006 while selling books in his area, and bumped into him again last summer through a mutual friend. It was a nice chance to visit with Loren again and see his growing business–like many Amish-owned companies housed in a small workshop sitting…
The copyright for an Amish-created quilt design has been acquired by a Lancaster County retailer called Almost Amish, and they are enforcing it. Â From the Lancaster Online article: From now on, Light in the Valley, a quilt pattern that creates an optical illusion that lends it a three-dimensional effect, can no longer be quilted. That particular pattern has been copyrighted, and Almost Amish, the company…
We check in with Tom again today, with some photos from a shop owned by Noah, a New York Amishman. Â Noah’s business is a classic example of an Amish-English partnership. Â Most of his buildings are sold to an English dealer who picks them up and delivers them to customers. The shed and storage building sector is one with many Amish manufacturers. Â You’ll often see rows…
Raber Family Toy Shop 11363 Pope Rd Randolph, NY 14772-9681 Have a look inside an Amish toy shop courtesy of Tom. This store is located in New York’s Conewango Valley, and as you can see below features a wide-array of Amish-made wooden toys. I enjoy seeing the creativity that goes into some of these products. It makes me wonder what is the story…
Today Tom has some photos for us of an Amish tarp shop in Conewango Valley in New York. Though we just had a look at odd Amish jobs, I wouldn’t place tarp shops on that list, as they aren’t that unusual, and can be found in many communities. If you didn’t know better you might find yourself impressed by this Amishman’s taste in recreational vehicles… …and his boat…
Dusted off your lawn loungers yet? Â Outdoor rockers, tables, and chairs are a big part of the Amish furniture repertoire. Â Amish outdoor furniture shops have been gearing up across the land for sun-hungry customers ready to plop down some cash–and then plop down on the lawn for some much-needed rays. Today Tom shares photos of Amish lawn furniture pieces from Raymond’s shop in the Conewango…
Sam Miller Shoe Repair & Sales East off route 414 on Clyde Hunt Corner Road just north of Clyde NY. Look for a sign at the corner. The shop is on the right hand side of the road (first Amish place). Tom lends a hand again today with some photos of an Amish shoe store in Clyde, NY. Buggy parking. Where Amish re-boot. A Singer…
Says Tom: “I stopped by a very small bulk food store and enjoyed these signs. I have found that Amish folks enjoy a good joke.” Amish entrepreneurs often do have this sort of funny business posted on the walls of their businesses. I think I’ve seen all of these (or variations) except the battery/charge one. Can’t beat that EZ Credit Plan!
Hostetler’s Quilt & Gift Shop Cattaraugus County (Southwestern NY) West off Route 83 between Cherry Creek and Conewango NY on Hunt Road. The shop is on the left side of the road at the top of the hill. Tom shares photos from Hostetler’s Quilt and Gift Shop in the Conewango Valley NY Amish settlement: Says Tom: “Maddy has a bed to display her quilts…
Some Amish companies spend a good bit of cash on advertising. Â But for many, the simple roadside sign is the furthest extent of their self-promotion. I’ve collected a few examples from around the country here. I wonder if you can tell which communities these are from. There are 7 states represented in the 10 photos below. These images give you a sense of the range…