We’re back with Part 3, the final part of our conversation with Don Burke and Laura Graber on Amish horse-drawn transport in Jamesport, Missouri. In Part 1, Don and Laura covered the smallest and largest vehicles on the road — from pony carts to draft horse wagons. In Part 2, they moved to the three most common buggy types: the standard enclosed buggy, the surrey,…
We’re back with Part 2 of 3 of our conversation with Don Burke and Laura Graber on Amish horse-drawn transport in Jamesport, Missouri. In Part 1, Don and Laura covered the smallest and largest vehicles on the road — from pony carts to draft horse wagons and the church wagon. Here in Part 2, they get to the vehicles most people picture when they think…
In today’s post – part 1 of 3 – Don Burke and Laura Graber take us into the world of Amish horse-drawn transport. Together they look at photos Don has taken over the years in the Jamesport, Missouri Amish community, showing various horse-powered vehicles used by the Amish. Laura, who grew up Amish (and recently shared how she managed eight grades at once as an…
For those who have kept track of my posts over the years you have likely noticed my particular fondness for the Jamesport, Missouri Amish community. I suppose many elements have factored into that. While not quite close enough for a day trip from my home, it is close enough for a good visit even if I am limited to a single over-night stay. Additionally, being…
We’re back today with Part 2 of our interview with Laura Graber, who was raised Amish, and taught in an Amish school for four years – starting at age 16. In Part 1, Laura shared how she was able to manage eight grades in one room, and how Amish teachers are chosen, among other topics. In Part 2 of this two-part interview, Laura shares what…
In past posts we’ve seen the layout and details of Amish schools. In today’s post we focus not so much of the rooms or the buildings, but upon life in and around the schoolhouse. To help us navigate through this we have Laura Graber, who has been featured here as the bride in the “Amish-ish” Wedding posts. Laura was kind enough to sit down for an interview…
How about a look-in at another off-the-beaten-path Amish settlement? This one is at Kahoka, Missouri, in the northeastern corner of the state. The photos here are all by Don Burke. The Kahoka community (Clark County) today is two church districts in size, with a little over 200 Amish residents. It’s just one of over 60 Amish settlements in Missouri. These photos were taken back in…
In the most recent Amish population report, we learned that a total of nine new Amish communities had been started in the prior year. New Amish communities come together and grow in different ways. Some see much enthusiasm from the get-go, rapidly attracting new families, some or many of whom may be related. In contrast, others are slow growers, taking time to draw in settlers….
Quick note from Erik: as you will see by the author attribution, this post is by Don Burke. Don has been contributing posts and photos for over ten years now, and I’m happy to say you’ll now be able to find Don’s past posts collected here. Look for more from Don in the coming days and weeks – he has some interesting ones coming up,…
Following our look at an Amish buggy-race-that-wasn’t, Don Burke shares more behind that story – and adds another layer, showing us an actual Amish buggy race in a different settlement. Don first gives us some background on the community where this took place (Clark, Missouri) – then a closer look at a youth buggy race that should probably come with a “don’t try this at…