We’ve got another new tune from Mike & Marty, this one a Dolly Parton classic – “Coat of Many Colors”. Not having any other paper at hand, Parton famously wrote the lyrics to this song down on a dry cleaning receipt while on tour in 1969. This is a favorite song of many. The coat of many colors here is not the Biblical coat given…
This Amish home in Jefferson, Maine (Lincoln County) is very traditional – no public electricity of course, but also no plumbing. But despite what sounds like a very basic setup, it is cozy and cute as a button, inside and out. One reason I call it “cute as a button” is its charming interior. This next photo, of the living room, is a preview. We’ll…
Lizzie Hershberger grew up Amish in Minnesota. She is the subject of a new documentary called Keep Quiet and Forgive, which premieres nationally on PBS’ Independent Lens on March 23. In today’s post, author Haley Straw shares how she met Lizzie, more on her story, and what she hopes to achieve. Lizzie Hershberger didn’t expect the moment to stand out. About seven years ago she…
Last August, Clark County, Wisconsin saw a tragic buggy wreck, which claimed the life of an Amish man and seriously injured a 12-year-old Amish child Now, charges have been filed: the driver faces homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle, and reckless driving causing great bodily harm. Details have also emerged that shed light on what may have contributed to the wreck. Driver Suggests The…
On my recent visit to the Amish community in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, I of course made sure to visit a lot of Amish businesses. And I had one in mind in particular – a certain variety store that I remembered fondly from my last trip to the settlement – over a decade earlier. Variety stores are among my favorites. That’s because, by their nature, they…
Last November, 16-year-old Elmer Borntrager lost his life when he was hit by a car while driving a buggy in his Clarke County, Iowa community. Elmer was left behind on the road by the driver, who fled the scene. Authorities later located the man they believed was behind the wheel – 41-year-old Jacob Wright, who was charged with multiple offenses, including Involuntary Manslaughter. Wright pleaded…
While you might not know it given the prevalence of other news stories, the biggest wildfire in Nebraska history is currently raging, having claimed close to 600,000 acres since March 12th. One report from yesterday says it continues to burn out of control. And it’s actually worse than that sounds – because in addition to the biggest-ever fire, a further three major wildfires are currently…
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…
This is not a breaking news story, and many of you have probably heard of it by now. A 22-year-old man named Ivan Miller, who grew up in an Amish family, is charged with murdering three women in a “killing spree” in Utah. The killings were done seemingly at random, allegedly so he could acquire basic resources like a car and money. Miller was arrested…
Not quite a month ago, we got Ben and Rose’s short preview version of “Hold Fast to the Right”, a 120-year-old hymn. About that, one commenter wrote “I have not hear this song in 70+ years—what a joy to now hear it again!” Now the duo have just today released the full studio version. So this is happy news not only for that commenter, but…