Amish Settle York County, PA, in “New Model” of Migration

Amish Settle York County, PA, in “New Model” of Migration

Lancaster Online reports that a new Amish settlement has been founded in Lancaster County’s next-door neighbor, York County. Why is this news? It’s notable because it’s the first example of a new, more deliberate strategy of creating Amish settlements. Amish have actually lived in York County for quite some time. But these Amish have been considered a part of the greater Lancaster County settlement (which also…

An Amish-ish Wedding: Part 2 – The Ceremony (13 Photos & 2 Videos)

An Amish-ish Wedding: Part 2 – The Ceremony (13 Photos & 2 Videos)

Several years ago, Don Burke befriended an Amish family in the Jamesport, Missouri Amish community. Earlier this year, one of the daughters, raised Amish but not a member of the Amish church, asked Don to take the photos of her upcoming wedding. She wanted the event to have elements of both Amish, and other traditions – as she put it, “a little Old Order Amish, a little New…

Yoder’s In Pinecraft Makes 8,000 Thanksgiving Pies

Yoder’s In Pinecraft Makes 8,000 Thanksgiving Pies

Yoder’s is a well-known Amish-style restaurant in the Pinecraft Amish community of Sarasota, Florida. I had a chance to sample several of their fine pies in a visit several years back (peanut butter chocolate, coconut, and the key lime). You can see that and many other photos of the Pinecraft community here. Yoder’s pies are yummy – guests from far away spots like Atlanta and Michigan…

Amish Gene Mutation May Extend Lifespan By 10 Years

Amish Gene Mutation May Extend Lifespan By 10 Years

Amish carriers of a gene mutation live about 10 years longer on average than others in their community without the mutation. They also appear to be “completely protected from the development of diabetes”, according to the study’s lead researcher. This story is going around the internet like gangbusters now. The discovery was made by scientists from Northwestern University: The first genetic mutation that appears to…

Amish Moving To Fourth Canadian Province

Amish Moving To Fourth Canadian Province

The Winnipeg Free Press reports that Canada will soon have a fourth province with an Amish presence. Amish from Ontario are buying land and planning to settle in Manitoba, about 100 miles south of province capital Winnipeg, in the Rural Municipality of Stuartburn: Swidersky estimated about 100 Amish may settle there, mostly young families starting out. There are already highway signs featuring a horse and buggy…

An Amish-ish Wedding (Part 1 – 17 Photos)

An Amish-ish Wedding (Part 1 – 17 Photos)

Don Burke shares photos today from a special event in Jamesport, Missouri. This is the first of three parts. — Over the course of about four years and several trips to Jamesport, MO, I first become acquainted with and then made good friends with a special Amish family there. During that same time the Amish community has been going through some changes. A New Order…

Amish Help Rebuild English Friend’s Buildings

Amish Help Rebuild English Friend’s Buildings

A nice feel-good story out of northwestern Minnesota: GLYNDON, Minn. — A fire destroyed multiple buildings at Andy Lake Woodworks in May. Now a group of Amish workers are bringing out all of their tools to help owners of the business rebuild. Andy Lakes Woodworks has risen from the ashes, and it’s all thanks to the Amish for paying it forward. Six years ago, the…

Three Children Killed In Michigan Buggy Crash

Three Children Killed In Michigan Buggy Crash

An awful story from yesterday morning: EVERGREEN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan State Police say three children were killed and six other people were critically injured when a pickup truck crashed into a buggy Sunday morning. It happened at 8:34 a.m. on Condensary Road at Wood Road in Evergreen Township, southeast of Sheridan. Police say the truck was eastbound on Condensary Road when it hit…

An Inside Look At Amish Taxi Driving

An Inside Look At Amish Taxi Driving

How does Amish taxi driving work? From time to time we get this question from people interested in doing this job as a side business, or full-time gig. Generally speaking, an Amish taxi driver is simply anyone who is paid to drive the Amish. This typically means either local business trips, visits to family or community events, or on more distant journeys. Business Insider ran an…

A Visit to the Amish of New Wilmington, PA (19 Photos)

A Visit to the Amish of New Wilmington, PA (19 Photos)

Don Burke, who last month shared with us a visit to the Amish of Ethridge, Tennessee, is back with photos from the community at New Wilmington in western Pennsylvania. This time, Don’s wife Pam joins him for a little commentary on their visit. I’ve had the chance to visit New Wilmington a couple of times, the first time 10 years ago. I made it the topic of…