Amish Life Beyond the Heartland States like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Wisconsin are part of the “Amish heartland” – each home to dozens of Amish communities, and tens of thousands of Amish people. But six U.S. states host exactly one Amish settlement each. While some are well-established, others are relatively new, reflecting a pioneering spirit not uncommon to the Amish. Here’s a look at those six…
In an age of smart appliances and one-click shopping, it’s easy to forget the household skills that once kept families well-fed, well-clothed, and financially sound. But in Amish communities across America, many of these time-tested traditions are still part of daily life—especially among Amish women, the “keepers of the home”. These aren’t just quaint old habits—they’re practical skills that save money, build resilience, and foster…
There are well over 600 Amish settlements across North America, with new settlements being started at a rate of about one every 10 days. You may have even seen Amish start a new community near you recently – or you might sometime soon. At the same time, many Amish settlements have failed over the years. There are a number of reasons for this: A location…
We’ve got a selection of photos from an off-the-beaten path Amish settlement. This is Shannon County, Missouri – in the vicinity of Summersville and Hartshorn. The photo collection is by Don Burke, who has passed through this community several times over the years. The community was started in 2006 according to the State & County Amish listing. It’s grown to two church districts in size….
The barndominium is a hot trend right now. And people are noticing that the Amish are doing a version of this – and have been for some time. In fact, we’ve looked at many examples of Amish shop houses here – and even a barn-and-home-in-one. This one, on the market now in Glasgow, Kentucky, is a really nice example which, when you look at it,…
Details are sparse, but there are reports of an Amish buggy crash in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, resulting in injuries to people involved – presumably to the Amish, as is nearly always the case in such crashes. From WSET: PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — An Amish buggy crashed in Pittsylvania County Tuesday morning, according to state police. According to the Virginia State Police, the crash occurred…
In one corner of the Buckeye State, the matter of paying for road repairs has put the spotlight on the Amish. Williams County, Ohio is seeking to raise funds for road maintenance – via a $5 license plate fee increase. But what about the Amish, who in Ohio – like most states – aren’t required to have plates on their buggies? Williams County locals are…
Some of you might be familiar with the name Pioneer Equipment, the long-running Amish manufacturer of horse-drawn farm tools and wagons, based in Wayne County, Ohio. For decades, the Wengerd family operated what was the country’s largest producer of horse-powered machinery — serving Plain communities as well as a robust non-Amish market, in America and around the world, in fact. I haven’t spoken with them…
When you take the spartan exterior and simple furnishings of this Michigan Amish home together, “bare bones” certainly fits the bill. But that doesn’t mean it’s not a homey place to live. This is a pure Amish shop home if I ever saw one. From the outside it is very functional looking – unpainted metal siding. Inside there is a plain but (relatively) cozy Amish…
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Amish couple Ben and Rose have just put out a clip of a new song they are working on: “The Robin and The Eggs”. The clip is titled simply “The Robin And The Eggs – Ben & Rose Working On Some New Music”. As in the last teaser clip (“Dream of Me“), they are accompanied by producer Conrad Fisher on guitar and…