“Old Fashion Days” Draws Big Amish Crowd In Rentown, Indiana (16 Photos)

Amish children on a 1919 Keck Gonnerman steam engine at Old Fashion Days in northern Indiana — A 1919 Keck Gonnerman steam engine being demonstrated during Old Fashion Days in Rentown, Indiana.

Jim Halverson is back with another set of photos taking you inside a fun Amish event. These were taken at the recent Rentown Old Fashion Days in northern Indiana.

The event brings together Amish families and others for a day of antique machinery demonstrations, food, vendors, and other old-fashioned activities.

Rentown is a small Amish area between Nappanee and Bremen. The name is probably best known attached to the Rentown Country Store, a long-running area business.

The name Rentown has an amusing origin, as told in this piece on the store and its founding family:

The rich family history stretches back before the store opened, with Dennis’ grandfather and his friend coining the name “Rentown” in the 1950s and 60s. The men were well-known for being involved in the community after their retirement, spending time out and around the town.

“In the Pennsylvania Dutch language, ‘rum-renna’ means ‘getting about,’” Dennis says. “These two neighbor guys were always going here and there, and they said if we don’t watch us, people are going to call us Rentown.”

The event is put on as a school fundraiser (the sign in the entrance photo above says that the proceeds benefit Rolling Meadow School).

This was the 16th annual edition, held Saturday, September 12. It’s always held on the weekend after Labor Day. So note that if you like what you see here and want to attend next year.

I’ve never attended this event, but it seems like it would be a really nice one. Big crowd feel of an Amish auction, but with a different focus.

And from what I understand, it draws a good crowd – past editions have seen thousands of people turn out. Here’s the day’s schedule, from the event flyer:

8:00 AM Registration
9:00 AM Saw Mill & Cider Press
9:30 AM Shingle mill & Rock Crusher
9:45 AM Threshing
10:00 AM Hay Press
10:15 AM Hay Loader Demo
10:30 AM Thrashing Scramble (this event is for kids)
10:45 AM Sterling Thrash Machine (hand feed)
11:00 AM Parade
12:00 PM Noon Whistle & Lunch Break
12:30 PM Whip Cracking
1:00 PM Saw Mill
1:15 PM Tug of War with Horses
1:30 PM Treasure Hunt (straw pile, event for kids)
2:00 PM Threshing
2:15 PM Hay Press
2:30 PM Corn Chopper

The flyer also notes these additional attractions:

Steam engines
Old-time hay loader
Blacksmithing
Soap making
Basket weaving
Bull whip demo
Vendors & more

I’ll admit I’m not sure what a “Thrashing Scramble” involves, beyond it being for kids. I might have even guessed that’s a breakfast dish, had the flyer not suggested otherwise.

But on that note we can also see there was breakfast served from 7:30 to 9:30 – biscuits and gravy, brats, long johns, fry pies, and coffee. “While Supplies Last.”

Of course, there is plenty of food at an event like this. Kettle corn comes in several flavors here, including caramel and blue raspberry (!).

Behind the counter at the popcorn stand.

As with most Amish events, this is a family-friendly gathering.

Gen-Y Hitch is one of the two 2026 event partners listed on the entrance banner, along with Pine Creek Chain Link.

Various pelts – fox, raccoon, skunk? – at this table. These folks probably belong to the area’s plain Mennonite community. Notice the different prayer coverings, and no beard. There is an Old Order Mennonite settlement not too far from here, in the Wakarusa area.

Looks like some cozy ladies’ sweaters for sale here.

Pumpkins in hand. I really like the overall vibe here, stands set up in a wooded area, autumn aesthetic even though the tree leaves are still green.

As mentioned, the Amish aren’t the only Plain people in the area.

Steam Engines & Other Old-Fashioned Implements

Now let’s have a look at all the cool old-timey machinery – the steam engines and antique (or at least “pretty old”) farm equipment.

This 1919 Keck Gonnerman steam engine belongs to the Miller family of Nappanee, according to the placard.

This one was made by the A.D. Baker Company of Swanton, Ohio. You can just make out that text on the top blue canopy bit. Another interesting one in the background, of unknown (at least to me) make.