I don’t how much of an anomaly this might be, but it seems there have been an awful lot of fires striking Amish businesses lately. In the past few weeks, there have been at least four significant Amish business fires: January 14 – Spring Mills, PA (Centre County): Diamond Custom Kitchens burns down (the Amish opted not to call the fire department, for reasons, I…
The vehicles Amos Zook restores, specifically, are Ford Broncos from the “first-gen” era, built from 1966-1977. Zook lives in Lancaster County, where he runs Zook’s Bronco Barn, doing work for clients as far away as Florida, on projects that can exceed six figures. What makes this story unusual is that Zook is Amish. That’s not the only thing unusual about him though, as revealed in…
One of my favorite stops in Holmes County last month happened while out with my friend Rich Stevick, author of Growing Up Amish: The Rumspringa Years. Rich has lived in Holmes County for several years now. If you know Rich’s warm demeanor you will know how he could be right at home in a place like Holmes County. While out and about visiting some Amish…
A look today at an Amish candle business I visited in Holmes County last month. Sunset View Candles & Such is a little shop sitting a stone’s throw from the Amish owner’s front door, typical of shops like this. There was a buggy parked outside when I pulled up, and one customer in the shop when I dropped in, speaking with who I assumed was…
If you’re in Lancaster County, one Amish store to have on the radar is Glick’s Natural Products. Glick’s is an Amish-run food store specializing in – you guessed it – natural foods, remedies and other health-related items. This is a fully-stocked store which has been around for awhile. The people working here are friendly and helpful. Last time I visited, I was actually there as…
The 12th annual Borntrager’s Consignment Auction is happening next month in Beeville, Texas, site of the state’s lone Amish community. Reader Bob passes along the auction bill for the upcoming sale (below). Several things caught my attention: 1. Homemade ice cream – With an average November temperature in Beeville not far off 80 degrees, ice cream is most definitely still on the bill. 2. Animals for…
Tomorrow, September 18th, is the North Missouri Produce Auction’s special Mum and Pumpkin Auction. We had a look at the usual goings-on at this auction last month with photos by Don Burke. The mum and pumpkin edition happens once a year and by its name you can guess what’s sold there. Today we have a gander at what you might see if you’re in Jamesport,…
Amish take part in produce auctions all across America, in places like Ethridge, TN, Leola, PA, and Hart County, KY. Don Burke takes us to one in northern Missouri today. Two things that jumped out at me are the unusual horse-drawn haulers…and one odd vegetable in particular. See if you catch which one I mean. Over to Don! Okay, so you read Marie Graber’s post about the Arbor…
Timothy Hochstedler of St. Joseph County, Michigan has started what he calls an “Amish Uber” service, reports WWMT. When I first heard of this, I thought it might be something an Amishman was doing as a service for other Amish in his community. Rather it seems like it is appealing more to non-Amish – and may just be another name for a buggy ride business….
You may have seen Amish-made noodles for sale in shops or even tried some yourself. Today Don Burke takes us to an Amish noodle-making business, to share a behind-the-scenes look at how these noodles get made. While in Jamesport, MO, a few years ago I had the opportunity to visit the facilities where a local Amish family made their Detweiler’s Homemade Noodles. These noodles were…