Amish Country News Spring 2014 by Amish Country News

New From New York Times Bestselling Author

BEVERLY LEWIS Of her Old Order parents’ five daughters, Tessie Miller is the last to marry. She has her heart set on Amishman Marcus King, but Tessie’s father opposes the match. Impetuously, Tessie and Marcus elope to the English world, then return to Hickory Hollow to live as singles, trusting they’ll convince the Millers to give their love a chance over time. But when the unthinkable happens, Tessie faces the almostcertain censure of the People. Will she find a reason for hope in spite of her desperate plight? The Last Bride by Beverly Lewis Home to Hickory Hollow

On Sale

april 1, 2014

Find Beverly on Facebook Visit beverlylewis.com to learn more and watch the book trailer!

The Leader in Amish Fiction A Division of Baker Publishing Group • bethanyhouse.com Available at your bookstore or by calling 1-866-241-6733

www.bethanyhouse.com Available at your local bookstore or by calling 1-866-241-6733.

DUTCH HAVEN W 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.”

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.

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AMISH COUNTRY LANDMARK

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!

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

Souvenirs

corner cupboards, pie safes, chests, and shelves. 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 • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 3

mish romance novels: you’ve seen them in spinner racks along the Pennsylvania Turnpike, in restaurant lobbies, and at Wal-Mart. In 2012 and 2013, a new Amish romance novel appeared on the market about every four days. Sixty more were published in 2012 than in 2009, and eightyfour more than in 2002. And these are conservative numbers. They don’t include self-published novels, of which there have been a massive outpouring in just the last two years. They don’t include Amish mysteries without a romance element. Those numbers don’t include young adult Amish novels, or Mennonite or Puritan novels, or Amish novels without an inspirational or devotional theme. As a subgenre of inspirational Christian fiction, Amish romance novels’ commercial success has garnered the attention of The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Time, USA Today, Slate, Salon, Bloomberg Businessweek, and ABC’s “Nightline.” Journalists sometimes call the novels “bonnet rippers,” a coy takeoff from the “bodice ripper” of Harlequin fame. Amish novels are now migrating in several directions. There are Amish suspense novels, and Amish cozy mysteries, and Amish Wild West novels. If you’re interested in paranormal fiction, you’re in luck: there are Amish-angel novels and Amish vampire novels. And we now have intergalactic Amish vampires, with the publication of Amish Vampires in Space by Kerry Nietz. And those are just the Christian novels. Amish fiction is filtering out beyond the Christian market into the general inspirational fiction market and beyond. Danielle Steel, that maven of romance fiction who has sold 60 million books and whose name you know even if you haven’t read any of her books, has set one of her new novels, Until the End of Time, partially in Amish Country. There is now LGBT Amish fiction, and Amish murder fiction, and Amish erotica. And we haven’t even mentioned Amish reality TV like Breaking Amish and Amish Mafia, which are a different medium but, it must be said, contain many of the elements of fiction. Most Amish romance novels adhere to the conventions of Christian fiction, which means

that the romances are chaste, the dialogue is profanity-free, and the protagonist is drawn closer to God. But the interest in fictional portrayals of the Amish has expanded well beyond the fences of Christian fiction.

out how this renaissance of interest in the Amish via fiction compares to other demonstrations of our fascination with the Amish. Mostly, however, in order to find the answer to my question about why Amish novels are popular, I went straight to the source: the loyal readers of the novels. I spent a lot of time interviewing readers of Amish fiction to find out why they are so drawn to the novels, why they keep buying them and checking them out from their church libraries and passing them around to their aunts and daughters and women in their Bible study group. I should add here that men read Amish novels as well, and an increasing number of male authors are entering the Amish fiction field. But the bulk of the readership remains white evangelical Christian women. While readers articulated many different reasons that they love Amish fiction—good storylines, characters they care about, the rural setting, the faith development of the main character—they kept returning to two characteristics of the fiction. Readers told me that they love Amish fiction because of its depiction of the “slow, simple life,” and because the novels are “clean reads.”

So why has this Anabaptist sect, which has no organized public relations department and not even a coordinated evangelism strategy, risen to such prominence? How has it come to pass that a people who represent less than one-tenth of one percent of the U.S. population have become the superstars of an entire genre of literature? As I researched my book, Thrill of the Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels, I spoke with many authors, publishers, marketers, and booksellers of Amish romance novels. I studied literary theory, and the rise of Christian fiction, and the history of Amish fiction, and the strategies that the publishing industry uses to bring books more swiftly and more efficiently to readers. I talked to Amish people to get a sense of what they think about this fiction that has sprouted up around them, and I spoke with scholars of Amish life to find

Thrill of the Chaste: Amish Romance Novels by Valerie Weaver-Zercher

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Whether Amish people feel like their lives are “simple” and “slow” is open for debate. (One Amish man with six sons, a wife, a fulltime job, and a market stand laughed when I told him of this appeal of the “slow and simple” nature of his life). But that’s beside the point. The perception that Amish life moves a few gears slower than ours do is all that is necessary. Many readers told me that they liked how Amish fiction carried them to a slower, simpler place for a few hours of freedom from the dings of their iPhones and the demands of their overscheduled kids. “A lot of young moms read Amish fiction,” one literary agent told me. “They might be single. They’re catching a bus in the city to get to work. Their lives are crazy. They get home from work, they have to get their son to soccer, their daughter to ballet, cook dinner, do the laundry. But they can sit down on a Sunday and read an Amish fiction book—go back in time, and slow their lives right down.”

In a twerking-and-foam-finger kind of world, Amish fiction gains even more appeal than it would otherwise. Several readers who are also mothers told me that they like that they can let their Amish books lie around the house without worrying that one of their kids might pick them up, and they like that they can share their Amish novels with their daughters. Many readers of Amish fiction expressed appreciation that they could know from the outset that Amish novels would not offend their sexual ethics. The romance contained in most Amish novels is of the hugging and kissing variety, if that. The protagonists, on the whole, remain virgins until they are married, and even marital intercourse is never narrated. And the human romance is almost always accompanied by a devotional narrative: the protagonist’s journey toward God.

For many readers, the emphasis on slower, family oriented days harkens back to an earlier time. “It kind of reminds me of when I was a kid,” one reader named Karen told me. “Our life was much simpler. It’s like Amish fiction is like we used to live and we’ve kind of marched on and left all that behind. So it’s kind of nice to go back.” While they didn’t use this term, Karen and the literary agent describe the same reality that a theorist named Gilles Lipovetsky described when he used the term hypermodernity to describe contemporary life. Hypermodernity, Lipovetsky suggests, is “the frenzied escalation of ‘more, always more’ [that] has now infiltrated every sphere of collective life.” This hypermodern context is characterized by the high speed of technological change, information transfer, consumption, social change, individualism, and global capitalism. Many people sense that the pace of daily life has accelerated since they were growing up. Reading Amish fiction becomes a short vacation, of sorts, from hypermodernity. The other thing I heard over and over from readers is that they appreciate Amish novels because they are “clean reads:” that is, fiction that is absent the sexualized content that permeates much of popular culture. Sociologist Kenneth Kammeyer uses the term hypersexual to describe a situation in which “sexual discourse, erotica, and pornography are present in almost all aspects of society.” Other observers have used terms like pornified, raunch, and striptease to characterize twenty-first-century culture. From Beyonce’s Superbowl Halftime Show in 2013 to Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke’s performance at the MTV Video Music Awards, to the pushup bras and thongs marketed to elementary-school-aged girls, sex permeates popular culture to an extent that baffles and bothers many people, whether they consider themselves evangelical Christians or not. And for evangelicals, who have long valued sexual fidelity and modesty and chastity, living in twenty-first-century America can mean walking around with one’s eyes averted.

“I often feel God’s presence in one way or the other when I am reading Amish Fiction novels,” one fan posted on the Amish Living website. “After reading these novels, I came to fully realize that I am craving an even deeper and closer relationship with the Lord my Savior, just plain and simple.” So when you consider the hypermodern, hypersexualized world in which most of us who are non-Amish live, the appeal of the novels becomes clear. Interestingly enough, however, there is also a substantial readership among the Amish. No one knows how many Amish people are reading Amish fiction, and many Amish people with whom I spoke looked askance at the whole phenomenon. Some are amused by it, some are offended by the way the books portray their faith and package their lives, and others just can’t figure out why anyone thinks their people are interesting enough to write a novel about. Although we don’t know how many Amish people are reading Amish fiction, anecdotal evidence suggests that some are. The bookmobile in Holmes County, Ohio, keeps a plentiful stock of Amish romance novels, and the librarian told me that they are checked out at a brisk rate; ninety-five percent of the bookmobile’s patrons

are Amish. My friend Karen, who supplies several of her Amish friends with Beverly Lewis and Wanda Brunstetter novels, said that they sometimes tease each other for not being able to put the books down. Her friend Lydia was sleepy when Karen visited one morning because she had stayed up too late the night before reading an Amish novel. “I can’t stop reading them,” one Amish woman told a Wall Street Journal reporter; “I usually better not start in the morning because then I sit around too long.” Having studied Amish romance novels over the past four years, I have often fielded the question: when are you going to write an Amish novel? I have no plans to write one, but I recently began an editorial position with the Mennonite publisher Herald Press. And what was the first project that came across my desk for editing? You guessed it: an Amish novel. This novel does not include Amish vampires in space, however. It’s a novel with which I’m proud to be associated. Jacob’s Choice by Ervin R. Stutzman, the first book in the Return to Northkill trilogy, is historical fiction set in eighteenth-century Pennsylvania. It tells the story of the Amish Hochstetler family, who were attacked by Native Americans provoked to hostility by the French and Indian War. The protagonist, Jacob Hochstetler, makes a difficult choice in the face of the attack, and one that leads him and several of his family members into captivity. Many Amish and SwissGerman Mennonites—including me—count Jacob among our ancestors, and we have heard the story as it has been passed down through the generations. Now this beloved story, complete with a dramatic escape and a second chance at love, and told with careful attention to historical accuracy, is available to those who have never heard it before. No one knows how long Amish fiction will be as popular as it is now, and whether it’s a passing fad or a subgenre that is here to stay. Amish fiction likely benefited from the economic recession, providing an Amish vacation, of sorts, for $8.99 or less. And judging from the number of novels lining the shelves at the tourist destinations along Lancaster County’s Route 30 and Route 340, it’s not going away anytime soon. Valerie Weaver-Zercher is author of Thrill of the Chaste: The Allure of Amish Romance Novels (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2013). She is managing editor of trade books for Herald Press, the publisher of Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada. Editor’s Note: Bird-in-Hand’s Amish Experience Theater production of the critically acclaimed “Jacob’s Choice” is a fictional story of a contemporary Amish family and not associated with the book of the same title mentioned in this article.

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 5

Quilt Designs In Print

uilt Designs from Amish Country are a unique combination of color and shapes like none other. This led Pennsylvania Dutch Artist G. Robert Wagner to design and print the Amish Quilt Collection, Silver Star Amish Quilt, and Amish Country Choppers. (See picture in ad on this page, or visit online at www.AuthenticLancaster.com, or at the exhibit in center city at Lancaster Square inside the Downtown Visitor’s Center Gallery.) The items pictured in the ad are available for sale at local shops and galleries. If you are visiting Amish Country, wouldn’t it be nice to take home something Authentic from the area? Look for the “Authentic Lancaster” label to be sure!

3000 The number of pounds a horse at Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides can pull!

6 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

From NY Times Bestselling Author

. Wanda Brunstetter

A Quaker Woman

Dares the Unkno wn

to Be a Missionary

Amanda Pearson leaves the disgrace of a broken engagement and enters the work of a Quaker mission in the western wilds. The three-thousand-mile trip is fraught with danger, and Amanda is near death before reaching her destination. Will those she meets help her reach the Nez Percé mission station?

Available Wherever Books Are Sold in Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook Coming April 1st!

www.WandaBrunstetter.com

AN IMPRINT OF BARBOUR PUBLISHING

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 7

Welcome to New Holland • Blue Ball

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RD.

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Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland

MAIN STREET Witmer’s Quilt Shop

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To Ephrata 322

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S. GROFFDALE RD.

N. GROFFDALE RD.

LEOLA

NEW HOLLAND

RAILROAD AVE.

Smucker’s Quilts

Flower and Home Marketplace

BLUE BALL

Country Home Blue Furniture Ridge Furniture

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.

8 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

HOPEFUL – A Review by Shannon Bishop

helley Shepard Gray’s new novel HOPEFUL is one where women from many cultures can find similarities to their own lives. It is the first novel in the series “Return to Sugarcreek.” The author writes the story in a way that depicts women in difficult situations who just happen to be Amish. This novel has a main character, Miriam Zehr, who has her own set of worries, yet there are also three different women’s stories evolving simultaneously. You find yourself turning pages hoping to know more about Miriam, but then being caught up by another twist of the plot. It is definitely a book that is hard to put down.

before she has ever even had a date. At age 25, an Amish girl may find it more difficult to find a husband, and she knows this. She has sat quietly by and watched her siblings and friends court (date), get married and have babies. However, Miriam has always been a wallflower. Many young ladies have insecurities over their physical appearance. Has anyone not felt invisible, at some time, to the person that they most wanted to get to know? How many of us struggled in our schooling and Continued on Page 10

One little known fact about Amish parents of young girls is that they begin hope chests when their daughters are infants, putting quilts, tablecloths and other handmade items in them for when their daughter marries. Unfortunately for Miriam, her courting days seem to be over

1840

The birthdate of the oldest toy train at the National Toy Train Museum.

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 9

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.

Visit us online at www.AmishNews.com

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.

HOPEFUL

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.

(Continued from Page 9)

felt inadequate? How many of us have been in bad relationships, or known someone who is? These are the situations that the characters in this story try to navigate. And although you probably can guess the outcome for the main character, seeing her grow through her heartache makes you want to cheer for her even more. Miriam is such a remarkable young lady because she is so much like you and me.

The Amish proverb that is at the beginning of the story says, “It is far better to be the right person than to find the right person.” Shelly nails it with this story. I can’t wait to find out more about all of these women in the next book in the series! HOPEFUL is available anywhere books are sold, and can be purchased locally at the Gordonville Bookstore. Call (717) 768-3512 for more information.

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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)

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AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 11

“Gifts That Make A Difference”

t’s a real joy for us at Amish Country News that our Spring Issue should shine a light on the valuable work quietly going on under the radar throughout Amish Country under the auspices of supporting the locally headquartered Mennonite Central Committee. The MCC (as it is fondly known) may call Amish Country its home base, but the humanitarian causes it supports reach out to every corner of the Globe. To learn more about the MCC and its current projects, visit www.mcc.org. 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 MCC’s annual budget comes from a most unexpected source, a network of Thrift Shops throughout the US and Canada. The largest concentration of MCCsupporting shops is in PA (19 shops) and the

by Clinton Martin

largest concentration in PA is, of course, right here in Amish Country (five and counting.) Each of these shops is independently operated, but shares a common goal of using the profits generated to support the MCC. In most cases, each shop will only have four or five paid staff people, relying 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. Putting your shopping genes to work to benefit worldwide humanitarian missions, while scoring some real bargains on unique, useful, and interesting merchandise is a pleasure any time of the year, but it seems even greater during these “spring cleaning” days when all we’d like to do

12 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

After the Devastating Earthquake In Haiti, MCC Was Quick To Respond Thanks In Part To Funds From The Thrift Shop Network is open the windows and let some fresh air in. So, gather your retail wits, bring a friend, and shop Amish Country’s exceptionally unique concept, the Thrift Shop network. A shop-by-shop guide is our pleasure to provide to you. Please note that all of these shops are open Monday-Saturday, and are closed Sundays.

Country Gift & Thrift • (717) 768-3784 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 visitors come to see… 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 hand-sewn on-site by Amish &

On the Cover...

Emma – A Will to Surrender A True Story of Determination, Adversity, Grace, and Faith by Clinton Martin

ometimes the truth, plain and simple, can be as riveting and thought-provoking as anything to which the imagination of a scribe can aspire. Such is the case with the new book from Vision Publishers. EMMA---A WILL TO SURRENDER. Emma Hurst’s life story is a true account of a woman whose spiritual belief and physical strength were pressured at every turn by a life full of affliction.

Mennonite volunteers. There is no set schedule to the quilting, the 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. Beyond the quilts, the store is stocked with a constantly changing selection of quality used men, women and children's clothing, shoes, books, housewares, linens, and vintage. The new Shabby Chic area is really cool. Shop their spring fashions. Half-price and 50 cent items everyday. You can "Like" them on Facebook.

and sectionals are available at fantastic prices, while a large selection of wooden furniture like hutches, dining room sets, and desks and end tables are on display beside an impressive variety of upholstered choices. Sharing space in this store is also 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 turning onto State Street.

Ephrata Re-Uzit Clothing & Housewares • (717) 733-4982

Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland • (717) 354-8355

The small-town of Ephrata embodies the best of downtown Amish Country. There is plenty to do in this venerated borough, including some excellent thrift shop bargain-browsing. The Ephrata Re-Uzit shop is located right beside the old train station, now the town’s visitor 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.

Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture & Books • (717) 733-4934 Also on State Street at the south edge of Ephrata is a furniture and book warehouse not to be missed. Luxurious used leather couches

At the intersection of Route 23 and Shirk Road in New Holland is a very special thrift shop. It started in 1976 and was the first MCC Thrift Shop in Lancaster County. 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. There is plenty of furniture, clothing, crafts, gifts, decorations, small appliances, dishware, hardware, antiques, collectibles, etc. available in this multi-floor storefront. Known for a bright, clean atmosphere with friendly, helpful staff, this Re-Uzit offers shoppers a fine way to spend an afternoon in Amish Country. Throughout the store, references to the MCC projects they are supporting can be seen in posters, brochures, and other helpful literature.

Her story has been told, not because she was known for giving up or giving in easily; instead readers will see how her faith developed and her belief grew in God and His plan to shape her into a woman with a sole desire to yield completely to Him. Follow this fascinating journey as Emma experiences life as a Mennonite farm girl, factory seamstress, college student, public schoolteacher, wife, and widow. Readers will be amazed at how Emma faced epilepsy, death of loved ones, incarceration, cancer, and the challenges of a long singlehood followed by those of marriage. They will also enjoy discovering how God patiently guided, protected, and cared for her. Vision Publishers carries many titles that have a New Testament/Anabaptist perspective. This is by design. Vision Publishers was founded fourteen years ago as a faith-based company with a mission of sharing Biblical themes with their readership. As owner and publisher H. Eldwin Campbell explains, “We believe the answers for troubled hearts in today’s uncertain world are found in the New Testament. We know from personal experience that when this message is received, there is inner liberation from fear that cannot be fully expressed. The inner peace we experience is indescribable. It is our prayer that the books we offer will be instructive in the ways of God and will minister to the needs of many.” To order visit www.vision-publishers.com or call 877-488-0901.

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 13

Down Memory Lane with Aaron & Jessica's...

Ed, Elmer, Mable and All the Gang by Brad Igou

grew up watching those classic TV shows in black-and- white. As a little boy I especially liked “Mister Ed.” If you have watched “Ed”, you probably can’t get that darn theme song out of your head. Join with me now… “A horse is a horse, of course, of course, And no one can talk to a horse, of course, That is, of course, unless the horse Is the famous Mister Ed.”

(I don’t know why I remember that, but not my ATM pin number!) Like many, I wondered how they got Ed to talk, and I’ve read stories that range from peanut butter to a wire in his mouth. Yikes, hope not! Growing up in Amish Country, I saw lots of horses, both of the carriage variety and the work horses out in the fields. Most are truly magnificent animals, with their own personalities. As a boy, and not unlike many visitors today, I wanted to take a buggy ride. My parents eventually gave in and one day we went to the Strasburg Rail Road. This was many years ago, and at that time on Sundays a few Amish boys would show up along Route 741 beside the train track in their open carriages (courting buggies). Most were there following church services, so each one looked quite sharp in his white shirt, black vest and pants, and felt hat. I suppose back then it was a somewhat “acceptable” way to earn a little extra cash, but you don’t see this activity going on any more today. Anyway, that’s when I experienced my first “buggy ride.” I have since been in carriages on various trips with Amish friends. During the three months I lived on an Amish farm, we had an especially memorable ride on the way to church one Sunday morning. I was now an added person crammed into the carriage with the parents and their three children. Everything was fine until we got to a rather steep hill. The horse basically put his

foot (or should I say feet) down halfway up the hill. So the father and I got out to lighten the load, and gave the horse some added help by pushing the buggy from behind. On another occasion, we were filling a silo and, since my Amish host needed to stay behind for a bit, asked if I would drive the “team” home. The “team” in this case consisted of two horses, Elmer and Mabel. They usually worked well together, except for that one time they took off on their own and stampeded all the way across the field to the barn. But I digress. I had no experience with horses, much less driving the two of them standing on that big, flatbed wooden work wagon with its four steel wheels. But Jake said the horses knew their way home, so my job was basically to pull back on them so they didn’t go racing too fast down the road. Soon there I was at the front of the wagon, with nothing to hold onto except the reins, and off we went. It wasn’t long before I imagined myself in the chariot race from BEN-HUR as we bumped along with those steel wheels hitting the macadam. We bounced enough that my feet were not always on the bed of the wagon. But Elmer and Mabel did as expected, and got me back to the barn in one piece. For a city kid, it was really quite exhilarating. Luckily, getting to experience Amish Country the way the Amish do is much easier today. Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides will make sure of that. And they are easy to get to at Plain & Fancy Farm on Route 340, where you'll also find the Amish Experience, smack dab between the villages of Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse. As you approach, you’ll come upon a small wooden covered bridge where you’ll see the horses hitched to buggies and spring wagons; and usually visitors close by, expectantly waiting for their ride in the shaded picnic area.

There are seven routes and a few tours to choose from of different lengths, and each one offers something special. The most popular by far is the one hour Farm Tour - where you are taken to a private Amish farm and get to see how they milk cows without electricity. You’ll see the big draft horses and other animals too. I like the fact that the drivers all grew up here, and they enjoy sharing stories of their Amish or Mennonite families. And if you have a large family that wants to ride together, don’t worry! They have spring wagons large enough to keep you all together. Most recently, I went on the “Cookie Run,” which lasts about 25 minutes or so. Aaron & Jessica’s is completely surrounded by Amish farms, so as soon as we left the parking area, we really began to enjoy the scenery. Our Amish driver was fun to talk to, but sometimes it was also pleasant just to hear the sounds of nature and the clip-clopping of the horse’s hooves. We soon turned down a private road that went through one of the orchards belonging to the Kauffman (Kauffman’s Apple Butter) family. As we came into a clearing, we discovered we were actually on an Amish farm. We drove up to a little lemonade stand between the barn and house where, without having to leave our seats, we could buy some drinks and cookies, thus giving the tour its name. Eventually we came back to Route 340, riding in our own special “buggy lane” just for the Amish. You get a very different view of speed, riding in your own lane next to cars zooming by. But we felt quite safe with our experienced driver and the horse was totally unconcerned. He was probably happy to be heading back to the barn, just like Elmer and Mabel had been with me those many years ago. Meet your own memory making horse at Aaron & Jessica's. Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides is open seven days a week, from about 10am to 5pm until Spring; then when the days get warmer and longer, they start earlier and stay open later. But time is always made for the horses to have breakfast before getting harnessed up! For information, call 717.768.8828.

Welcome to Intercourse PA INTERCOURSE Dutchland Quilt Patch

772

To Country Knives

Zook’s Old Fabrics Candle Store Barn

340

Esh Handmade Quilts

Intercourse Pretzel

HARVEST DRIVE

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

QUEEN RD.

CENTER ST.

340

Best Western Intercourse Village Inn

OLD PHILA. PIKE

Factory

772

To Gap

30 41

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. 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.

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2 LOCATIONS Village of Dutch Delights

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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

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 15

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COUNTRY KNIVES Over 8000 Items of Fine Cutlery on Display!

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717-768-3818 Hours: Monday - Saturday 9-5

www.countryknives.com 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 seats.” When the stagecoach driver knew of passengers beforehand, their comfort on cold days was added to with the placement of hot bricks heated in the oven, and wrapped in newspaper to preserve their warmth.

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. While “many of the Amish residents of the area were eager to see the line started, they did not want to invest in stock of the Company. Instead they bought books of tickets which were really prepaid bus fares.” Enough

16 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

money was raised to buy a Mack Auto Bus for $6,800. It held 25 passengers and even had solid rubber tires! 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.

The Amish View Grand King Room

Tons of coal used by the Strasburg Rail Road in one year.

Take home a “Quillow”, a pillow that unfolds to a quilt! ONLY $42.00 Makes a super gift!

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221 South Groffdale Rd. Leola, PA 17540 Proprietors: Chris & Katie Stoltzfus

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mishView Inn & Suites’ location, services, and loyal, valued guests have provided them with the opportunity to build an addition onto their hotel. An enclosed “bridge” connects the existing hotel to the new, five story building, filled with large, 546 square foot, luxurious “Grand King” rooms.   The sleeping and sitting areas feature a ten-footwide, farm-facing window, 60” high definition television, custom designed furniture, bedding, artwork, mirrors, carpeting and draperies, hand-crafted wallpaper, upgraded, concealed kitchenettes, pillow topped King mattress, and much, much more.   The large, luxurious bathroom is appointed with soft mood lighting, premium fixtures and surfaces, oversized shower, private water-closet, lighted makeup mirror, Tarocco line of shampoo & soaps, and the Victoria & Albert claw foot tub.  And, with the recent Great Room renovation, their complimentary hot country breakfast is now even bigger and better. Get the whole story at www.AmishViewInn.com.

Sauder’s Fabrics

681 South Muddy Creek Rd. Denver, PA 17517

(717) 336-2664 Mon, Tues, Thurs 8-8, Wed, Fri, & Sat 8-5

18 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

A Real VIP Experience...

Rare Opportunity for Personal Visits With Amish

by Brad Igou

isitors here often seek out meaningful personal contact with the Amish, an experience many hope for, but invariably are unable to realize. Most don’t get beyond a brief encounter at a roadside stand or restaurant where Amish may be working. The folks at the Amish Experience wanted to create a tour that responded to the most repeated visitor requests… Can we see cows being milked? Can we visit an Amish business? Can we talk to an Amish family? Thus came about an exclusive, extraordinary opportunity to meet and personally visit with Amish in an intimate setting. Appropriately called the VIP, or Visit-In-Person tour, this adventure is limited to 14 people to provide maximum personal contact with the Amish on the farm, at work, and at home. The tour begins with a stop at a dairy farm at milking time. Guests are often surprised to learn that the Amish do not milk cows by hand and are fascinated to discover how milk is kept cold in the bulk tank with "Amish electricity."

Goin’ courtin’ has never been so much rip-roarin’ fun!

Next is a stop at an Amish business after hours, which this year might be a carriage maker, goat cheese artisan, soap-maker, a canning kitchen, a wooden toy maker or the like. A demonstration or personal tour of the business takes visitors behind-the-scenes and reveals how these entrepreneurs achieve an important balance between work and family. The simplest stop, and often the most memorable, is a visit with an Amish family or couple right in their home, although on warm summer nights a group might be invited to sit outside. In the beginning, conversation may be hesitant, but soon strangers become friends sitting, chatting, and visiting the way the Amish do, talking informally without TVs, iPhones, computers or other distractions. So popular is the VIP Tour that many visitors have taken the tour multiple times to meet

MARCH 27 - MAY 11

the different Amish participating in the tour. Excursions are Monday through Saturday, April 4 through November, always departing at 5:00 pm from the Amish Experience Theater at Plain and Fancy Farm, RT 340 between Bird-in-Hand and Intercourse. For a limited time, purchasers of the VIP tour will receive a voucher for a free buggy ride at Aaron & Jessica’s, nearby on the Plain & Fancy property.

Advance VIP ticket purchase is strongly recommended either at the tour office, by calling 717-768-8400, ext.210, or online at AmishExperience.com.

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 19

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

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

Rainbow Cackleberry Dinner Theatre Farm Antique Mall

Strasburg Rd.

741

S. Vintage Rd.

Historic Revere Tavern

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!

Jake’s Promises Rustic Elegance in Paradise by Caleb Bressler

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 Eliza

(717) 687-8602 20 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

ustic picture frames stand at the back wall. A statue of a Native American looks on nearby. Shelves holding wine racks, sports memorabilia, and window valances promise gifts and fun for the foodie, the sports fanatic, or the decorator. This is Jake’s Country Trading Post, where rustic elegance is the theme for over 12,000 square feet of appealing merchandise. The air is spiced with the smell of scented candles, which blends nicely with the store's calming atmosphere. Indeed, the earthy colors and country accessories create a warm atmosphere of comfortable familiarity. Jake’s is a great place for gifts --- wooden plaques to adorn the home, mugs with sport teams' insignias, and clocks emblazoned with pictures. For candle connoisseurs, candles which look deceptively like pies make a surprising gift. For the more practical, Jake’s offers comforters and lamps, each complimenting the surrounding understated elegance. Easily accessible, Jake’s is located right on RT 30 at 2954 Lincoln Highway East in Paradise. We call Jake's, “America’s Favorite Country Store.” Stop by to see for yourself. Call 717.687.8980 for store hours.

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

Jake's Home Accents

(717) 687-8980 • www.jakesctp.com

On Route 30 in Paradise • 2954 Lincoln Highway East

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall Special to Amish Country News

ooking for an experience, not just another antique mall? Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall is home to 26,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles, items such as furniture, glassware, sterling silver, advertising, jewelry, toys and much more displayed by over 125 dealers. For the nostalgic shopper, housed inside the antique mall is an Old Time General Store, full of vintage barber shop, ice cream parlor, hardware and drugstore memorabilia which will take you back to the Mom & Pop stores of years ago. Not Just Baskets, located next door to the Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall, carries a huge selection of

baskets, quilts, luxury gifts and everyday items to choose from. You can fill a basket with any assortment of treats from pottery to spice mixes, quilts to candles, cookbooks

Only Minutes Away From Everything Amish Country Has To Offer! to spa items – and have it all wrapped up in cellophane in a beautiful basket for a perfect gift. Or gather pet treats, dip and spice mixes and PA Dutch candies for your family, friends – even yourself.

Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall is located at 3371 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, on Route 30, only minutes away from everywhere and everything Amish Country has to offer.

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 7/31/14.) 22 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

• Serving Breakfast All Day • Senior Citizen Meals Include Free Dessert • Open at 6am • We have Wi-Fi • All items available for take-out.

Enjoy Homemade Delicious Food EVERY DAY! Tuesday

AYCE Chicken & Waffles

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Lunch Special 1/2 Sandwich + Bowl of Soup

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5267 Lincoln Hwy • Gap, PA 17527

717-442-7995

Next to County Line Medical Center

ACN2014

Monday

Serving Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

www.4brothersdiner.com

“Fans of Amish fiction will love the Seasons of the Heart series.”

—Marta Perry

As spring brings a fresh start to Willow Ridge, Annie Mae will find how God works impossible miracles—and how love makes all things new.

Don’t miss the Seasons of the Heart series!

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Visit facebook.com/ kensingtonpublishing and click on Book Extras! to begin reading and enter to win copies of the series for you and a friend! Don’t wait—contest ends 5/31/14.

On Sale 4.29.14

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 23

Living with the Amish Part One in a Series... Over 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. What Does It Mean To Be Amish?

ne night I was visiting an Amish friend. We were talking about the different impressions people have about the Amish--who they are and how they live. Popular books written by people who are not Amish attempt to portray the Amish way of life, and to also explain the meaning behind Amish beliefs and practices. And so I asked the elderly gentleman whom I knew very well to answer a not so simple question --- “What does it mean to be Amish?” He reacted, as any of us might, when asked unexpectedly to summarize our lifestyle or beliefs in a few words, without much time to think about it. My friend sighed, pondered, started to speak, and soon stopped. I finally said to simply say the first word that popped into his head. The first thought that came to him was “security.” As we explored this word, it was apparent that it was not meant in the sense of safety. He described it as close-knit brotherhood and support. This is manifested in many ways, from the older people being cared for and valued by the younger, to the frequent visiting of others, to the family’s eating meals together daily, not to mention church services in homes and perhaps the most visible example of community sharing--the barn-raising. Now that he had gotten started, several more ideas came to mind. He spoke of the slower pace of life, and a more relaxed way of living. He noted that one’s attitude toward work is important. Although the Amish may work harder physically than other people, they still have a slower pace of life. But, he noted that since today’s farmland is becoming more expensive and scarce due to commercial development, fewer Amish are able to pursue farming as

by Brad Igou

their livelihood. He wondered out loud how the development of shops and small businesses will affect Amish culture. These non-agricultural “micro-enterprises” are now studied as economic “models,” to be emulated by non-Amish in other rural areas. But some Amish wonder if such home businesses will succeed among the nonAmish if the family and work ethic are not there to start with. My friend had obviously considered what the impact of fewer farmers and more “Amish businessmen” might be, especially if Amish become “too well off." Could it be that wealth is actually the biggest threat to the future of the Amish way of life? In fact, when I directly posed the question as to what the biggest challenge facing the Amish today was, he said without any hesitation, “prosperity,” although many Amish I know today might point to the cell phone, that device that gives you “the world in your pocket.”

An Amish wedding is perhaps the ultimate reflection of the community’s faith and values. Photo: Brad Igou He further explained that another part of what it means to be Amish is the importance of heritage and faith. He included the history of the 16th century martyrs and others, many of whom were tortured or killed because of their religious convictions. My friend’s statement that “I think I have the right faith,” certainly did not mean that other faiths were not “right.” It was more an expression of his own inner peace, assurance, and belief in the Amish way. Our talk eventually turned to lifestyle, and the plain way of dress. He noted Amish clothing was more standardized and economical. “I don’t need to give much thought on

The barn-raising exemplifies the Amish culture’s mutual aid and support in times of need. Photo: Amish Country News what I’m going to wear each morning. Some people say that if the heart is right, it doesn’t matter how you dress. But if the heart is right, shouldn’t you dress accordingly?”And this raised the question of more simple home furnishings... no television, radio, etc. It became clear to me that it was not so much electricity that was the problem, but rather what it invariably must bring with it. That brought to mind something I remembered that another Amishman used to ask visitors… “What’s the most important piece of furniture in your home?” I’d encourage you to think of your answer, but broaden it a bit to furniture, appliances, etc. I’d initially be torn between the microwave and the laptop, but the laptop would win out. Most of us cannot imagine life without our “devices.” But the Amish don’t possess such “necessities,” so his answer was “the kitchen table.” Of course, he was not thinking of its practical use, but the fact that the kitchen table is where the family gathers to eat, and even work and play. I came to understand that the kitchen really is the center of the Amish home, and clearly speaks volumes about being Amish. As we neared the end of our conversation, he related to me a story he had read in the Amish monthly magazine FAMILY LIFE. An Amishman was speaking before a group and was asked to explain what it meant to be Amish. To answer this question, the Amishman asked this group of non-Amish how many of them owned a TV. All the hands went up. He then asked, “How many people think it might be better not to have a TV?” All the hands went up. Finally he asked the group, “When you get home today, how many of you will get rid of your TV?” No hands went up. “That’s what it means to be Amish!” The group had its answer, and so did I.

Wanda Brunstetter Hit Musical Returning to the Bird-in-Hand Stage Special to Amish Country News "Beautiful music, great story, so relevant... A lifetime memory, so fun..."

pen windows into the Amish world when the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club returns to the Bird-in-Hand Stage at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant. In an entertaining tale only New York Times bestselling author Wanda Brunstetter could spin, “six loose threads and an Amish widow” bind together like scraps of fabric stitched under the loving guidance of their Amish instructor, Emma Yoder. “Half-Stitched” will appear on the Bird-in-Hand Stage April 1 through November 29. Showonly tickets and meal packages are available, with most theatergoers treating themselves to Grandma Smucker’s farm-fresh lunch or dinner smorgasbords before or after the show. The “Half-Stitched” musical introduces its audiences to the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club as their lives unfold around Amish quilts in a delightful, musical journey of self-discovery, healing and humor. There’s a young woman yearning for stability, a couple at odds in their

Man Cave Magnificent: Massive Stein

marriage, a young widower seeking solace, a rough-and-tough biker doing community service, a preacher’s wife escaping parish problems—and an Amish widow teaching her first quilting class. The “Half-Stitched” musical is pulled from Wanda Brunstetter’s first story about the Amish quilting club. You’ll find plenty to make you laugh and perhaps shed a few tears. And the music? Oh, the music! Nashville musician Wally Nason, who composed the powerful music for Beverly Lewis’ “The Confession,” has certainly done it again. He wrote this show's soaring melodies and lyrics and directs the performance. Wanda E. Brunstetter’s “Half-Stitched” musical was adapted for the stage by Dove- and Emmynominated writer, Martha Bolton. Awardwinning, Nashville-based Dan Posthuma produced the show.

Wanda Brunstetter (3rd from right) with 2013 cast.

“Half-Stitched” premiered in Lancaster County last fall and welcomed more than 13,000 people to its sold-out shows. “Half-Stitched” first opened in 2012 at Blue Gate Theater in Shipshewana, Indiana. It also premiered last year at the Carlisle Inn in Sugarcreek, Ohio. The Bird-in-Hand Stage is located on the banquet level of the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord. Tickets to the “Half-Stitched” musical are $34. Pre- and post-performance meal packages are $47 to $52. Tickets and meal packages may be purchased by phone at (800) 790-4069 or online at www.Bird-in-Hand.com. Lodging packages are also available.

A Tradition of Pennsylvania Dutch Hospitality

t was all the way back in 1938 that National Geographic first introduced the world to Grandma Smucker and her delicious, farm fresh, Pennsylvania Dutch cooking. Today half a million people flock annually to Bird-in-Hand to enjoy her favorite recipes at the Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord and at the Bird-inHand Bakery. Meats, poultry, eggs and, whenever possible, fruits and vegetables from nearby farms are showcased on both the menu and smorgasbord at the Family Restaurant and Bakery. So, too, are Grandma Smucker’s famous chicken corn soup, ham balls, chicken pot pie, pork & sauerkraut, real mashed potatoes, apple fritters, shoofly pie and other Pennsylvania Dutch favorites.

Children love the Noah’s Ark Kids’ Buffet. It features an ever-changing selection of kidpleasing, fun foods like macaroni and cheese, chicken nuggets, hot dogs and hamburgers and a dessert bar with soft serve ice cream and yummy toppings. Young diners from 4-12 are charged just 75¢ per year of age; children 3 and under are free. The Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord and the Bird-in-Hand Bakery are open Monday through Saturday. Both are located in the historic village of Bird-in-Hand on the Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt. 340)—an AAA-designed scenic byway.

By Clinton Martin

am’s Man Cave along RT. 30 at 2207 Lincoln Highway East (across from Tanger Outlets) is Amish Country’s source for all things breweriana, the sort of stuff every man needs to grace his man cave’s environs. Sam May, proprietor, offers roughly 900 beer steins for sale, though one is strictly just eye candy. That would be the largest stein in the world, clocking in at four feet high and handmade of stoneware in Germany. Weighing 35 pounds empty, one can only imagine how heavy it would be if filled to its capacity of 8.45 gallons. The design depicted is the classic “Flemish Country Wedding” folk art so typical of traditional steins, but perhaps the German verse inscribed on the stein is more descriptive, “He who can empty this stein is truly a man!” See the stein and discover your own piece of brewery swag with a visit to Sam’s Man Cave. Call (717) 394-6404 for hours.

his is a richly layered book with gentle and humorous stories about the art, science, and tradition of farming as well as a probing analysis of the business of Amish farming. Author Randy James offers an alternative business model in which small traditional farms are able to effectively compete in an industry dominated by huge corporate farms.

“I

t is beyond my ability to explain how deeply indebted I am to the hundreds of Amish people in the Geauga settlement who opened their farms and homes to patiently teach a ‘Yankee’ about the plain life. I need to especially thank the Gingerich family (name changed) for inviting me along on their five-year journey to start a new farm” —Randy James, from the Preface and Acknowledgments

Why Cows Learn Dutch and Other Secrets of Amish Farms

Why Cows Need Names and More Secrets of Amish Farms

Available from local bookstores or from www.KentStateUniversityPress.com The Kent State University Press • Kent, Ohio 44242 • 800-247-6553

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 25

The Maker, Not the Quilt

Wilkum to Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Friends!

by Brad Igou

very culture has its own arts and crafts traditions. The Amish, of course, are known the world over for their quilts. The old, generational quilts, with their distinct colors and well-defined patterns remain appealing to modern eyes, and are prized by many collectors. In the Amish community, there is probably more interest in who made a particular piece than in the object itself. Since the Amish do not have photographs by which to remember friends and loved ones, a handmade quilt will often hold precious memories. Thus, it is the maker, not the quilt itself that might reflect its

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true value, for each hand-made work is imbued with the taste, personality and recollections of its creator. In interviews with Amish quilters, we observe an affirmation of the importance the memories represented in each one-of-a-kind cloth patchwork of colors and patterns…

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Continued on Page 33

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Free Parking Welcome Center Train Station

Music and education were important to the Moravians. In fact, the Lititz schoolhouse erected

Lititz Springs Park

772

To Lancaster and

MAIN ST.

501

Free Parking

Lititz Historical Foundation

Moravian Church Square

Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery

LOCUST ST.

AV E

WATER ST.

CEDAR ST.

LITITZ

CEDAR ST.

LIN

501

N. STURGIS LANE (Parking)

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.

TO BRICKERVILLE:

N. BROAD ST.

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

S. BROAD ST.

Historic Lititz • A Hometown Treasure 772

ORANGE STREET

in 1746 marked the beginnings of what was to be Linden Hall, the oldest continuously operating residence school for girls in the United States. 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. One name is linked forever with the history of Lititz --- Julius Sturgis. It was Julius Sturgis who 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.

26 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

From New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

S h e l l e y S h e pa r d G r ay

hopeful return to sugarcreek book one

In the Amish town of Sugarcreek, love comes in many forms. But will it come at all for Miriam?

“A story that will capture readers’ hearts from the first page.” —Bestselling Author Suzanne Woods Fisher

coming may 2014:

thankful

return to sugarcreek book two

ShelleyShepardGray AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 27

28 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

Destination Doll Outlet: Finding Your Favorite Doll at Aimee & Daria's by Brad Igou

et me state right from the start that I am not a doll collector. But, as is the case with teddy bears, even for me, it can be difficult to resist dolls if you just let your guard down a little. But if you have any little girls in your family, or are a collector of dolls, you are no doubt always on the lookout for something new, an expansive selection, in a convenient setting, all at a good price. Fortunately, you have arrived in Amish Country, where you should directly head for Aimee & Daria’s Doll Outlet on Route 30, just west of Miller’s Smorgasbord. They claim (and I believe it!) to be the largest doll store within 1,000 miles, with over 5,000 dolls in stock. (I stopped counting at 2,682.)

The owners are just great to talk to, and seem to figure out the doll that’s perfect for you even if you’re not sure yourself. I hate to use that cliché of “something for everyone,” but it’s really true here, with dolls from two to 42 inches tall, and prices from $2.00 to $1,300. You can make your own 20” vinyl baby, visit the Baby Doll Adoption Nursery Center, find doll clothing, and even attend a Doll Hair Salon Class. Find why so many repeat visitors make this their Amish Country doll destination. Call 717.687.8118 for details.

The country's oldest, continually operating public, farmers market is located in Historic Downtown Lancaster Visit Lancaster Central Market 23 North Market Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 Open all year round Tuesdays and Fridays 6 am till 4 pm and Saturdays 6 am till 2 pm

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 29

Photo Contest Winners Announced! by Brad Igou

MISH COUNTRY NEWS has enthusiastically sponsored Photo Contests for over 20 years. Our 2013 contest saw entries from scores of readers. With many submitting the maximum 10 photos, we had hundreds to consider! Needless to say, choosing a winner has a lot to do with personal taste, but subject matter, composition, and texture all enter into the mix. Grand Prize Winner “Gordonville Mud Sale” by David Hauck No, we don’t really sell mud here. But the wonderful volunteer fire companies hold fund raisers every year in the Spring, and the auction grounds often become quite muddy. It’s a great chance to mingle and observe our Amish neighbors without feeling intrusive. And they are happy to have you there buying food, quilts, household items, etc. This photo captures what it’s like to be there in the crowd, along with one boy who may have left his straw hat at home!

First Place Winner “Making Hay a Different Way” By Ray Smecker • Churchtown, PA Ray has submitted a lot of photos to us in various contests. In the last few years, we’ve seen many farmers switch from machines that make the small rectangular bales, to machines that create these huge round cylinders. Ray writes…

Continued on Page 32 Spring is in the air, and great things will be showing up at...

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Special themes or shows every weekend.

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Exciting Eats and Excellent Brews Collide at Union Barrel Works by Clinton Martin

ancaster was once called the “Little Munich of America” due to the variety and volume of beers being produced here. Prohibition dried up that distinction, but starting in the late 1980’s the taps started flowing again. The craft beer reawakening had begun in Amish Country. Union Barrel Works revitalized the art of the Brew Pub in sleepy little Reamstown, a quaint town located just off Route 272 between Ephrata and Adamstown. With no less than a dozen different styles of craft beers brewed on site and an ambitious menu of not only pub favorites but extraordinary offerings, like elk meatloaf and wild boar sausages, Union Barrel Works delights both the beer aficionado and the epicurean explorer alike. UBW is open daily except Mondays for lunch and dinner. Call (717) 335-7837 for hours and directions.

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 • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 31

Chicken is King at Zook’s by Brad Igou

don’t really know how many years ago it was that I stumbled upon Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies. But driving down Leacock Road, just west of Intercourse, and turning right at Harvest Drive, I found this one-story building with a modest sign, “Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies.” I stopped and bought my first

one and looked forward to the taste test. Having grown up on those frozen meat pies from the supermarket, I didn’t get my hopes up as the Zook pie was heating in my oven. It certainly smelled good, but…

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The first thing I noticed was that, unlike some of my previous store-bought pies, the crust was flaky crisp and delicious. Breaking through to the meat of the pie, I found healthy portions of chicken with a modest amount of other vegetables, all in a nice creamy sauce. But the tender chicken was definitely king of this pie and set it apart from the others. As co-workers at my office were introduced to Zook’s, they were always sure to put in their pie orders when I was going in that direction. Truly, these Amish baker cooks have created a chicken pie worth crowing about. More recently, they have gone on to add beef and even sausage to their selection of pies, which all come frozen in different sizes. I suggest you “Discover” them for yourself!

Photo Contest

(Continued from Page 30) This photo was taken of one of our Plain Folk neighbors from our National Wildlife Backyard Habitat Shepherdtoo. We were cleaning out our blue bird boxes in our St. Francis Garden looking west across the vast farmland and our Amish neighbor was harvesting his third cutting of five bountiful hay crops… We just love Lancaster County and the meaningful way of life that exists here.

Second Place Winner "Through the Windows” By Masha Mlynarcyk • Canyon Lake, CA Masha sent several interesting photos, but I really liked the composition of this one, framing a man waiting for some visitors to take on a buggy ride. Masha writes… We live in California and drove all the way to the East Coast. Visiting Amish Country was a last moment decision but now, when everyone asks me what was my favorite stop among all 23 states, I proudly say Amish Country. We planned on spending just one night there but ended up for three days… I’m a professional wedding photographer based in California, but taking pictures of Amish life was one of the most interesting things ever.

Third Place Winner “Amish Farm at Sunset” By Dennis Kucera • Nottingham, PA

Continued on Page 43

Review of THE LAST BRIDE by Bette Ranck

everly Lewis, author of many popular bonnet fiction books, is releasing a new work set right here in Lancaster County. On April 1, THE LAST BRIDE, the fifth and final novel in the “Home to Hickory Hollow” series will be available online and at bookstores. THE LAST BRIDE is the story of Tessie Ann Miller, a young Amish girl who provides the catalyst for the author to explore a number of issues that provide interesting insight into the Amish way of life. Tessie is the youngest of five daughters in an Old Order Amish family, and the last to marry. She has fallen for young Marcus King, but her father has forbidden them to marry. Tessie follows her heart, and runs away to marry him in an “English” civil ceremony. They come back to the community, but live as singles, hoping that, in time, her parents will understand and approve their love for each other, relent and approve a marriage between the young couple. However, an unthinkable event occurs which throws Tessie’s life into a tailspin, and she faces not only the censure of her family, but also the Amish community in which she lives. Tessie is confused about decisions she must make, but in time, and with the help of a number of supportive people in her family and community, she grows and learns more about herself, her culture and heritage. (In order to avoid a “spoiler alert,” I will not give away any more of the plot.) There are a number of other interesting characters in THE LAST BRIDE. Tessie’s sister Mandy and confidant is a young married woman who has her own share of heart-break which she must work through to realize a happy life with

The Maker, Not the Quilt

her husband. Happily, Mandy and her husband Sylvan come to realize, like many young couples, that they must learn to talk and work at understanding each other. The Wise Woman, Ella Mae Zook, is another wonderful character --- an older woman who kindly and gently is able to impart wisdom to those in the Amish community in need of advice, not only about the Amish way of life, but of life in general. Dawdi Dave, Tessie’s grandfather, is another understanding person able to give counsel to his loved ones in a non-judgmental way. Other important people in the novel are Tessie’s parents, Ammon and Mary Miller --- and Marcus King, and Levi Smucker. Tessie’s parents may seem harsh at times, but the reader comes to know that concern based on love is the motive behind the stands they take. When you read the book, you will look forward to finding out more about Marcus and Levi. There are many subjects covered in this story that give keen insight into the Amish way of life. Disobedience within one’s family as well as in the Amish community, and the way each is dealt with, are simply but honestly discussed. In the Amish culture, when the Ordnung or “rules” are broken the consequences are decided by the Church District leadership, and depending on the transgression, then decided by a vote of the members. The book also presents a picture of how an Old Order Amish wedding takes place. The description of a wedding mentions that there were 450 present --- at the home of the bride’s parents! No easy task to prepare for, I would

When I was a kid with Mom, she’d sit at the quilt frame beside me and show me how to do it. Mom made quilts for the family, for the boys

grandmother parted with her quilts, and she was sorry she did. I’ll always hang onto my mother’s “Sunshine and Shadow” quilt. My aunt pieced that one together, and she’s not here anymore. It’s got sentimental value to me and I’ll keep it.

The Amish nowadays use the traditional colors less, and use prints more. But I want to make sure that my boys get a “Sunshine and Shadow” quilt. I don’t want to lose that. I hope to make three quilts for my daughter and two for each of my three boys when they get married. Grandmother has also been giving quilts to her grandchildren when they turn 15 or 16.

As land becomes increasingly scarce and expensive, every bit of extra money means a lot to Amish farming families. Not surprisingly, commercial quilt making has become ever more popular with the Amish. Since more quilts are being sold to the public, the Amish now necessarily consider popular trends in style and taste. So it is that successful quilters may be less likely to make the traditional quilts like Mom used to make, and more likely to produce contemporary quilts with modern designs, patterned fabrics, and bright colors.

I remember one year there was a man who seemed to have gone to every house buying quilts. So, although a quilt had sentimental value, some people parted with them for the money. My

Yet it is equally true that each quilt sold actually helps perpetuate a way of life, a change most Amish have been willing to make. And, in my view, we’re all a little better off for it.

(Continued from Page 26)

and the girls when they got married. There were eleven of us. I think maybe the boys got one quilt and the girls got two. Mom’s sister pieced the tops together, and then she had a quilting bee with her sisters or aunts or cousins to finish the quilt.

About the author: Beverly Lewis is the bestselling author of over 90 books. Her books about the Amish are New York Times bestsellers. Her stories have been published in eleven languages world-wide. Her mother’s Plain heritage has inspired her to write so many books about the Amish, beginning with THE SHUNNING which has sold more than one million copies and been made into an Original Hallmark Channel Movie. This book, it can be said, launched the popularity of “bonnet” fiction. THE CONFESSION which is a sequel to THE SHUNNING has also been made into a Hallmark movie. Beverly Lewis has been an avid reader for as long as she can remember, and started writing stories when she was nine years old. She lives in Colorado where she and her husband enjoy hiking in the Rocky Mountains. She loves playing the piano, cooking from scratch, traveling, and making family memory albums. Her devoted readers eagerly await each new story she writes about the lives of the Plain people in many areas of the country. imagine! Beverly Lewis also discusses marriage between distantly related men and women in this relatively small community, and the genetic issues that sometime occur because of that. THE LAST BRIDE is an absorbing read. Those who have a curiosity about the Amish and their lives will certainly find good information (and a good story) that has obviously been well researched and presented in page-turnable fashion.

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-in-Hand Inn, is

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

Mt. Hope Wine Gallery

Bird-in-Han

IRIS

HTO

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-inHand, a beautiful bed and breakfast property. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster

HARVEST DRIVE Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies

LEACOCK RD

Plain & Fancy Farm

Kauffman’s Fruit Farm & Market RONKS RD

Abe’s Buggy Rides

N. HARVEST DR.

CHURCH RD

340

MONTEREY RD WEAVERTOWN RD

Bird-In-Hand Bake Shop

RONKS RD

GIBBONS RD

Bird-In-Hand Farmers Market Bird-In-Hand Family Inn & Restaurant

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 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 signboard.

BEECHDALE RD

Welcome to the Village of Bird-in-Hand

Tickets $34

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

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(800) 790-4069 • www.EnjoyBIHStage.com 34 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

To Gordonville Bookstore

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.

Apr. 1-Nov. 29 Join the Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club in a delightful, musical journey of self-discovery, healing and renewed wholeness. In an entertaining tale only New York Times bestselling author Wanda Brunstetter could spin, these unlikely quilters bind together like scraps of fabric stitched under the loving guidance of Amish widow Emma Yoder.

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ACN

Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop Celebrating 42 Years of Goodness

Butch & Linda Miller Owners ince 1972, the Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop has remained family owned and operated. Erwin (Sr.) & Annie Miller were the first of this family chain. Now in the second generation, Erwin (Jr.) & Linda Miller, along with their son, Glenn Miller (3rd generation, who has a son Erwin Miller III) have been running the business since 1996. Many of the recipes used today are still the “tried and true from scratch” recipes Grandma Miller used since the family began operating the business in 1972. The wonderful aroma of baking hits you almost before you’re through the door. And it only gets better from there!

The family and its many Plain community employees want visitors to get that great homemade taste at a better price than commercial bakeries. “We take pride in the things that we bake and enjoy the look on people’s faces as they taste our selection.” And what a selection it is! You’ll see varieties of fresh baked breads (their cheese bread is a personal favorite), potato rolls, cinnamon buns, “melt in your mouth” whoopie pies, gooey-bottom Dutch shoo-fly pie (their specialty), cookies, fruit pies, angel food and layer cakes, and many, many more items. Through a window behind the counter, you can observe the mixing and baking process, and see trays of baked goods waiting to go into the display cases or to be sent to fulfill wholesale orders for several local restaurants. (Bird-inHand Bake Shop baked goods can also be found

at various market stands in five different states.) The sweet scents of fresh breads and cookies always greet your nose! Not only can you indulge your sweet tooth with a chocolate whoopie pie or a creamy cone of local ice cream, but Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop also offers its visitors a few extras. They have a fine selection of local handmade crafts. “Our wide assortment fits many people’s tastes and interests.” You’ll find locally made Amish dolls, pillow cases, pictures, candles, Amish straw hats, hand painted slates, and much more. In addition there is always a variety of canned goods and bulk foods, especially popular with those large families that live in the area. The Millers realized that with all that food and country peacefulness, visitors might want to linger and relax. “Our large wrap around porch provides an excellent place to enjoy a hot cinnamon roll and a steaming cup of coffee.” And with more than enough green grass to go around, they have installed several picnic areas to enjoy, along with public restrooms and waste bins for your picnic use.

It may be a little off the beaten path, but at the Bird-in-Hand Bake shop you can truly savor the quiet peacefulness and baked goodness found only in the heart of Lancaster County. As the Millers would say, “You can consider yourself personally invited to come and spend a day with us in beautiful Amish Country. We are confident that you will find the baked goods, crafts, and location second to none.” Open All Year 8:00AM - 5:00PM (Winter Hours - 8:00AM - 4:00PM) Bus groups and tours are welcome. Closed Sundays, Good Friday, Ascension Day, Christmas, and New Year’s.

Finally, since the Millers have a family of their own, they know it is important to keep the children entertained on a vacation. “While you shop, your children can burn some energy outdoors in our huge play area.” And any place in Amish Country just wouldn’t be right without some animals. That’s why they’ve added a petting zoo to their list of attractions.

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 35

Woman of Courage…a Tale Worth Reading by Clinton Martin

uthor Wanda Brunstetter is well-known among readers of Amish fiction, having penned dozens of “bonnet novels” that have stood the test of time during the genre’s rise to fame. But WOMAN OF COURAGE is not an

Amish novel. Right off the bat, this title comes with a different voice from the same soloist. Wanda introduces readers to a flexing of her historical fiction muscles, a welcome tributary to the flowing of her usual literary efforts.

Wanda Brunstetter is an award-winning romance novelist who has led millions of readers to lose their heart in Amish life. She is the author of over 60 books with more than 7 million copies sold. Wanda’s desire to explore Amish culture developed when she discovered that her great-great grandparents were part of the Anabaptist faith. All of Wanda’s novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Many of her books are well-read and trusted by the Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs. Be sure not to miss Wanda Brunstetter’s HALF-STITCHED; THE MUSICAL playing at the Bird-in-Hand Restaurant & Stage. (See p. 34 for details.)

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The exceptional quality of the writing pulls you right in, and you quickly become comfortable with the manner of speech of the main characters. Amanda Pearson, our heroine, speaks as naturally as any Quaker woman from the heady days of the American expansion westward might, which helps place the characters and the time period. This isn’t going to be a fluffy and light read, with fluttering lashes and blushing cheeks ushering in Continued on Page 45

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2220 Horseshoe Rd • Lancaster • PA 17601

AMISH FARMLANDS • SUPERSAVER TOUR • VISIT-IN-PERSON

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Amish Farmlands Tour

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Visit-in-Person Tour

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.

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: 1 1/2 hours. April 1 - November 30 Mon-Sat, 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 4pm. Sun 10am, 12pm & 2pm.

This is your Total Amish Experience!

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 valid with any other offer or with group tours. Offer expires 11/30/14. Valid up to six people. Coupon must be presented at time of purchase. BUGAN

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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 Award.

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!”

40 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

Read It, Loved It, Can’t Wait for More… Charlotte Hubbard’s Latest! by Clinton Martin

it down with a great story, a real page turner, and you’ve got the makings of an adventure, even if it’s only played out in the theater of your mind. Whether you’re here visiting Amish Country, or are miles away wishing you were, I’m suggesting that you take a further step into the life of an Amish community by picking up the latest in author Charlotte Hubbard’s Seasons of the Heart series, BREATH OF SPRING. This novel once again dives into the lives of the fictional Amish ladies working at Sweet Seasons Bakery Café. Different than lots of Amish fiction, this storyline doesn’t adhere to the strictest stereotypes of Amish womanhood (courting, marriage, children – in that order – a little angst thrown in for good measure) but

rather delves into real-life scenarios that these wonderful relatable ladies have to face, wearing a bonnet or not. The main character, Annie Mae Knepp, is a hard worker, a kind and generous woman, but she’s definitely had to make some difficult choices, leaving her own family (usually taboo among the Amish) when her father leads them in a direction she can’t agree with. Turns out, most of the people in her congregation also agree that her father is a deceiver, leading people astray. So, as she forges ahead in life, working at the café to put food on the table, she has both her past to reconcile, her future to secure, shades of doubt creeping in about her own self-worth and faith, and of course the age-old yearning for someone to fall in love with, raise a family alongside, and grow old together. As only Charlotte Hubbard can do, she writes in a surprising revelation that God can work impossible miracles--and that love makes all things new. BREATH OF SPRING is available at all the major retailers, but you might also want to try the Gordonville Bookstore locally, 275 Old Leacock Road in the village of Gordonville. Call (717) 768-3512 for hours and directions.

About the author: Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, long-time Missourian Charlotte Hubbard writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie. Regarding her latest series, Charlotte remarks, “In my new Seasons of the Heart series, Willow Ridge, Missouri will feel just like home as you meet Miriam Lantz’s daughters, gaze out over their garden plots, sit on their front porch swing, listen to the buzz of Leah’s bees in the orchard, and stroll along the banks of the Missouri River. Willow Ridge is in north central Missouri—alive with love in our imaginations!”

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 41

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

BACHMAN TOWN RD.

Hershey Farm Restaurant & Motor Inn

HERR RD.

V FAIR

NORTH STAR RD

IE W

Lapp’s Quilts & Crafts Parking

896

741 To Village Greens Mini Golf

896 STRASBURG

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 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

VillageGreens.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Please Call For Hours

RONKS RD.

J & B Quilts & Crafts Country Creations

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.

The Only 23 Hole Golf Course in Lancaster County

42 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

Choo

741 Choo

Lil Country Store & Mini Horse Farm 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, Cherry Crest Adventure Farm, National Toy Train Museum, and the Choo Choo Barn. But you may not know much about the interesting history of "Train Town."

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!

FULL STEAM ADVENTURES Value packed seasonal access to all rides and extras

Valid May 24 – Sept 1, 2014

Route 741 East, Strasburg, PA 866-725-9666

StrasburgRailRoad.com

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Photo Contest

(Continued from Page 32) At almost every turn on the back country roads, you’ll find beautiful farmscapes, with barns and houses nestled in fields among rolling hills. I liked this photo because I often drive home around sunset and love those scenes that only last for a minute or two at dusk. I almost felt like I was sitting in a lawn chair waiting for that magic moment when the sun goes down.

Gigantic Model Train Layout

Honorable Mention “Snow Boys” by Zelda Rowley • Lancaster, PA Most of us here in the East were tired of all the snow this winter, and perhaps forgot how much fun we used to have playing as kids. This photo was a reminder. As Zelda describes it,

Continued on Page 47

For generations, our family has been bringing realistic detail and creative animation to our layout – expanding the artistry of model railroading and captivating visitors of all ages. • Huge layout –1,700 sq.ft. • 22 operating model trains • Over 150 hand-created, animated figures and details • See many local landmarks...in miniature

Visit Traintown, U.S.A.® at: choochoobarn.com • 717-687-7911 Route 741 East, 226 Gap Road, Strasburg, PA Just two blocks from the Strasburg Rail Road. Look for the train on the roof!

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 43

Kids Eat

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R O$3 OFF

*Exclusions Apply

Adult Dinner Grand Smorgasbord or

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Dining • Shopping • Lodging Rt 896 240 Hartman Bridge Road Ronks, PA 17572 www.hersheyfarm.com 44 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

2 Perfect Places To Stay

Voted Lancaster’s Favorite Hotel 10 Consecutive Years! – Lancaster Newspapers 2004-2013

301 Guest Rooms Including 160 One-, Two- and Three-Bedroom Suites

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97 Victorian and nautically themed guest rooms All rooms include flat-panel TVs, microwave, refrigerator and coffee maker ■ Heated indoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center ■ Kids’ playground ■ Serene landscaping with koi pond and fire pit ■ Country Store ■ Huckleberry’s Restaurant & Tavern

222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA • 717-569-6444 (Easy Access from Rts. 30 & 272, Oregon Pike Exit)

At The Corner Of Rt 30 & Rt 896 | Lancaster, PA FultonSteamboatInn.com | 717-299-9999 (Across from Rockvale Outlets)

www.EdenResort.com

Virtual Tours. Area Events. Reservations.

Woman of Courage (Continued from Page 36) a predictable romance. The book opens with a heartbreaking betrothal-buster that crushes the seemingly perfect life Amanda was about to embark on. Her beau Nathan Lane calls off the wedding the night before the ceremony! Cauterizing the wound of the broken engagement, she sets out to become a missionary, helping continue the work of a

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

Quaker mission reaching the Nez Perce Indians in the Oregon Territory. Readers will enjoy the three-thousand mile journey, fraught with danger. Setbacks, victories, touching moments, and outright adventure all abound on the way to Oregon, with meaningful encounters turning the journey there into at least as much of a lifealtering experience as she expected the life at the Mission to be.

Level Shaded *Campsites E,W,S Cable TV Wi-Fi Pet Free Smoke Free *Cottages *Guest Rooms *Camp Store *Pavilion *Laundry *Bathhouses Expires 12/31/14.

Will she make it to Oregon? Will she become a Missionary? Will she get a second chance at love? These answers are held captive by the binding of this book, but readers will surely enjoy unlocking their answers. WOMAN OF COURAGE will hit store shelves April 4th. To purchase locally, visit the Gordonville Bookstore (see ad on page 16).

Train Your Sights on Amtrak by Clinton Martin

ave you ever taken the Subway in Lancaster? Neither have I, because there isn’t one. But, Lancaster does have many options when it comes to traveling through the Red Rose City. Of course you can drive your car, take a bus, or hail a cab, but often the most relaxing is simply riding the rails. Amtrak connects cities all over the Country, yet each route feels distinctly unique to that area. After all, when you are pulling up to the Lancaster train station, rolling Amish farmland suddenly turns into a vibrant downtown with a lively arts scene. As you disembark, the stately old train station is also intriguing. You can literally see the many decades that this bulwark has withstood as styles of architecture sit beside or atop one another, including the latest of touches providing a modern face-lift. So now you’ve arrived in Lancaster. No stress from traffic. No double-takes at gas prices. No hair-raising cab rides. Just a lovely city in the middle of a world-famous County to explore. For those without transportation to Lancaster wishing to visit Amish Country, Connective Tours (a division of Philadelphia Trolley Works in Philadelphia) runs day trips to Amish Country via train to Lancaster. Transportation

from the train station is included to the Amish Experience at Plain and Fancy Farm. Here you will enjoy "Jacob's Choice" at the Amish Experience Theater, a tour of an old order Amish house, and the Amish Farmland shuttle tour. You return to Philadelphia in the early evening. Call 215-925-8687 for details or visit PhillyTour.com. Of course, turn the tables and you repeat the script with a new plot twist. Boarding a train in Lancaster, you can see many interesting neighboring towns, such as picturesque Mt. Joy and Elizabethtown. Perhaps, the State Capitol is more your style? With exhilarating nightlife, grandiose museums, and plenty of you’ll-only-find-ithere attractions, Harrisburg is an easy and convenient ride on the westbound. Turning your attention East, you’ll find yourself transported in style and comfort to Philadelphia. Anyone who knows American history knows Philadelphia, but you could probably use a refresher course by visiting America’s most historic square mile. Besides,

46 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

the City of Brotherly Love has embraced many of today’s trends, even becoming clear leaders in what’s "hot" these days. Famous TV chefs ply Philly’s restaurant trade, an exceptional scene for nightlife wakes up your inner dance diva, and world-class sports throw the city into delight with victories, and into pouting with defeat. Finding things to do in Lancaster, and the neighboring destinations, isn’t difficult at all. Getting there is usually half the battle. Why not forget all the woes of getting there and just take the train? You’ll probably get there faster, spend less money, and you can actually concentrate on taking in the scenery instead of looking for that highway exit that you just passed.

Our Advertisers

An (S) after the name denotes Open Sunday

ATTRACTIONS

Aaron & Jessica's Buggy Rides (S)..................... 52 Abe's Buggy Rides................................................... 36 Amish Country Homestead (S)........................... 51 Amish Country Tours (S)....................................... 38 Amish Experience Theater (S)............................. 51 Amtrak (S)..................................................................46 Brewfest at Mt. Hope............................................. 41 Choo Choo Barn (S)...............................................43 Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (S)......................... 19 Dutch Haven (S)..........................................................3 Great Pennsylvania FlavorFEST (S).................... 28 Hershey’s Chocolate World (S)........................... 30 Intercourse Pretzel Factory................................... 16 Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery................................. 26 National Toy Train Museum (S)..........................43 Rainbow Dinner Theatre (S)................................ 19 Strasburg Rail Road (S)..........................................43 Turkey Hill Experience (S)..................................... 31 Village Greens Golf (S)...........................................42

LET'S EAT 4 Brothers Diner Restaurant (S)......................... 23 Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop....................................... 35 Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant & Smorgasbord......................................................... 34 Good 'N Plenty (S).................................................. 37 Hershey Farm Restaurant and Inn (S)..............44 Intercourse Village Olde Mill Restaurant......... 15 Kauffman's Fruit Farm............................................ 36 Miller's Smorgasbord (S)....................................... 29 Mount Hope Wine & Beer Gallery (S)..............40 Plain & Fancy Farm (S)........................................... 39 Revere Tavern (S)..................................................... 20 September Farm Cheese..........................................6 Union Barrel Works (S).......................................... 31 Zook's Homemade Chicken Pies....................... 17

LODGING Best Western Premier Eden Resort (S)............45 Country Inn of Lancaster (S)................................45 Flory's Cottages & Camping (S)..........................45 Fulton Steamboat Inn (S).....................................45 Lake in Wood Campground (S).......................... 26

Ephrata Re-Uzit Shop............................................. 12 Esh Handmade Quilts............................................ 15 Esh Valley Quilts.......................................................44 Flower and Home Marketplace.......................... 11 Gish's Furniture & Amish Heirlooms ................ 32 Gordonville Bookstore........................................... 16 J & B Quilts and Crafts............................................42 Jake's Country Trading Post (S)........................... 21 Killer Hats (S)............................................................ 20 Lace Place of Lancaster County.......................... 31 Lancaster Central Market...................................... 29

What's Coming Up in June?

his whole long winter we've been looking forward to spring. Now we’re looking forward to summer. June is the official start to summer in Amish Country, and we'll be there to lead you to all the fun and excitement from Bird-inHand to Intercourse and from the Amish Experience to Zook's incredible chicken pies. Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides will be featured in our cover story, and dozens of other area attractions will be spotlighted in what will be your indispensable guide to “What's Happening in Amish Country.” Deadline: Dece mber 31st, 2014

Calling All Photo g 2014 Amish Cou

raphers!

ntry News Phot

o Contest

Ours is one of the most photographed areas in the world. With so much beauty and variety around us, it’s no wonder! If you think you’ve got a great photo, why not send it to us? The winner will recieve free tour and attraction tickets. In addition, you will see your photo in the pages of Amish Country News! Other prizes will also go to the first, second, and third runners-up.

SHOPPING Aimee & Daria's Doll Outlet (S).......................... 32 Authentic Lancaster....................................................6 Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market.............................. 37 Blue Ridge Furniture..................................................8 Burkholder's Fabrics................................................ 30 Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall (S).................... 22 Country Creations....................................................44 Country Gift & Thrift Shoppe................................ 12 Country Home Furniture....................................... 10 Country Housewares Store.....................................9 Country Knives.......................................................... 16 Country Lane Quilts................................................ 17 Countryside Road Stand........................................ 17 Dutchland Quilt Patch............................................ 15 Ephrata Re-Uzit Furniture & Books.................... 12

Lapp’s Quilts & Crafts..............................................43 Lapp's Toys & Furniture.......................................... 36 Li’l Country Store & Miniature Horse Farm.....................................42 Old Candle Barn....................................................... 16 Piece By Piece Quilt Shop.................................... 10 Quilt Shop at Miller's (S).............................................6 Renninger's Antique Market (S)......................... 30 Re-Uzit Shop of New Holland............................. 13 Riehl's Quilts & Crafts............................................. 18 Sauder's Fabrics........................................................ 17 Sam's Man Cave....................................................... 33 Shupp's Grove (S).................................................... 30 Smucker's Quilts..........................................................9 Witmer Quilt Shop......................................................9 Zook's Fabric Store.................................................. 17

To enter, send photos in .jpg or .tiff format to: editor@amishnews.com (Please put “2014 photo contest” in the subject line)

All submitted photos become the property of Amish Country News and the Amish Experience. Photos may also be used in upcoming issues, in other publications, and/or for other promotional purposes. Photos will be judged on quality, color, subject matter, etc. Keep in mind that these photos are for publication, cannot be returned, and should depict a scene, aspect, event, or activity typical to Lancaster or the Pennsylvania Dutch Country region. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES: December 31st, 2014 We will accept photos via email, and request that no more than 10 photos by the same person be submitted, so pick your best! Each photo submitted should contain the name, address, phone # and email address of the photographer, so they can be contacted. Any details on the location, date, or subject matter of the photograph should be included.

Photo Contest

much pleading for me to take their picture, I succumbed and finally did.

(Continued from Page 43) the photo is of…Amish kids at a one-room schoolhouse. I am normally very respectful of the Amish with their wish not to be photographed. I walked past the school as the kids were laughing, standing in the tree, and jumping off the fence into the snow drifts. After

Thanks to everyone who submitted a photo. Kudos to the winners! For the rest of you, be sure to enter some of your best Amish Country photos in this year’s contest.

AmishNews.com • Spring 2014 • Amish Country News • 47

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Spring 2014 COVER STORY "Emma" Review............................................... 13 "Thrill of the Chaste:" Amish Romance Novels........................... 4

Publisher's Message by Brad Igou

25 Years

FEATURE ARTICLES Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides....................... 14 Aimee & Daria’s Doll Outlet........................... 29 Amish View Inn & Suites................................ 17 Amish Visit-in-Person Tour............................... 19 Amtrak Trains Your Sights............................... 46 Bird-in-Hand Bake Shop.................................. 35 Bird-in-Hand Restaurant & Stage.................... 25 "Breath of Spring" Review............................... 41 "Hopeful" Review.............................................. 9 Jake's Country Trading Post............................. 20 "The Last Bride" Review.................................. 33 Plain & Fancy Farm........................................ 39 Photo Contest Winners.................................... 30 Quilt Makers................................................... 26 Sam’s Man Cave.............................................. 25 Union Barrel Works......................................... 31 "Woman of Courage" Review............................ 36 Union Barrel Works......................................... 31 Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies....................... 32

Our Amish series remains a popular feature, with well-researched articles on everything from Amish nicknames, history, and food to Christmas customs and the effects of modern technology. Guest writers have included Dr. Donald Kraybill, one of America’s leading authorities on Amish culture and, in this issue, guest author Valerie Weaver-Zercher writing about the Amish romance novel phenomenon.

REGULAR FEATURES Brad Igou’s Amish Series ................................ 24 Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall......................... 22 Country Home Furniture.................................. 10 Dutch Haven Lancaster Landmark...................... 3 Publisher’s Message ....................................... 50

AREA MAP & GUIDES Advertiser Index ............................................. 47 Amish Country Map ................................... 48-49 Bird-in-Hand ............................................. 34-40 Intercourse ................................................ 15-18 Lititz .............................................................. 26 New Holland/Blue Ball.................................. 8-11 Paradise..................................................... 20-22 Strasburg................................................... 42-44

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 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.

things that were innovative. We created “theme issues” devoted to such topics as Quilts & Crafts, the Amish, Town of the Month, Special Events, and Family Fun. We have asked local chefs to share their recipes, continued our popular photo contests, and even hosted some local elementary school students who visited attractions and wrote about them.

wenty-five years ago a new visitors publication appeared in Lancaster County. There was nothing else quite like it. Remember, back then advertising was through print, radio and TV, and everyone looked for some kind of local visitors guide when they traveled. Unfortunately, the man who put it together was not a salesman, and was not from the area. He was actually a journalist. So although the writing was excellent, few people wanted to risk advertising in an “unknown” new publication. The first issue only had five ads! Luckily, ownership changed hands and “Wilkum,” as it was first called, became “Amish Country News.” Area businesses soon recognized the quality and value, as did the thousands of visitors spotted with copies in hand. Since then we have grown to become the most popular and longest running visitor publication in Amish Country, with free distribution of nearly half a million copies in season. Copies of Amish Country News have traveled as far away as Europe and Japan. In the early days, a man from Russia even wrote to ask our help in finding him a wife in America! Locally owned and produced, we weren’t really trying to “model” our publication on another, nor were we part of a national franchise. Over the years, we did quite a few

50 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

Needless to say, the world of publishing has changed a lot over these years. In the beginning, I would go to the printing company and there would be some forty mock-up pages in a row spread out on a board 25 feet long. We would cut, peel, paste, and re-position ads and text. Then a huge camera that occupied its own room would photograph each page and the “plates” were made to go onto the printing press. Later we produced the entire publication on computer and saved it on a disk. Now we can upload the digital copy of the graphic files to the printing company’s website and, of course, post it on our website for the world to read. We know there is still a place for print, for people who like to hold a book or magazine in their hands as opposed to flipping through one on a laptop or tablet. And we know YOU must like printed matter, since you are reading this. You’ll use our publication to find your way, save with coupons, jump onto websites, check out an advertiser on your mobile device, etc. Perhaps someday, newspapers and books will be the stuff of legend, as are LP records, VHS, cassette and 8-track tapes. But for now, after a quarter century, we still prosper thanks to our loyal advertisers and readers. We also appreciate the hundreds of distribution locations that allow us to display our magazine so you can find it! It really is important to tell advertisers you “discovered” them here in our pages, so use the coupons, visit their websites, and patronize their businesses. They are the only reason Amish Country News is still here, free for you to pick up and take with you. So to all of you who write, edit, design, print, distribute, advertise, and read --- thanks for being part of our 25th year anniversary!

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.

Open Daily 7 Days a Week

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.

Designated a Heritage Site by the Lancaster County Planning Commission

SAVE with our Super Saver package which includes “Jacob’s Choice”, the Amish Country Homestead and a 90 minute Amish farmlands Tour.

Theater: Shows on the hour. (Opens March 1) House & School: Tours at quarter TO the hour. (Opens April 4) Farmland Tours: Tours at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm. (from April 4) Visit-in-Person Tours: Monday—Saturday, 5pm. (from April 4)

RT 340 Between Bird-in-Hand & Intercourse at Plain & Fancy Farm

For GPS: 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike • Ronks, PA

717.768.8400 Ext. 210

AmishExperience.com

WE ABSOLUTELY OFFER YOU MORE 7 DIFFERENT ROUTES, MORE MILES, MORE SCENERY. ALL IN THE COUNTRY in ALL AMISH AREA

PRIVATE AMISH ROAD Real Family Carriages Bring the whole family!

Ride through our covered bridge!

www.amishbuggyrides.com

Tours & Pricing “The Cookie Run” Adults $10 Child $6 A 3 Plus Mile Ride Thru an Amish Farm, with a Brief Stop for Drinks and Cookies. Feel the Country. (20-25 minutes)

“Amish Town Tour” Adults $19.95 Visit a real Amish farm. Get off 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 Shoe Store

• Amish Farm Stands • Amish Horse Dealer • Amish Butcher Shop • Amish Buggy Factory

Free Parking... Lots of It!

$2 OFF on each adult, for any ride

Expires May 31, 2014

• Amish Hat Shop • Furniture Shops • Amish Grocery Store • Amish Bakery

Located in the country at:

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

3121 Old Philadelphia Pike Ronks PA 17572 For More Information or Group Tours of 20 or More Call

717-768-8828

52 • Amish Country News • Spring 2014 • AmishNews.com

Child $6

A 4 Mile Tour Passing an Amish Village, Businesses and an All Amish Farm Area. Experience Real Amish Life (30-35 minutes)

“Amish Farm Tour” Adults $17

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!

PRIVATE BUGGY RIDES

Ask about our longer rides.

are available! Email for details

AmishBuggyRides @gmail.com

Open Year ‘Round and Sundays Too! Child Rate is 12 and under / under 3 is Free!