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DUTCH HAVEN W

AMISH COUNTRY LANDMARK

hile driving along Route 30 in Lancaster County, you may see both familiar and unexpected sights. Certainly the Plain folk and their horse and buggy transportation will seem a step back in time. But one unique and unmistakable landmark is the Dutch Haven windmill. Its revolving arms have been drawing thousands of visitors each week ever since it first opened as a restaurant back in 1946. And while hungry visitors could satisfy themselves on any number of Penn Dutch specialties, it was Dutch Haven’s shoo fly pie that put it on the map…and in the record books as “America’s Best Shoo Fly Pie.”

Made with a secret recipe, some 40,000 pies are sold in the store or shipped via UPS all over the USA. Indeed, so popular and delicious are the pies that some faithful customers have been buying them for over 50 years!

This is undisputedly Amish Country’s most famous dessert, and all you have to do is walk through the door at Dutch Haven to be offered a sample taste of this amazing treat, warmed and topped with whipped cream, just as it was served in the restaurant all those years ago.

The pie that was featured in TIME magazine still plays a feature role at Dutch Haven. But the windmill building is now home to an amazing selection of over 10,000 items. One of the area’s best selections of primitive Amish furniture includes corner cupboards, pie safes, chests, and shelves.

T-Shirts

Souvenirs

Woodcrafts, souvenirs and collectibles of all kinds fill the former dining rooms. Also on the shopper’s menu would be everything from spice mats and Amish dolls to jams, jellies, and local honey. Who can resist buying a T-shirt, or maybe a bonnet or Amish felt hat? If you grow tired looking at all of the Dutch Haven gift items, relax in one of the Troutman Rocking Chairs, from the oldest rocking chair company in America. Also deserving of a trip home in your car are the colorful and decorative hex signs, a perfect reminder of a visit to Dutch Country. Dutch Haven’s shopping hours are Sun.-Thurs. 9am-7pm, Fri. & Sat. 9am-9pm. For more information about this Lancaster County landmark, call (717) 687-0111 or visit dutchhaven.com. A visit to Dutch Haven, “the place that made shoo fly pie famous,” will make your trip to Amish Country even more memorable…and tasty!

Hex Signs

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 3

Jake’s Country Trading Post is Amish Country Shopper’s Delight By Clinton Martin

mish Country has long been known for great country shopping. Back in September of 1996 one of the area’s most treasured shops, Jake’s Country Trading Post, opened for business. It took a lot of hard work to bring their grand ideas to fruition, but Ed and Melissa Jackson and family, the driving forces behind Jake’s, knew they were on to something special in the world of shopping. The Jackson’s had been in the leather business for 25 years prior to opening Jake’s, successfully selling their leather crafts at fairs, craft shows, and malls. Vowing to put down roots and leave the traveling trade behind, and after exhaustive brainstorming sessions over a period of time, the Jacksons decided to settle in Amish Country. They knew they wanted a stand-alone store, and one that carried a huge variety of merchandise. It didn’t take long to find the ideal property. Long-time visitors to the area might remember the old Keystone Cheese Factory. After months of renovations, Keystone Cheese became Jake’s Country Trading Post. The first customers at Jake’s Country Trading Post walked through the doors the weekend after Labor Day in 1996. Over the years, as evidence of its popularity, Jake’s has doubled in size, with an expanded selection of merchandise to match. While there’s simply no way to describe all that is available at Jake’s, there are a few allstar lines that Jake’s is especially proud of. As a long-time Jake’s shopper, I was more than willing to assign precious editorial space for sharing them with our readers.

Park Designs Prior to Jake’s Country Trading Post opening, a small company located in Goldsboro, North Carolina first opened for business. Park Designs was the name, and they focused on designing, importing, and distributing textile, giftware and home décor products. They grew year after year by forging partnerships with re-

tailers all around the Country. Jake’s Country Trading Post was only a few years old when the two fatefully met. Ed and Melissa started by including a few of Park Designs offerings on their shelves, but it quickly became clear that Jake’s and Park Designs were a great match. Today Jake’s Country Trading Post has as broad a selection of the entire Park Designs line as you’ll find anywhere. At last count Jake’s carries nearly 500 different varieties of home, bath, kitchen, and daily living merchandise from Park Designs, including the Hearth & Home selection which includes patchwork and lined point valances, placemat settings, primitive circle braided rugs, lined gathered swags, napkins, prairie aprons, table runners, placemats, and chair pads.

New Line of Kitchenware Nothing says “cozy” more than a warm kitchen in wintertime. Jake’s echoes this sentiment offering wonderful dinnerware collections that bring this warmth right down to the dishes. Whether you're sprucing up the everyday meal, or entertaining for the holidays, Jake’s has you covered! For that rustic, log-cabin feel, the Molasses Collection is perfect. These distinctive ceramic dishes, whether bowl, plate or mug, have low-key, comforting colors and are delightful vehicles for anything from beef stew to a pile of cookies! If you’re looking for a colorful, rustic, Mediterranean feel, the Spice Market collection is excellent and is my favorite set of dinnerware at Jake’s. It's especially attractive with pasta or hearty salads. For those of you who enjoy a dash of the whimsical, the Walk-In-The-Woods set is spruced up with pine branches and cones. This is definitely a set to consider if you’re looking to evoke a Christmas-y feel. And, with Jake’s equally attractive pricing, it's not unreasonable to pick up multiple sets for multiple occasions. Regardless of your choice, the sets include more than simply plates and mugs. Spoon rests and platters, canisters and dip bowls are woven throughout the collections. It is a great way to step-up your holiday entertaining with guests discussing not only your food selections but also the dishes they're being served on!

Wrought iron is a tough, yet malleable form of iron suited to forging rather than casting. Prior to the discovery of modern steel-making techniques, wrought iron was commonly used and might appear in anything from swords and springs to ironclad warships and railroads. Its peak in everyday use was the mid-1860s. The word “wrought” historically meant worked by hand. In many instances wrought iron today isn’t a hand-crafted art. But, among the Amish a select group of craftsmen have continued to work with the metal through traditional, timehonored hand work methods. I personally had the experience of visiting one of these Amish forges, which was incredible to say the least. I now fully understand how the few retailers like Jake’s willing to take on wrought iron specialties have become critical outlets for these Amish craftsmen. Simply put, the forge was no place for visitors to be milling about, and a nearby showroom would have been impractical with all that potentially dangerous equipment around. So, Jake’s is the place if you’re interested in seeing some beautiful handmade wrought iron crafted by local Amish. There are many different uses for the finished products, which come in myriad shapes and sizes suited for practical decoration of any room of the home. A very popular Amish wrought iron gift is the “courting candle.” The wrought iron candle holder resembles a spiral curling vertically off of a sturdy base. A candle is placed inside the spiral, on a small wooden base that sits within the coil of the holder. By moving the small wooden base, the height of the candle above the holder is adjusted. The legend, not exclusive to the Amish, has it that the candle was used to establish the length of a suitor’s visit. In other words, a father would set the courting candle’s height to reflect how much promise he saw in the young men coming to court his daughter. A promising young man might have the advantage of a fully extended courting candle, while a questionable suitor might have most of the candle hidden below the holder’s top, thus affording much less time until his visit literally burned out. Perhaps more folklore than fact, the courting candle is nonetheless a unique gift.

Amish-Made Wrought Iron

Jake’s Country Trading Post is a wonderful shopping experience you should never miss, particularly in this gift-giving season. Getting there is a snap. On Route 30 in Lancaster, at 2954 Lincoln Highway East, Gordonville, you can shop Jake’s daily, including Sundays.

No visit to Jake’s Country Trading Post would be complete without perusing the huge selection of Amish-made wrought iron crafts.

Call 717-687-8980 or visit www.superjakes. com for more information or to shop online for the holidays from home!

4 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 5

(717) 687-8980 • www.jakeshomeaccents.com

On Route 30 in Paradise • 2954 Lincoln Highway East

with $20.00 purchase or more and this coupon. Limit one coupon per family. (Expires 3/31/15) Cookbook valued at $2.00.

FREE COOKBOOK

6 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

From the Horse's Mouth Part 3 Interview by Brad Igou

EDITOR’S NOTE: In our September and October issues we conducted the first-ever interviews with Aaron, the namesake horse at Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides. As comments came galloping into our email, we found we had enough questions for one final interview, particularly with the coming Holiday season. Join us as we again trot on over early one morning to the stables at Plain & Fancy Farm on Route 340 between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse before Aaron begins another busy day of buggy rides. Brad: Thanks for agreeing to answer a few more questions. Aaron: No problem, as long as you don’t mind talking to me while I’m harnessing up for the first run of the day. Brad: Last time we talked about some of the other horses. What can you tell me about the drivers? Aaron: Well, Jessica’s the one that started it all, of course, with me. That’s why it’s called Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides! Brad: I suppose you’re the one that talked her into it? Aaron: Yep. We have a lot of great drivers. In fact, ours is the only area ride operated by Amish, Mennonites and Brethren. Of course, for our Amish drivers, this is their form of transportation every day. Brad: Tell me about some of them. Aaron: Benjamin, for example, is Old Order Amish with a farming background. Just like our other Amish drivers, he can tell visitors about “real Amish life.” Ezra has been driving with us since we started. He’s a real talker and helpful with great local places to visit. Elmer is Old Order Mennonite, and gives folks a different perspective of Plain life. Old Order Mennonites have a horse and buggy, too, but their buggy is black and squared off at the top, while Amish tops are gray and rounded at the corners.

Brad: So not all of the drivers are men? Aaron: Oh, no! Susan grew up with about 20 horses and loves working with them. Actually, two of Jessica’s sisters, Sarah and Miriam, are also here sometimes working as drivers. Brad: How far back does Jessica’s family go?

Brad: Now you’re asking me the questions? Of course I have! I took the Cookie Run. I enjoyed the slow clip-clop pace and noticed things I don't when I drive in my car. We went past an orchard and down a private lane to an Amish farm where I bought some homemade cookies and root beer. Aaron: That’s why it’s called the Cookie Run! It lasts about 20-25 minutes. Brad: But you have longer rides, too? Aaron: We have several rides and routes. I enjoy the longer Amish Farm Tour. It lasts close to an hour and we get off to visit a real Amish farm, see the cows, and maybe even the draft horses. And remember, we go out rain or shine, or even light snow! Brad: How is the ride different in the winter? Aaron: It’s not really. We travel the same routes and people enjoy snuggling close in our cozy, warm buggies!

Aaron: I’ve heard that some of Jessica’s early ancestors were among the early settlers that landed in New Castle in the 1600’s, near the mouth of the Delaware River. In the years that followed, Jessica’s pioneer ancestors ventured west to Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Missouri. One of her Great Grandpas was born in 1865 and lived to be almost 100. Jessica’s immediate ancestors settled here in 1757. They’ve always had that “horse connection.” When Jessica was a little girl, she actually told her father that she wanted to give buggy rides. I guess she just needed to wait for me to come along. You might say I’m the one that finally drove her buggy!

Brad: So people can come at any time of the year and experience different scenery and farming activities?

Brad: I noticed there are different kinds of buggies?

Brad: I love a horse with a sense of humor. It’s been fun talking with you.

Aaron: We do have the authentic Amish buggies, but also the market and spring wagons. You can easily enjoy the views but they have clear vinyl or glass windows to protect you from the weather. Larger wagons are great so large families can ride all together! You've taken a ride, right?

Brad: I give up.

Aaron: That’s right. It’s never the same. I really enjoyed the autumn leaves this year, and now winter is with us. Farmland is so beautiful with a light blanket of snow. In the spring, the plowing and planting begins as the countryside turns green. And then in the summer it’s time for the 409 air-conditioning. Brad: What’s that? Aaron: Well, 409 air-conditioning is four wheels turning at nine miles an hour. Ha, ha, ha…gets ‘em every time!

Aaron: I’ve enjoyed you as well, Mr. Brad. In fact, I’d like to leave you with a little riddle. Why are all of our horses in such great shape? Aaron: Because we’re all on a stable diet! Aaron: OK, time for me to go to work. I see we already have some visitors waiting over by the covered bridge. Brad: Happy trails to you - ‘til we meet again!

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 7

Strasburg - A Town of Trains & Heritage

As early as 1716, when the first wagon was used for hauling goods, the path became known as the Conestoga Road, and the wagons that traveled them eventually became known as Conestoga Wagons. Main Street Strasburg was developed during the next half century as traffic on this road increased considerably and the first log houses appeared in the village about 1733. Strasburg continued to flourish in the 18th century primarily because of its location along the major wagon routes between Philadelphia, Lancaster, and the Susquehanna River. As Strasburg flourished, so did its neighbor to the east, Philadelphia. The commercial interests of Philadelphia pressured the State Legislature to improve the transportation network into their city. As a result, a series of canals along with the Philadelphia and

Hershey Farm Restaurant & Motor Inn

R O N K S R D.

HERR RD.

VIEW FAIR

J & B Quilts & Crafts Country Creations

NORTH STAR RD

Lapp’s Quilts & Crafts Parking

896

741

DECATUR STREET

Strasburg, named for the city in France, was actually “founded” by a Frenchman, Pierre Bezaillion, who traded with the Delaware Indians. The story goes he came to the area in 1693, as French fur traders opened up the first path through this area from Philadelphia to the Susquehanna River.

896 STRASBURG

Choo

741

Choo

National ToyTrain Museum

Strasburg Rail Road

Barn

PARADISE LANE

ll aboard! Strasburg is a destination all its own in Dutch Country, home to many well known attractions. To name just a few --- the Strasburg Rail Road, Ghost Tours of Lancaster, Village Greens Mini Golf, National Toy Train Museum, and the Choo Choo Barn. But you may not know much about the interesting history of "Train Town."

Old Candle Barn Doesn’t Stop at Tapers and Votives! By Clinton Martin

he Old Candle Barn is one of the oldest and most beloved shops in the village of Intercourse, built by an Amish couple in the late 1960’s as a place to both manufacture and sell candles. To this day a variety of candles are still made on-site by skilled Amish artisans. It's fascinating to watch them while they work, but the store offers much more. An incredible variety of merchandise to beautify and warm your home accompanies the candles, and includes braided rugs, potpourri, stoneware, window lights, homespun dry goods, pottery, linens, and tinware. In the words of a few of their satisfied customers...

8 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

The sales people on the floor are all pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable about their products. —Reggie M. I don't think I've ever seen so many different types of candles, all shapes, sizes and scents. —Jerry C. You're immediately treated to the sights and sounds of “country charm.” If you have a country room or a country home, you can definitely do all your shopping here. —Steve L. Open Monday-Saturday, the Old Candle Barn is located at 3551 Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340), Intercourse. Call 717-768-8926. www.OldCandleBarn.com

DAY OUT WITH THOMAS

Take a 22-minute ride with a full size Thomas the Tank Engine™

November 16-18

ticketweb.com/dowt • 866.468.7630 Tickets are $19 for ages 2 and up. Advance purchase is recommended. Ticket sales are final. Events are rain or shine.

SANTA’S PARADISE EXPRESS

Travel down the tracks with Santa!

November – 23-25 December – 1-2, 8-9 & 15-16 Multiple train departure times each day, beginning at 11am.

NEW

NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS TRAIN

Listen to this classic poem in a unique setting.

Runs 3 Friday evenings – Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14 Train departs at 7pm on each of the three Friday evenings.

Rt. 741 East, Strasburg, PA • 717-687-7522 • StrasburgRailRoad.com Columbia Rail Roads were constructed. Strasburg residents became alarmed at the possibility of losing their commercial position and there soon emerged a charter for the Strasburg Rail Road to construct a rail line connecting Strasburg with the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road main line near Paradise. Finally in the 1850’s, trains were hauling freight and passengers. About 100 years later, business had dwindled, and a severe storm in 1957 destroyed much of the track. It seemed the SRR had reached the end of the line. To the rescue came a group

of local train enthusiasts who began bringing the SRR back to life in a totally new way. They added passenger cars and buildings, and today’s Strasburg Rail Road was born, destined to become one of Dutch Country’s top attractions. Appropriately enough, the State decided to build an expanded Rail Road Museum of Pennsylvania across the street, the ideal place to preserve the history of railroading in Pennsylvania. With the other train attractions nearby, it’s little wonder that Strasburg has earned the title of Train Town!

For over 50 years, visitors of all ages have enjoyed the realistic detail and creativity of our layout. • A work of art for the entire family to enjoy… so much more than “just trains”! • Huge layout with 22 operating model trains • Over 150 hand-created animated figures & scenes

Family

50+ owned for

YEARS!

Visit Traintown, U.S.A® at choochoobarn.com Route 741 East, 226 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA (Two blocks from the Strasburg Rail Road) 717-687-7911

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 9

Fabrics Through the Ages Found at Zook’s Intercourse Fabric Store By Clinton Martin

Kids Eat

Free Breakfast & Lunch Smorgasbord. Everyday.

R O$3 OFF

Shop from home!

*Exclusions Apply

Select items from the Bakery and Shops at Hershey Farm are available online!

Adult Dinner Grand Smorgasbord or

$2 OFF

Adult Lunch Grand Smorgasbord

800-827-8635 www.hersheyfarm.com

Not valid Holidays, on Family Style Dining, or on parties of 8 or more. Please show coupon. No other discounts apply. Exp 01/31/2015 ACN14

There are those who say Zook’s Fabric Store pulls from a stock of over 20,000 bolts of fabric. After strolling aisle after aisle in the spacious store, most visitors are inclined to believe the claim.

ewing, quilting, crafting, and the dozens of other ways to create with fabrics call for many different types of textiles. The good news is that Zook’s Fabric Store carries virtually all of them. Whether it be reproduction Civil War era fabrics, or ultra-modern trendy blends, or perhaps 100% cotton or 100% wool pieces, Zook’s offers multiple choices of each. The store has been a fixture in Intercourse for nearly 50 years, meaning the staff at Zook’s were experts when some of the quilting world’s biggest brands first opened their doors. Take for instance Wilmington Prints, whose vast line of 100% cotton fabrics can be found at Zook’s. Wilmington Prints is only 10 years old, but in that short time the brand has become one of the most popular among contemporary quilters. Zook’s also carries over 25 other manufacturers with hundreds of different lines.

800-827-8635

Visit Zook’s Fabric store in the village of Intercourse to find the perfect fabric for your project, or browse their books, patterns, and notions to get inspired for a brand new project. With expert staff on hand to answer questions and give tips, Zook’s is well-worth a visit.

Rt 896 240 Hartman Bridge Road Ronks, PA 17572 www.hersheyfarm.com

The store is located at 3535 Old Philadelphia Pike, Intercourse. Parking is available behind the store. Call (717) 768-8153 for hours.

Dining • Shopping • Lodging 10 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Dutchland Quilt Patch

772

CENTER ST.

340

Old Zook’s Candle Fabrics Barn Store

HARVEST DRIVE

QUEEN RD.

INTERCOURSE

Old Woodshed

Welcome to Intercourse PA Intercourse Pretzel

Factory

Best Western Intercourse Village Inn

To Country Knives To Country Gift & Thrift

340

Esh Handmade Quilts

OLD PHILA. PIKE

772

To Gap

30 41

erhaps no other town in the entire country can claim its fame on just one simple thing --- its name. Harrison Ford drove a buggy past the road sign on a memorable visit in the Hollywood blockbuster hit of the movie "Witness." For years people have postmarked “Intercourse” on envelopes, and the jokes from visitors who travel through Bird-in-Hand to Intercourse are endless. There are several theories for the name, but that which we find most plausible follows. Around 1730, the Old Provincial Highway (now Route 340) was laid out to connect Philadelphia with Lancaster. Conestoga wagons hauled freight back and forth between the two cities. Providing rest for travelers and horses, taverns sprouted along the way, becoming centers for news, gossip, and commerce. The construction of a log tavern in 1754 at the intersection of Newport Road and the Highway took “Cross Keys” as its name. It remained such until 1814, when the name was changed to Intercourse as part of a failed real estate scheme of a Mr. George Brungard, who had acquired 48 acres of nearby land and attempted to lay out a town site and divide it into sections for sale by a lottery, advertising “151 handsome building lots of $250 each to be drawn for by number.” Renaming the town made sense, as intercourse had a common usage referring to the pleasant mutual fellowship and frequent intermingling which were so common in the informal atmosphere of the quiet country village.

LOCALLY MADE

• Quilts • Fabric & Patterns • Primitive Country Decor & Lighting and much more!

2 LOCATIONS Village of Dutch Delights

Rt. 30, 1/4 Mile East of Miller’s Smorgasbord 717-687-0534

Intercourse Store (No Fabric)

Look for the green sign on Rt. 340! 3453 Old Philadelphia Pike 717-768-3981

Mon-Thur 9-6 ∙ Fri 9-8 ∙ Sat 9-7 ∙ Closed Sunday Shop On-Line at www.DutchlandQuilts.com

seats.” As the days of the dirt road drew to a close, so too did the stagecoach era. In 1923 a transit company was organized and bus service initiated to and from Lancaster. Gordonville Bookstore just south of Intercourse on Old Leacock Road has one of the area’s best scrapbooking and stamping supply rooms.

Today Intercourse has been recognized as a “foodie” town by the PA Dutch Visitor’s Bureau. You'll soon discover why walking the streets of this tiny hamlet is an absolute must-visit for everyone.

Over time, Brungard’s scheme begat others. As recently as 1971, an enterprising soul tried to take advantage of the town’s name by selling deeds for one-inch square plots of Intercourse to visitors. Creative, but nonetheless a failure. By 1880, Intercourse had a population of 280 with a post office that actually moved among stores or restaurants as owners hoped visits by residents would increase their business. The local stagecoach service started around 1898 as “a single horse conveyance similar to a market wagon, with a roll-up curtain and double set of

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 11

Antiques Need Time - Antique Aficionados Need Renninger’s By Clinton Martin

Most vendors at Renninger’s Antique Market have been slowly building their displays for years, drawing regular shoppers with wide varieties of merchandise

nyone who loves browsing antique shops knows selection is key. There should be variety, unexpected finds, big bargains

and “wow” moments. Renninger’s Antique Market in Adamstown is such a place, and one of the top antiquing destinations in the entire country! Close to 300 indoor stands and over 200 outdoor vendors (weather permitting) sell every kind of antique or collectible imaginable. Admission and parking are free! Renningers is located on Route 272 at 2500 N. Reading Road. The outdoor section is open

12 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Saturday 9am to 6pm and Sunday 4am-4pm. The indoor section is open Sunday, 7:30am4pm. Whether you are an antique buff or not, Renninger's is truly an experience that needs to be on your Amish Country Bucket List. Read more at www.renningers.net, or call 717-3362177.

Country Creations - Fine Shopping and Showcase for Irvin Hoover’s Photography By Clinton Martin

ountry Creations is a beautiful shop set in a world-famous setting, the bucolic Amish Countryside. Country Creations with its wide variety of American-made, primitive, and Amish-made goods for decorating the home, plus fashions and accessories for a great wardrobe, has long been popular with both visitors and locals.

One of my personal favorites at Country Creations is the spectacular, yet simple, photography of local PA native Irvin Hoover. Mr. Hoover is renowned for capturing engrossing images of country life, and when he’s not personally showing his work at the famous Sugarloaf Craft Festivals, his images are sold at Country Creations. The artwork isn’t out of reach for most folks, but is instead transformed into affordable

pieces roughly 12 inches square ideal for any home environment. Adding to the pure appeal of the images themselves, with quality and craftsmanship, each piece has been combpainted with a protective coating and then framed in a country black frame. You'll enjoy Hoover's work and the fine shopping selection at Country Creations, 321 N. Star Road, Strasburg PA. For store hours, call (717) 6878743. www.countrycreationsPA.com

BRING IN AD FOR FREE GIFT!

Over 8000 Items of Fine Cutlery on Display!

4134 Old Philadelphia Pike 2 Miles East of Intercourse on Rt. 340

717-768-3818

Hours: Monday - Saturday 9-5

www.countryknives.com

ZOOK’S FABRICS

IN THE VILLAGE

on l

• Fabric • Books • Batting Mon-Sat 8am-5pm

er s

(717) 768-8153 3535 Old Phila. Pike

OF INTERCOURSE

• Fabric • Sewing & Quilt Suplies Mon, Tues, Thurs 8-8, Wed, Fri, & Sat 8-5

(717) 336-2664

Sauder’s Fabrics

681 South Muddy Creek Rd. Denver, PA 17517

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 13

Dutchland Quilt Patch

Miller’s Smorgasbord

RONKS RD.

Welcome to Our Paradise PARADISE

Dutch Haven Jake’s Country Trading Post

LINCOLN HWY. EAST Killer Hats

741

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall

Strasburg Rd.

S. Vintage Rd.

Historic Revere Tavern

Elegance, grace, and beauty; gorgeous flowers abound at the Flower & Home Marketplace.

isitors to Lancaster from the east on RT 30 travel through Paradise, which celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2012. The town’s story traces back to Europe over 300 years ago, to the area of the Palatinate in Germany where Protestants had settled following the declaration of King Louis XIV that all Protestants in France would be persecuted. Fearing a French invasion, many accepted the invitation to settle in the New World in William Penn’s colony of Penn’s Woods. By 1712, they had secured land in Lancaster’s Pequea Valley as the area’s first white people, living peaceably with local Indians. The origins of RT 30, also known as “Lincoln Highway,” date back to Lancaster’s Colonial days when the frontier county needed a highway to connect it with the provincial capital of Philadelphia. The first road that was constructed is now RT 340, still referred to as the “Old Philadelphia Pike.” Soon, it was apparent that this road was insufficient to handle the increasing traffic, and in 1790, a commission to survey a new route was created. Since the cost was too much for the state to undertake, the company charged with building it was given the power to demand “reasonable” tolls from users. Investors received dividends earned from tolls collected along the gates of the turnpike. (As the toll

was paid, the gate or “pike” was turned, hence the term “turnpike”). The Act described the construction of the highway, which was to be a bed of small crushed stones on top with, rather than dirt, larger stones underneath to prevent carriage wheels from cutting into the soil. This revolutionary system of road construction is credited to a John McAdam, whose name became the term for paved or “macadam” roads. The "Lincoln Highway" (RT 30) opened in 1795 as the first long-distance, hard surfaced road in the country. Taverns and stagecoach stops grew up along the turnpike for weary travelers. Of these, the Revere Tavern, dating back to 1740 and originally called the “Sign of the Spread Eagle”, still proudly stands today. In 1841, the tavern became the residence of Reverend Edward V. Buchanan and his wife

(717) 687-8602

14 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Eliza Foster Buchanan. Eliza was the sister of Stephen Foster, whose immortal songs will always be a part of Americana. Foster not only penned music at the tavern, but sent many of his manuscripts to Eliza, also a talented musician, for her approval. On the banks of the Pequea Creek, Eliza and Stephen played many of Stephen’s 200 songs, including “Way Down Upon the Swanee River” and “Oh, Susanna.” Wherever you happen to call “paradise,” we hope that a little bit of our own Paradise won’t do you any harm!

Superb Steaks, Fresh Seafood & Chicken Children’s Menu • Casual Attire • Reservations Accepted Serving Dinner Daily • Monday-Friday • 5:00pm-10:00pm Saturday • 4:30pm-10:00pm Sunday 4:00pm-9:00pm

The Greatest Christmas Display in the USA By Brad Igou

oziar’s Christmas Village is a spectacular holiday display located on Christmas Village Road, two miles off Route 183 in Bernville. It has been a well known, family owned, seasonal attraction since its founding by William M. Koziar in 1948. Every night the Koziar farm is transformed into a winter fairyland. Driving through the darkened countryside, you will suddenly find yourself in a dazzling valley set aglow with more Christmas lights than you have ever seen before. Adding to the magnificent beauty is the spectacular reflection of those thousands and thousands of lights in the lake situated in front of the main house. Visit the various buildings filled with Trimthe-Tree ideas, indoor and outdoor train displays, glass-enclosed buildings, and many shops filled with unique Christmas displays, ornaments,and souvenirs. Enjoy the aroma of freshly baked cookies in the Country Kitchen and browse in Santa’s toy shop filled with unusual toys and gifts for children of all ages. See the unique handmade train platform and follow the trains through the tunnels, across the trestles, around the miniature town located in the large Refreshment Barn. Come talk to Santa and his helpers, and see your favorite cartoon and fairly tale characters throughout the Village. In its 68th year history, Christmas Village has received many awards, including Best Outdoor Christmas Display in the World, and the Award of Excellence as One of the Top Attractions in Pennsylvania. Visiting Christmas Village is truly like “Walking in a Winter Wonderland.” You will take home many happy memories of an old-fashioned Christmas.

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 15

Living with the Amish

ver the years, I have had many experiences with the Amish as partners in various tours we’ve created for the public, as business owners, as farmers, and certainly as friends. I even lived with an Amish family when I was in college. For my Amish Series this year I thought it would be interesting to look back and share some of my favorite people and stories.

Remembering Abner My best Amish friend was Abner. I first started visiting him when I was working on my book of writings from Family Life magazine called THE AMISH IN THEIR OWN WORDS. As the “keeper” of the local Amish library, he could provide me with access to the back issues I needed. When I finished researching, we would sit and talk, and so after the book was published, we both wanted these weekly “visits” to continue. Wednesdays became my “Abner nights.” We would sit on the porch, or in the house, and talk until it got dark. People would sometimes ask what we talked about for hours on Wednesday nights. I often brought in articles on the Amish from the paper, and he had a “file” with my name on it where he put articles or books he thought I’d enjoy. He was also curious

by Brad Igou

about the questions I received on the internet about the Amish. We also enjoyed watching lightning bugs (fireflies), the sun setting in the valley behind his house, the clip-clop of horses going by, and the evening primrose, a plant whose flowers open in a matter of seconds around sunset. And we sometimes enjoyed “Amish movies,” what he called the shadows moving across the side of the house as cars drove by. Abner was never judgmental. I never felt that he was trying to extol the virtues of being Amish. I could always talk to him comfortably. There were never arguments. He had tremendous curiosity about everything, including other religions. Yet he seemed totally secure, with great conviction, in his Amish faith. He could certainly talk about problems and people who were not the best example of living their faith, as is the case in any church. But it was not with meanness, it was more of a polite criticism about something he could not change. In many ways, Abner encapsulated what was good about the Amish. Through him many came to understand and respect the Amish way of life. He was a good example at so many levels. Those who met Abner soon became aware of the unique personality that was his. I called

Part Seven in a Series... him “my psychiatrist.” He focused clearly on whatever you said, often adjusting his hearing aid, or sitting you beside his good ear. No matter what seemed to be happening in my life, when I stopped in and we started to chat, the clutter seemed to disappear. That was from my world, and now I was in his. We shared a little of each of our worlds, to be sure, but most of the time he seemed more comfortable in his than I did in mine. Satisfaction and contentment did not depend on “things.” People and friendship, faith and family --- these were the foundations of Abner’s world. When you were with him, you became a part of them. It was a privilege to be invited to Abner’s funeral, an experience of great emotion and sadness, mixed with some curiosity and awkwardness about the customs. I thought about this very unusual mix of people that one man had brought together. We did not all know each other, and were from very different worlds, but all had the “Abner connection.” He had brought us all together, at long last, to bid him farewell. In an odd way, that I believe he would have fully understood and enjoyed, it was his final gift. He wanted us all there with him. Perhaps that’s why he looked so at peace. I’m quite sure he was smiling. With his family and friends around him, Abner was finally “going home.”

We have a large selection of baskets, quilted throws, men’s and ladies everyday accessories and gift items. Which includes luxury bath and spa cosmetics, jewelry, cookbooks, kitchen linens, candles, pottery, pet fancies, home decor, framed prints, and many more special items. Choose your basket and gift items and we will customize a lovely gift basket for you. Don’t forget to pick up a souvenir for yourself while you are there.

With $15.00 purchase or more and this coupon. Only at: Not Just Baskets. Limit one coupon per purchase. (Expires 3/31/15.)

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 17

Historic Lititz • A Hometown Treasure

Music and education were important to the Moravians. In fact, the Lititz schoolhouse erected in 1746 marked the beginnings of what was to be Linden Hall, the oldest continuously operating residence school for girls in the United States.

AV E

Free Parking Welcome Center Train Station

772

To Lancaster and

MAIN ST.

Lititz Historical Foundation

CEDAR ST.

Lititz Springs Park

Free Parking

501

Moravian Church Square

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

LOCUST ST.

WATER ST.

CEDAR ST.

LIN

LITITZ

N. BROAD ST.

The Lititz story is tied to that of the Moravian faith in Bohemia. As was the case with other persecuted religious groups in Europe, many Moravians sought freedom in the New World, arriving in the early 1700’s, with settlements in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. In 1755 the town actually took the name Lititz, the German spelling for Lidice, where European reformers had taken refuge in the 15th century.

501

S. BROAD ST.

here really is no place quite like Lititz, and visitors should plan time there while in Amish Country.

N. STURGIS LANE (Parking)

TO BRICKERVILLE ANTIQUES

772

ORANGE STREET

For one hundred years, Moravian church members were the only people permitted to live in the town. It was not until 1855 that nonMoravians were allowed to own their own homes. The complex of buildings comprising the Moravian congregation is well worth seeing, particularly the church built in 1787.

opened the first commercial pretzel bakery in the New World in Lititz. The year was 1861, and the site at 219 East Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places. A tour of the bakery, still in operation, is unlike any other and well worth your time. Just recently, Lititz won Budget Travel's 2013 "Coolest Small Town in America" competition.

One name is linked forever with the history of Lititz --- Julius Sturgis. It was Julius Sturgis who

The Moravian Star is an iconic Christmas decoration in Lititz and beyond.

Now Through Dec. 31

Tours 9:30-4:30 • Store 9am-5pm CLOSED Jan. 1-17 For Winter Maintenance Re-opens Sat., Jan. 18 With Winter Hours M-F 10am-4pm • Sat 9am-5pm Always Closed Sundays 18 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

N. HARVEST DR.

Plain & Fancy Farm Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides Amish Country Homestead Amish Country Tours Amish Experience Theater Amish View Inn & Suites Plain & Fancy Restaurant

Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market

Mt. Hope Wine Gallery

d Bird-in-Han

IRIS

HTO

f the many unique village names that dot the Amish Country map, one of the more interesting is Bird-in-Hand. William Penn, an English Quaker, had founded the colony of Penn’s Woods, and settlers began arriving from Europe in the early 1700’s, moving westward from Philadelphia. The trip by stagecoach, or Conestoga wagon with freight and merchandise, lasted several days. Inns were built every few miles, identified with signs held by an iron pole or attached to the side of the

HARVEST DRIVE Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies

LEACOCK RD

Bird-In-Hand Stage, Family Inn & Restaurant

Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market

MONTEREY RD WEAVERTOWN RD

CHURCH RD

340

RONKS RD

GIBBONS RD

Bird-In-Hand Bake Shop

RONKS RD

BEECHDALE RD

Welcome to the Village of Bird-in-Hand 340

To Gordonville Bookstore

building. The reason for the signs was so that they could be understood by all nationalities. Further, since many teamsters or wagoneers were poorly educated they could not read. Given orders to stop at a certain inn, they were able to do so by recognizing the artwork on the sign by the road. The legend of the naming of Bird-in-Hand dates to the time when the Old Philadelphia Pike was being laid out. By 1734, surveyors at McNabb’s

Hotel were discussing whether they should stay at their present location or return to Lancaster to spend the night. One of them said, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” The sign in front of the inn, which became known as the Bird-inHand Inn, is known to have once "portrayed a man with a bird in his hand and a bush nearby, in which two birds were perched." Variations of this sign appear throughout the town today. McNabb’s Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1851. By the following year, a three-story hotel was built to replace it. More recently, it was Bitzer’s Hotel before becoming the present Village Inn of Bird-in-Hand, a beautiful bed and breakfast property. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County states that the existing brick building “may be one of the few 19th century inns in the context of a small town in Lancaster County, which survives with a high degree of architectural integrity.” It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. When referring to their bird-in-hand symbol, some residents say that the bird nestled in the human hand indicates friendship, comfort, and hospitality, all of which you’ll discover in this perfectly delightful little village of shops, farmers markets and eateries.

Live on the Bird-in-Hand Stage! FINAL WEEKS!

2760 Old Philadelphia Pike (Route 340) Bird-in-Hand • (717) 768-1500

www.EatBIHRestaurant.com

$2 Off Any Adult Smorgasbord Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner Not valid with any other offer or discount. Limit two adults per copuons. Expires Feb. 28, 2015.

ACN

Now-Nov. 29, 2014

H jJoOsSFOia RI Ah

ID I DeEnNtT pPrReEsSid Apr. 2-Nov. 28, 2015 Meal, Lodging and Show Packages Available (800) 790-4069 • www.EnjoyBIHStage.com AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 19

AMISH FARMLANDS • SUPERSAVER TOUR • VISIT-IN-PERSON

Tours Since 1959

Amish Farmlands Tour

YOUR BEST VALUE!

Journey along back country roads, deep into the Amish Farmlands to discover sights rarely seen. Under the watchful eye of your certified guide, you’ll gain insights into the “how” and “why”of an everchanging culture, and see at-the-moment activities of the Amish. If you’ve seen the Amish portrayed on the various “Reality” TV shows, and you wonder what really is true and not true about the Amish, this is the tour you won’t want to miss! We’ll debunk myths about the Amish and provide accurate, respectful, and authentic information, just like we have done for over 50 years. Plus, now through November 30, 2014 we’ll provide each guest who purchases the Amish Farmlands Tour, when combined as part of your SuperSaver Tour, with a voucher for a FREE BUGGY RIDE at Aaron & Jessica’s, plus a free autographed Amish Cookbook.

The SuperSaver Tour includes the Amish Farmlands Tour, the acclaimed “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience F/X Theater, and a tour of the Amish House & One-Room School. As a bonus, receive an Amish cookbook and a voucher for a FREE BUGGY RIDE from Aaron & Jessica’s on property. Buggy ride offer valid through November only.

Duration: 1 1/2 hours December 6, 13, 20, 26-31 Mon-Sat, 10am, 12pm, & 2pm Sun, 10am, 12pm & 2pm

This is your Total Amish Experience!

Visit-in-Person Tour

Rare is the opportunity to meet with Amish families willing to share their traditions and beliefs with you. In a group whose size is never more than 14, this is the only Amish Tour to be designated an official “Heritage Tour” by the County of Lancaster. Visit an Amish farm at milking time, stop at a Cottage Industry, and finally gather round a living room in an Amish home for an informal conversation with the family. Includes FREE BUGGY RIDE voucher.

Duration: 3 hours April 1-November 30 Mon-Sat, 5pm

3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Rte. 340 Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505-0414

FREE AMISH BUGGY RIDE Receive a voucher for a free “Cookie Run Buggy Ride” just a few steps away at Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides with the purchase, at the Amish Experience Theater Box Office, of a regularly priced Supersaver, Theater/House Combo, or Amish Visit-in-Person Tour.

at Plain & Fancy Farm

One voucher for each adult or child ticket purchased with this coupon. Not

(717) 768-8400 Ext.210 AmishExperience.com

valid with any other offer or with group tours. Offer expires 11/30/14. Valid 20 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com up to six people. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. BUGAN

Advance Tickets, including Free Buggy Ride Voucher, by Phone or Online:

Plain & Fancy — Farm to Table Since 1959 Where It All Began Over 50 years ago, Plain & Fancy Farm opened to provide delicious, authentic Amish meals to visitors from all over the world, the first family-style restaurant in Lancaster County. Today Plain & Fancy is a destination all its own, featuring the acclaimed “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience Theater, Amish Farmlands and Visit-in-Person Tours, the Heritage Site Amish House & One-Room School, and Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides. The onsite Country Store offers excellent country shopping, and the newest addition to the property, Amish View Inn & Suites, has a brand new extension with great views and luxurious lodging surrounded by stunning Amish countryside.

A Lancaster Original

Amos, Ben, Manny and Elmer are some of the Amish farmers who supply the restaurant with the farm-fresh produce it serves on a daily basis. Depending on the season, sweet corn, tomatoes, watermelon, cabbage, broccoli, squash, peppers and onions are all sourced from farms within a horse-and-buggy’s drive. These neighbors, and the neighbors before them, have helped Plain & Fancy go “from farm to table” for over 50 years. The restaurant is AAA recommended, a PA Preferred and ServSafe award winner, and the Pennsylvania recipient of USA Today’s Great Plate AwaRoad

The Amish Farm Feast

Plain & Fancy Farm Restaurant is best known as Lancaster County’s original family-style restaurant. The all-you-can-eat Amish Farm Feast includes your entrees, side dishes, starters, desserts and beverages. Enjoy fried chicken, roast beef, chicken pot pie, baked sausage, real mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, green and yellow string beans, sweet shoe peg corn, chow chow, cole slaw, raisin bread, rolls and apple butter, lemonade, iced tea, hot tea, coffee, sour cream apple crumb pie, shoofly pie and vanilla ice cream. It was this very meal that drew Man Vs. Food’s Adam Richman to Amish Country, where he went behind the scenes in the Plain & Fancy kitchen for one of his popular show’s episodes.

The New “a la carte” Menu

The restaurant also offers a new a la carte menu featuring mouth-watering appetizers, signature soups and salads, charbroiled burgers and sandwiches, and made-from scratch entrees and platters, including several PA Dutch specialties. Guests can “build a platter” with items from the family-style menu or choose one of the daily specials starting at $10 or less. You can do it all at Plain & Fancy, so why not come and “spend the day!”

Country Home Resonates with Furniture Shoppers Special to Amish Country News

n Amish Country, the words Shady Maple resonate with virtually everyone. The world famous complex features various stores, cafes, restaurants and shopping experiences. One of my favorite stores and experiences is at Country Home Furniture.

Management states, “With 30,000 square feet on two floors, the store features the area’s largest selection of furniture, with one of the country’s largest arrays of Amish handcrafted living, dining and bedroom selections. We are proud it is all American made.” Outstanding structure, remarkable stains, and second-to-none handcrafted quality are sure to mesmerize your furniture shopping experience.

The showroom at Country Home Furniture is vast and full of various styles and themes. Downstairs features sofas, recliners, rockers, gilders, coffee and occasional tables and entertainment centers. Upstairs, you will find dining, bedroom, office and mattresses. “Most upholstered pieces allow you the opportunity to select from hundreds of fabrics and most wood pieces allow you to change wood, stain, hardware and fabric.” What about styles and selection I asked? “At Country Home Furniture, we feature traditional, transitional, country and lodge styles. We have a few contemporary and ultra-primitive selections, but realistically, we want to feature Americana at its finest and at a price point which appeals to shoppers seeking fine handcrafted merchandise. Our quality furniture is built to last and features a price point most buyers seeking the beauty handcrafted furniture offers can appreciate.” Easily accessible from Berks, Chester and Lancaster Counties, as well as an easy drive from any East Coast major city, you will experience a beautiful drive through the countryside of legendary Lancaster County to find the retailer at 1352 Main St., East Earl Township, PA. The building they call home was the original Shady Maple Smorgasbord, before the restaurant grew even larger and moved across the parking lot. “One of the great things about the complex is we are all independently owned. At Country Home Furniture, you are supporting American workers on American dollars. Our vendors are located in Ohio, Indiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and right here in Lancaster, and our local staff all live within 45 minutes of the store.” Cash and carry is available if you like something just as you see it. Otherwise, you may order furniture your way and either arrange to pick it up at a later date, or have it shipped to any state in the country and to various parts of the world. Country Home Furniture is open Monday and Fridays 10-7; Tuesday through Thursday 10-5 and Saturday 9-5. The entire Shady Maple complex is closed on Sunday. For more info visit www.chfs1.com, sales@chfs1.com or 717354-2329.

22 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

The Old Woodshed – The Most Authentic Shop in Intercourse

Wooden Toys Made on Premises • Childrens Playsets • Marble Games • 18” Doll Furniture • Trucks & Trains • Toy Chests • Farm Sets

Lapp’s Toys

By Brad Igou

realize I may get myself in trouble making this statement, but I have my reasons. There really is NO OTHER SHOP like this in the village of Intercourse, and perhaps in all of Amish Country! Julie Lawson, who is the owner and is usually working in the shop, has been “behind the counter of a store since the age of 12,” when her “daddy” bought the Old Village Store in Bird-in-Hand. That was in 1958. In 1966 he purchased the shop that was to be the Old Woodshed, which she bought from him when she married in 1972. But, that’s all history.

OPEN

Mon. to F 7-5 ri. Sat. 84

(717) 945-5366

Visit our website

www.lappstoys.com

2220 Horseshoe Rd • Lancaster • PA 17601

The dictionary defines “authentic” as real or genuine, not copied or fake. The old building on Main Street (across from Zimmerman’s where scenes from the movie WITNESS were filmed) dates back to 1861. It has been a cabinet shop, wagon shop, hardware and furniture store before its more “recent” reincarnation as a shop for visitors. Thus, the claim that this is the oldest store in town in its original building. What makes it even more special is that much of the original machinery is still in place, along with the original floors and many other features. It even smells authentic. Julie uses the wood planer, for example, as a display table for merchandise. And that’s the case for the rest of the store. You’ll find all kinds of crafts and books and collectibles mixed in with the old equipment and an array of pots and kettles hanging from the ceiling. I asked what some of the favorite items among shoppers were and Julie said the doilies, mostly made by an Amish friend. It takes about two hours to sew them by hand. So if you want something Amish-made, from Intercourse, look for the colorful doilies, potholders, and aprons. Julie also likes to take time talking to visitors, answering questions, helping them find what they want. She referred one couple from Arizona looking for a wagon wheel to an Amishman she knew. The wife came back to thank her for the “experience of her life,” having received a buggy ride as a bonus in what was the highlight of their 35th wedding anniversary.

In Business In Bird-in-Hand For 99 Years!

For more information, call 717-768-7112 or visit KauffmansFruitFarm.com

Voted Best. Again.

Fight Obesity.

Homemade Apple Butter No Sugar Added

Homemade Sweet Apple Cider Drink Away Your Apple-A-Day!

Julie herself, like her store, is all about the spirit of the town of Intercourse. From the moment I walked in, it felt like a step back in time, yet both contemporary and genuine, which is a fitting description of Julie herself. So stop in, look around, and pick a little something up to remember your visit. In the process you’ll help preserve this authentic piece

of Intercourse for future visitors. There are lots of places to shop in Intercourse, but there is only one Old Woodshed. The Old Woodshed address is 3602 Old Philadelphia Pike and the store is open Monday through Saturday, 10am-5pm. Call 717-7683926.

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 23

24 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

# Text

26 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Forever Cool & Clever... Shop Killer Hats For The Holidays! By Clinton Martin

Killer Hats hand-presses inscriptions into KX brand belts in-store.

eeing as Killer Hats describes itself as extreme fashion for ladies, gentleman, cowboys, bikers, and scoundrels, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that you'll find

lots of leather. One of the most popular lines at Killer Hats is the KX Brand of belts and buckles. They're not only very stylish, they are true last-forever belts, standing up to repeated wear for years to come. The staff at Killer Hats is not only proud to carry these belts and buckles, they actually

know the people behind KX personally. KX brand belts are hand-made in America from American steer-hides. They come in myriad lengths and sizes, and the designs are also incredibly varied. In fact, the belts themselves are personalized in-store at Killer Hats according to your wishes with up to eight characters hand-stamped into each belt. Killer Hats is located along Route 30 in the village of Paradise. GPS: 3000 Lincoln Highway East, Gordonville. Don't cross items off that Christmas List without a visit. Call 866-443-7279 for hours. www. killerhats.com

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 27

The Story of a Very Special Store… The Country Housewares Store By Clinton Martin

ountry Housewares Store traces its roots back 40 years to a small storefront operated by Reuben Beiler, who

sold various general store items right from his Amish farm. The business flourished, and he built a free-standing store 14 years ago.

NEW BORN NURSERY ADOPTION CENTER CLOTHES TO FIT: ***AMERICAN GIRL DOLL**

♥ DOLL EAR PIERCING ♥ ♥ DOLL HAIR SALON ♥ November 1-December 28

OPEN TUES, WED, THURS, FRI, SAT, SUN 10AM-5PM Closed Mondays CLOSING EARLY DEC 24TH • CHRISTMAS EVE • 1:30PM CLOSED DEC 25TH - CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED DEC 29TH-JAN 14TH 2015 INVENTORY REOPENING JAN 15TH CALL FOR WINTER HOURS

Whether “Plain” or “Fancy,” visitors at the Country Housewares Store will find useful and interesting additions to their home’s function and décor. Eventually he realized it was time to hand the reigns of the store over to the next generation. Michael Fisher and his family now run the store, which is popular among Amish, Mennonite, and “English” customers alike. The cornucopia of merchandise ranges from kitchen goods, toys, and books, to furniture, lamps, fine china, and silverware chests, plus a beautiful line of musical clocks. Shoppers are sometimes heard to exclaim, “I didn’t know they still make that!” The store, very much worth visiting, is located at 587 Musser School Road, Leola. Heading north on Route 772 from Intercourse, turn right onto Groffdale Road. At the T, turn right onto Musser School Road, and go around the bend. The store will be on your right. Call (717) 556-0985 for hours.

28 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Holiday/Winter Events Sampler November 16-18 Day Out With Thomas Nov. 23-25, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16 Santa’s Paradise Express

Nov. 30, Dec. 7, 14 Night Before Christmas Train

Strasburg Rail Road

November 28 – January 4 Christmas Layout

Choo Choo Barn

Now Through November 30 Amish Visit-in-Person Tours

Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm Now Through November 29 Wanda Brunstetter’s HALF-STITCHED: THE MUSICAL

Bird-in-Hand Stage

Now Through November 8 Crazy for You Nov. 13 – Dec. 23 It’s a Wonderful Life

Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre November 1 – January 3 New Outdoor Train Display

Koziar’s Christmas Village November 1-2, 8-9 Annual Fall Open House

Eastland Alpacas November 1-2 Trains & Troops

Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania November 5 -16 Poe Evermore December 3 – 23 A Dickens of a Christmas

Mount Hope Estate Winery

Just one of a jillion flavors you can create, taste, and make a commercial for at the Turkey Hill Experience. Place your reservation and buy tickets now at TurkeyHillExperience.com. Columbia Exit of Rt. 30 | 301 Linden Street, Columbia, PA 17512 ©2014 Turkey Hill Dairy 1-844-VISIT-TH (1-844-847-4884)

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 29

Welcome to New Holland • Blue Ball To Ephrata 322

897 23 RANCK AVE.

RD.

NVILLE VO G A

MAIN STREET Witmer’s Quilt Shop

Flower and Home Marketplace

BLUE BALL

Country Home Blue Furniture Ridge Furniture

Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts E. EBY ROAD

Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland

RS TE PE

S. GROFFDALE RD.

N. GROFFDALE RD.

LEOLA

NEW HOLLAND

RAILROAD AVE.

Smucker’s Quilts

HILL RD. / WALLACE RD. To September Farm Cheese

he instability in Europe in the late 1600’s spawned and nurtured the pioneer interest in the deep forest lands of Pennsylvania — 60 miles inland from Philadelphia. In 1681 William Penn received his 40,000 square-mile land grant to settle King Charles’ debt to his father. Himself a Quaker, Penn had experienced religious persecution firsthand, and decided to establish his American colony based on complete religious freedom. This entire century had been one of continued misery for the peasants of the Palatinate (western Germany). The Thirty Years War had raged across the area with barbaric ruthlessness. The peasant inhabitants fled to nearby Holland for refuge. And within a decade of the end of that conflict, King Louis XIV of France started a new religious war in the same general area. These Palatinate peasants were exhausted by war’s desolation, and were ripe for a new start. Traveling land agents for William Penn’s new colony found listening ears. In addition to religious freedom and a peaceful existence, Penn offered cheap land. The stated price was 100 English pounds for 5,000 acres. (At today’s rate exchange, this would be less than $.04 an acre). By the year 1702, a goodly number of Palatinates had immigrated to Pennsylvania, and Queen Anne, newly reigning in England, was delighted that Penn was colonizing his immense grant without drawing off the population of Britain. The area today called New Holland was practically covered by virgin forests—sturdy timbers of oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut. By 1728, William Penn had been dead for 10 years and his American colony, called Pennsylvania, was being administered by a proprietary governor while the sale of land was formalized by patent deeds. In 1802, when a post office was established and an official name was necessary, there was no objection to naming the town New Holland. These grateful people remembered how extremely kind the inhabitants of Holland were to them, and the assistance that included funds to cover the cost of the refugee German immigrants’ ocean voyage. This was no small matter when the alternative was indentured service for a period of years. For adults, indenture frequently meant four to seven years of labor without pay. Minors served until their 21st birthday. But still, William Penn’s Quaker Pennsylvania was liberation compared to the Europe they fled seeking freedom of religion, assembly and speech for all, hopefully, none of which we take for granted today.

30 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Behold the World of Trains at National Toy Train Museum By Clinton Martin

round the holidays, so many of us celebrate toy trains and the wonderful childhood memories they conjure up. There’s romance associated with those miniature rails, and it just seems clear that trains and Christmas fit perfectly together –

Fantastic articles! Money saving coupons! A guide to Amish Country! For an Amish Country News annual subscription, complete this form and send a check or money order for $30 to: Amish Country News, PO Box 414, Bird-In-Hand, PA 17505

Amish Country News is printed 7 times per year. Please check an issue to start your subscription. Spring (April/May) June July August September October Winter (Nov/Dec)

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 31

especially when it comes to the toy trains we grew up with. If you’ve chosen to visit us at this festive time of year, you can explore the wonderful world of toy trains with a visit to the National Toy Train Museum, at 300 Paradise Lane not far from Strasburg’s town center. Here trains of many sizes and gauges run along five different interactive layouts with all the lights, sounds, and sights you could ever hope for. Educational displays are also fascinatingly situated throughout the museum, itself built to resemble an old-fashioned train station. A theater continuously plays fascinating shorts on the subject of…trains! In November, the fun-filled museum is open every Saturday and Sunday, plus Friday November 21 and 28. In December, every Saturday and Sunday plus Friday December 26 through Wednesday December 31. Call 717687-8976 for details. nttmuseum.org

Visit us online at www.AmishNews.com

where you'll find archived issues, Brad Igou's continuing Amish Series, recipes from dining issues and lots more!

Located at Shady Maple!

uality, affordable, luxury. That's what American made and Amish handcrafted furniture at Country Home Furniture is all about. When Shady Maple Smorgasbord moved into a larger building across the parking lot more than a decade ago, the former restaurant building became home to one of the largest and best furniture stores in the Lancaster area, Country Home Furniture. On two large selling floors, and 30,000 sq. ft., you will find American made sofas and recliners, made in North Carolina, Ohio and Mississippi, in addition to solid wood, USA made and Amish handcrafted dining, bedroom, office, occasional and entertainment furniture. The wood pieces come from artisans in Ohio, Indiana and right here in Lancaster County. With hundreds of stylish products in traditional, transitional, modern and country looks on the floor, there is something for everyone. According to management, “Amish built furniture and quality go hand-in-hand. As far as American handcrafters in the hardwood and upholstery industries, their knack for getting their styles to mesh with today’s buyer is second to none. No one builds better, more stylish furniture than American furniture makers.” Unlike other stores where your only choices of the style or color or wood is what you see, at Country Home Furniture you can have a hand in every facet of your design. That's the beauty of shopping there. Customers love the flexibility to have a piece made for them by selecting their wood, stain, hardware and fabric.

The retailer ships and delivers to customers’ homes and businesses all over the country. If beautiful, quality, brand new, solid wood, American handcrafted furniture is important to you, then you owe it to yourself to explore Country Home Furniture. As they like to say, it's worth the drive to the countryside of Lancaster County for savings.

32 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Country Home Furniture is open Monday and Friday 10-7, Tuesday through Thursday 105, and Saturdays 9-5. The entire complex at Shady Maple is closed on Sundays. For more information, call 717-354-2329, go online to www.chfs1.com or e-mail sales@chfs1.com. GPS address is 1352 Main Street, East Earl Township, PA.

Immerse Yourself in the Amish Story WITNESS the spectacular “Jacob’s Choice” told with Disney-like Special Effects in the Amish Experience Theater.

EXPLORE the Amish Country Homestead, the region’s only Officially Designated Heritage Site Amish home.

TOUR the magnificent and rarely seen Amish Farmlands with a certified tour guide in complete comfort onboard one of our 14 passenger mini-shuttles. SATISFY yourself that you’re making the most from your Amish Experience...

• Since 1959, the area’s first, and still foremost, interpretative source of Amish Culture.

SIT in a desk at the new Fisher Amish schoolroom furnished authentically with desks and more from an actual Amish classroom.

RECEIVE a free Amish cookbook autographed by the author herself when you take our our Farmland Tour.

Open 7 Days Thru November and December 6, 13, 20, 26-31, 2014 FREE BUGGY RIDE

Receive a voucher for a free “Cookie Run Buggy Ride” just a few steps away at Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides with the purchase, at the Amish Experience Theater Box Office, of a regularly priced Supersaver, Theater/House Combo, or Amish Visit-in-Person Tour. Valid thru 11/30/14 BUGAN

RT 340 Between

Designated a Heritage Site by the Lancaster County Planning Commission

Bird-in-Hand & Intercourse at SAVE with our Super Plain & Fancy Farm Saver package which For GPS: 3121 Old includes “Jacob’s Philadelphia Pike • Ronks, PA Choice”, the Amish Country Homestead and a 717.768.8400 Ext. 210 90 minute Amish Farmlands Tour. 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 33 AmishNews.com • Holiday

AmishExperience.com

Great Shopping, Good Cause

By Clinton Martin

t is a real joy for us at Amish Country News to shine a light on the valuable work quietly going on under the radar under the auspices of the locally headquartered Mennonite Central Committee. The MCC may call Amish Country its home base of operations, but the humanitarian causes it supports reach out to every corner of the Globe.

support the MCC. Each shop relies on hundreds of volunteers to keep the stores clean, safe, stocked, and selling. Virtually all the merchandise is taken in by donation, sorted, and displayed for new uses, new homes, and new owners. Items are closely screened and ensured of high quality standards before they hit store shelves. A shopby-shop guide is our pleasure to provide to you.

The funds needed to support the MCC come from many different sources, but a large portion are generated right here in our own backyard. Over 12 million dollars of the annual budget comes from a network of Thrift Shops throughout the US and Canada. The largest concentration of MCC-supporting shops is right here in Amish Country.

Country Gift & Thrift This shop is in its 23rd year, occupying a former grocery store in the village of White Horse along Route 340. It is completely surrounded by the Amish Country tranquility visitors come to see. Amish farms, rolling hills, quilts waving in the breeze. Speaking of quilts, Country Gift & Thrift has a gallery of hand-made quilts, pieces that were literally handsewn on-site by Amish & Mennonite volunteers. There is no set schedule to the quilting; the

Each is independently operated, but shares a common goal of using the profits generated to

34 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

women simply come and go as they have time, but the quilts they finish are on display and for sale, with all the proceeds going to the MCC of course. Shop two floors of upscale high-quality merchandise and treasures for the entire family beautiful linens, lightly used clothing and shoes, brand-name purses, jewelry, housewares and crystal, toys, books galore, and must-see vintage and antiques. They are ready for Christmas!

Flory’s Cottages Camping

FlorysCamping.com

Hosts: Claudette, Lou & Shelly

(717) 687-6670 99 N. Ronks Rd. PO Box 308 Ronks PA 17572 Between US 30 & Rte. 340

Ephrata Re-Uzit Clothing & Housewares The Ephrata Re-Uzit shop is

located right beside the Ephrata Visitors Center, with plenty of free public parking. With one of the thrift shop network’s widest selections of clothing, this store offers a fine way to clothe the kids, mom, dad, friends, family, and even grandma and grandpa. There is also plenty of glassware and

kitchen items, plus a well-stocked toy corner full of dolls, trucks, puzzles, and plush toys.

Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture & Books

Also in Ephrata, conveniently located on State Street, is a furniture and book warehouse not to be missed. Luxurious used leather couches and sectionals are available at fantastic prices, Continued on Page 41

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Virtual Tours. Area Events. Reservations.

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 35

The 12 Days of Christmas

in Amish Country

By Brad Igou

hat if? What if you took one of the most iconic of all Christmas songs and re-wrote it with Amish Country in mind? Before I decided to give this a try, I first wanted to know a little more about this classic. I learned that the song was first published without music in England in 1780 as a chant or rhyme, and is probably of French origin. I was especially intrigued by the “cost” of buying these gifts as calculated every year by PNC Wealth Management. Two pricings are actually compiled. The "Christmas Price Index"

is the cost of the items in the song purchased one time, while the "True Cost of Christmas" is the cost of buying the accumulated number of gifts repeating them each day as described in the lyrics. In other words, you’d end up with 12 partridges in pear trees, 22 turtle doves, etc. for a total of 364 items. And how do they come up with costs every year? PNC Bank is based here in Pennsylvania and that explains the many local references…. • The pear tree comes from a local Philadelphia nursery. • The partridge, turtle dove, and French hen prices are determined by the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden. • The price of a canary at Petco is used for the calling bird. • Gordon Jewelers sets the cost of the gold rings, though the gold rings of the song may actually refer to ring-necked pheasants. • The maids are assumed to be unskilled laborers earning the Federal Minimum Wage. • A Philadelphia dance company provides estimates for the salary of "ladies dancing." • The Philadelphia Ballet estimates the salary for the "leaping lords." • The going-rate for drummers and pipers is that of a Pennsylvania musicians' union. • In 1984, the cost of buying each of the items multiple times as described in the song was $61,318.94. In 2013 it had risen to $114,651.18! Wish I had invested in the Christmas Song! Of course there are always critics, even of this tongue-in-cheek calculation. It has been noted that the price for the eight maids-a-milking should include at least one milk cow. But, perhaps the receiver of the gift already had the cows and just needed the milking done. Either way, we have plenty of cows here in Amish Country. There was also criticism that there was no comparative shopping done to find the best price each year. Finally, it can be difficult to get the exact gifts described. The ten “lords-a-leaping” are valued by using the cost of hiring male ballet dancers instead of real lords. Frankly, I’d prefer good dancers to a bunch of lords who might bumble their performance. Ultimately, who really wants all those pipers, swans, and geese? And who needs that partridge in a pear tree when we have an entire village named Bird-in-Hand?

36 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Needless to say, it will be a lot easier purchasing the items in this new “Twelve Days” than the ones in the original. Following are my suggestions (and you will have fun in the journey)…

Day #1 - For shoo-fly pie and/or many other delicious baked goods, stop at the Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop, Blue Gate Farm, and Dutch Haven. In addition, many traditional PA Dutch restaurants also sell baked goods, including Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant, Good ‘N Plenty, Hershey Farm, Plain & Fancy, and Miller’s Smorgasbord. For locally made cheese, your best selection by far is at September Farm Cheese. Day #2

– For everything from wooden rockers to complete dining room and bedroom sets, try Blue Ridge Furniture, Country Home Furniture, and Gish’s Furniture.

Day #3 – Your best bet for amazing dolls is Aimee & Daria’s Doll Outlet. Day #4 – The unique combination pillow/ quilt known as a “quillow” can be found along with much more at Dutchland Quilt Patch, Esh Handmade Quilts, J&B Quilts, Lapp’s Quilts

& Crafts, Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts, Smucker’s Quilts, and Witmer Quilt Shop.

Day #5

– There is only one Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies and it’s right here.

Day #6 – For great candles, mainly made by the Amish, go to the Old Candle Barn. Day #7 – Lots of craft shops have marble

rollers, but you’ll find a nice variety and the highest quality at the Amish storefront known as Lapp’s Toys, where they make the wooden toys they sell.

Day #8 – You can find a hat for just about anyone on your list at the hard to describe Killer Hats.

Day #9

– Beer and wine are produced locally, so try Rumspringa Beer at the Lancaster Beer & Wine Gallery or enjoy a meal with your beer at Union Barrel Works.

Day #10 – For all things antique, head for Cackleberry Farms or Renninger’s Antique Malls.

Day

#11 – Amish romance novels continue their popularity, so check out the ads from various publishers in this issue and find the books in many local shops here.

Day #12

– You may not need to hire actors, but will surely enjoy relaxing at a dinner

So here is my revisionist Amish Country version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas” for you… On the sixth day of Christmas On the first day of Christmas my true love sent to me: my true love sent to me: Six scented candles. A shoo-fly pie with spicy cheddar cheese. On the seventh day of Christmas my true love sent to me: On the second day of Christmas Seven marble rollers. my true love sent to me: On the eighth day of Christmas Two wooden rockers. my true love sent to me: On the third day of Christmas Eight Killer Hats. my true love sent to me: On the ninth day of Christmas Three dolls with clothing. my true love sent to me: On the fourth day of Christmas Nine Rumspringa four-packs. my true love sent to me: On the tenth day of Christmas Four handmade quillows. my true love sent to me: On the fifth day of Christmas Ten antique earrings. my true love sent to me: On the eleventh day of Christmas Five chicken pies. my true love sent to me: Eleven romance novels. On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 actors singing.

theater after a long day of shopping. Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre, Bird-in-Hand Stage, and Mount Hope's Theatre in the Mansion offer great shows all year long… consider a gift certificate! As you browse through our pages, you’ll find many other shops offering a variety of items not mentioned in my “Twelve Days,” from model trains to knives, Alpaca sweaters to pretzels, and our many craft and thrift shops for the unexpected discovery. (You may not have known you were looking for it, but there it is!) In some cases,

items can even be ordered online, although that is not nearly as much fun as traversing Amish Country and shopping in person! The Happiest of Holidays to You All!

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 37

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40 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

Our Advertisers

An (S) after the name denotes Open Sunday. An * denotes a coupon offer.

ATTRACTIONS

*Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides (S)....................44 Aimee & Daria's Doll Outlet (S).......................... 28 *Amish Country Homestead (S)..................20, 33 *Amish Country Tours (S)...............................20, 33 *Amish Experience Theater (S)....................20, 33 Bird-in-Hand Stage.................................................. 19 Choo Choo Barn (S)..................................................9 Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (S)......................... 29 Dutch Haven (S)..........................................................3 Eastland Alpacas Farm & Store (S).................... 27 Hershey’s Chocolate World (S)........................... 22 Intercourse Pretzel Factory................................... 12 Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery................................. 18 Koziar's Christmas Village (S).............................. 32 Mount Hope's Dickens of a Christmas (S)...... 17 National Toy Train Museum (S).............................8 Strasburg Rail Road (S).............................................9 Turkey Hill Experience (S)..................................... 29

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall (S).................... 16 Country Creations.......................................................9 Country Gift & Thrift Shoppe................................ 34 Country Home Furniture....................................... 32 Country Housewares Store.................................. 31 Country Knives.......................................................... 13 Dolly Bodacious....................................................... 12 Dutchland Quilt Patch............................................ 11 Ephrata Re-Uzit Shop............................................. 34 Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture & Books.................... 34 Esh Handmade Quilts............................................ 11 Gish's Furniture & Amish Heirlooms ................ 28 Gordonville Bookstore........................................... 11

Drink in Vienna When Dining at Union Barrel Works

LET'S EAT

Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop....................................... 22 *Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord...................................................... 19 Blue Gate Farm & Bakery...................................... 28 Good 'N Plenty (S).................................................. 25 Huckleberry's at Fulton Steamboat Inn (S)..... 35 *Hershey Farm Restaurant & Inn (S)................. 10 *Intercourse Village Olde Mill Restaurant....... 12 Kauffman's Fruit Farm............................................ 23 Lancaster Beer & Wine Gallery (S)..................... 24 Manor Buffet (S)...................................................... 17 *Miller's Smorgasbord (S)..................................... 15 *Plain & Fancy Farm (S)......................................... 21 Revere Tavern (S)..................................................... 14 September Farm Cheese....................................... 27 Union Barrel Works (S).......................................... 41 Zook's Homemade Chicken Pies....................... 13

The newest star on UBW’s menu is none other than the special Double Barrel lager. UBW crafted it in the traditional Vienna style, which includes barrel-aging for over six months. This creates not only a wonderful deep lager, but adds subtle flavorings from the maturation process in the barrel, teasing out floral and deep vanilla essence from within the staves themselves.

*Country Inn of Lancaster (S).............................. 35 Eden Resort & Suites (S)....................................... 35 Flory's Cottages & Camping (S).......................... 35 Fulton Steamboat Inn (S)..................................... 35

Visit Union Barrel Works today to try a pint of Double Barrel. For GPS directions, use 6 N. Reamstown Road, Stevens, PA 17578. For hours call (717) 335-7837. www.unionbarrelworks.com

SHOPPING

Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market.............................. 25 Blue Ridge Furniture............................................... 30

(Continued from Page 35) while a large selection of wooden furniture is on display beside an impressive variety of upholstered choices. Sharing space is an extensive selection of books and other media. The easiest way to reach this store is to head north on Route 272 from Lancaster, taking State Street at the Y (use the Wendy’s as a landmark) and turn right into the parking lot of the store directly after taking State Street.

By Clinton Martin

nion Barrel Works has been an Amish Country News dining darling for years, going back to virtually day one of UBW’s existence. We’ve loved sharing the stories behind the fresh flavors with our readers. However, sometimes the delicious burgers, brats, and stews are outshone by some excellent, finely crafted small-batch beer.

LODGING

MCC Thrift Shops

J & B Quilts and Crafts...............................................8 *Jake's Country Trading Post (S)............................5 *Killer Hats (S).......................................................... 14 Lapp’s Quilts & Crafts.................................................9 Lapp's Toys................................................................. 23 *Not Just Baskets (S).............................................. 16 Old Candle Barn....................................................... 13 *Old Woodshed........................................................ 12 Renninger's Antique Market (S)......................... 27 Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland............................. 34 Riehl's Quilts & Crafts.............................................40 Sauder's Fabrics........................................................ 13 Sam's Man Cave....................................................... 29 Smucker's Quilts....................................................... 31 Unclaimed Freight (S)............................................ 26 Witmer Quilt Shop................................................... 31 Zook’s Fabric Store.................................................. 13

Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland At the

intersection of Route 23 and Shirk Road in New Holland is a very special thrift shop. This is quite possibly the largest thrift shop in the entire MCCsupporting network. Retail space alone accounts for 26,000 square feet of items on display, with the entire building occupying 40,000 square feet. Their year-round Christmas room is stuffed to the rafters during this festive time of the year, but plenty of furniture, clothing, crafts, gifts, decorations, small appliances, dishware, hardware, antiques, collectibles, etc. are available in the multi-floor storefront. Known for a bright,

clean atmosphere with friendly, helpful staff, this store offers shoppers a fine way to spend an afternoon in Amish Country. Throughout the store, references to the MCC projects being supported can be seen in posters, brochures, and other helpful literature. Over a year ago, the parking was expanded to include a side lot with 25 additional spaces. So why not enjoy a truly different shopping experience, one that not only helps you find unusual or unexpected gifts for friends and family, but also one that benefits the worthy humanitarian work of the MCC around the world.

AmishNews.com • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • Amish Country News • 41

Holiday 2014 Winter 2015 COVER STORY

Jake's Country Trading Post............................4

FEATURE ARTICLES

Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides......................7 Country Creations.........................................13 Country Home Furniture...............................22 Country Housewares Store............................28 Killer Hats...................................................27 Koziar's Christmas Village.............................15 MCC Thrift Shops........................................34 National Toy Train Museum...........................31 Old Candle Barn.............................................8 Old Woodshed.............................................23 Renninger's Antique Market..........................12 Theme - 12 Days of Christmas......................36 Union Barrel Works......................................41 Zook's Fabric Store.......................................10

REGULAR FEATURES

Brad Igou’s Amish Series..............................16 Country Home Furniture...............................32 Dutch Haven Lancaster Landmark...................3 Events Sampler............................................29 Plain & Fancy Farm.....................................21 Publisher’s Message ....................................42

AREA MAP & GUIDES

Advertiser Index ..........................................41 Amish Country Map.................................38-39 Bird-in-Hand ..........................................19-24 Intercourse..............................................11-13 Lititz............................................................18 Lodging .......................................................35 New Holland/Blue Ball.............................30-33 Paradise..................................................14-16 Strasburg..................................................8-10

PO Box 414 • Bird-in-Hand • PA 17505

(717) 768-8400, Ext. 218

AmishNews.com

Published by Dutchland Tours Inc. Brad Igou • Editor-in-Chief brad@amishnews.com Clinton Martin • Director: Sales & Marketing clinton@amishnews.com Caleb Bressler • Associate Editor Kirk Simpson • Graphic Designer

For Advertising Information Contact Clinton Martin (717) 768-8400 ext. 217 450,000 copies distributed annually by subscription, and at over 300 motels, information centers and businesses in PA Dutch Country. Copyright ©2014. All contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.

Publisher's Message

o say there is nothing quite like an Amish school Christmas program is not an exaggeration. Non-Amish friends rarely get invited to Amish functions, except perhaps for weddings or funerals, but even then the services are in German and the "Pennsylvania Dutch" dialect. So the school programs are unique in that they are in English, the second language of these children, or scholars as they are called. More than likely a carryover from the days when all rural American kids went to a one-room school, it is perhaps the only time Amish take to a stage to speak or perform, something traditionally deemed as too showy or prideful.

Christmas in a One-Room School by Brad Igou Lancaster Amish one-room schools tend to have two “performances” on the appointed day, the first more like a “dress rehearsal” before the main program in the afternoon. Last year my handmade invitation was for me to attend at either the 9:30 or 1:00 presentation on December 23rd. Some simple greens and a candle provided the Christmas flavor, along with a special bit of art on the blackboard showing a horse in a snowy farm scene. At the front of the school, on the raised platform across the front where one normally finds the teacher’s desk, were two areas hidden by sheets, so that the performance space or stage was in the middle. When the school bell rang, the room fell silent and the program began with all the students, 25 in all, standing in four rows (boys with hands in pockets) singing some Christmas carols. The style of singing is unusual to non-Amish ears. It has a little of the flavor of Amish church hymns, but not at the slow speed at which they are sung. And since melodies are passed down from generation to generation, the tunes are just a little different. You never know when a phrase will suddenly go in a slightly different direction for a few notes before coming back to the more familiar. The singing seems

42 • Amish Country News • Holiday 2014 / Winter 2015 • AmishNews.com

somewhat strident to our ears, high pitched and nasal, with the end of each “line” often cut off abruptly, again perhaps an influence of Amish church singing. Especially for the younger scholars, it is quite intimidating to take the stage alone to recite a poem, and it is clearly a relief to get through it successfully. The concept of eye contact with the audience (seriously missing) probably would only heighten the level of nervousness. One poem, “The Pebble,” was about the ripple effects our actions can have. The intriguingly named “POOF” presented three boys holding balloons, each with a word on it. The short poem about pride and boastfulness concluded when another student walked by bursting each balloon with a pin, the message being that those who are prideful on the outside are often empty or hollow on the inside. “Ten Little Candles” was a presentation with ten students entering holding a candle, and each talking about something they did that snuffed out the flame. By the end, all the candles had been blown out but one, and this boy talked about doing good as he proceeded to light all ten candles again, with the students concluding by singing “This Little Light of Mine.” After several more recitations we came to another humorous skit titled “It’s the Fashion," a lesson about the pitfalls of “keeping up with the Stoltzfuses.” At the end, all the students returned to the stage for more singing, including “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night,” the latter with an invitation for all to join in. Thus concluded the program, with the students scurrying offstage to a brief round of applause (no stage bows or encores here). Since the Amish neither record the sounds nor the sights, these are performances to be seen and remembered, and then “to disappear,” residing only in the hearts and minds of the performers and audience. Each program is different, as is the case at any school around the world, with each being a reflection of the students, teachers, and values of the community, perhaps never more so than at this Amish school. I consider myself fortunate for receiving the invitation and grateful to have witnessed and been part of an intimate and rarely seen Amish Christmas celebration. Here's hoping that there is much sentiment and tradition in your Holiday festivities, creating your own joyful memories with family and friends.

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Ride through our covered bridge!

PRIVATE AMISH ROAD Real Family Carriages Bring the whole family!

www.amishbuggyrides.com

Tours & Pricing “The Cookie Run” Adults $10 Child $5 A 3 Plus Mile Ride Thru an Amish Farm, with a Brief Stop for Optional Drinks and Cookies. Feel the Country. (20-25 minutes)

Visit a real Amish farm. Get off the buggy and see the cows and Clydesdale-type work horses.

We Absolutely Offer You More! Visit us first! Here’s what you can see!

• Amish Schools • Quilt Shops • Harness Shop

• Amish Farm Stands • Amish Buggy Factory • Amish Hat Shop

• Furniture Shops • Amish Shoe Store

Free Parking...Lots of It!

THIS MONTH ONLY!

Located in the country at:

Plain & Fancy Farm midway between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse

3121 Old Philadelphia Pike Ronks PA 17572 ADULT FARES ONLY. Coupon must be given at time of ride & can't be combined with any other offer. All riders must take the same tour. Expires 3/31/15

717-768-8828

Ask about our longer rides!

“Amish Town Tour” Adults $14

Child $6

A 4 Mile Tour Passing Several Amish Businesses in Our Community; and an All Amish Farm Area. Experience Real Amish Life. (30-35 Minutes)

“Amish Farm Tour” Adults $21

Child $11

Visit a Real Amish Farm. Tour the Barn. See the Cows and Big Clydesdale-type Work Horses. America the Way It Used to Be. (50-60 minutes) Our Customer Preferred Ride!

Come See Us and Ask About Our Longest Tour...

“The AMISH JOURNEY RIDE” Tour a Real Working Amish Farm, an Amish Quilts and Crafts Store, and Learn About Amish Life Riding Through the Countryside. (1-3/4 hours)

Private Rides & Gift Certificates Available! Makes a Great Family Gift! Email us for details:

amishbuggyrides@gmail.com

Winter Hours: Open 7 Days a Week 10am-4pm (Weather Permitting) Child Rate is 12 yrs. and Under / UNDER 3 is Free!