{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Vol. 4 No. 3
March 28, 2012
Amish Heritage Center
By Sarah Miller Work is progressing at the Old Settler’s Village as it is being turned into an Amish Heritage Center. Architect Ann Dunning was hired and her plan approved. The building is being gutted in preparation for an interior designed for the needs of the Center. A Heritage Center has been in the thoughts of many for a long while. Well over a year ago, Joe Miller (of Joe’s Window Shop in Burton) began looking for a place for an Amish Center. His first thought was Burton, at the Century Village. More than a year passed and no decision was made about location. Then, Joe heard that the Vancura Gallery at the Old Settler’s Village in Middlefield was available for lease or sale. Middlefield is more in the center of our Amish Community, therefore the decision to turn sights on the Old Settler’s Village was obviously a good choice. Ken Lawton, son of Florian Lawton, painter, became involved. Ken is the director of the Florian K. Lawton Foundation. For over 50 years, Florian produced many paintings and sketches of the Amish. Ken felt that becoming a part of the efforts toward an Amish Heritage Center was a fine way to
honor Florian’s interest in and care for the Amish. Plans grow day by day! Joe Miller, Eli Miller, Crist Miller and Sam Weaver act as the committee to guide them. At this point we know that the main gallery will be divided into different rooms including an Amish kitchen with a kitchen stove, porcelain sink, ice box, and a showcase with jams and jellies. The showcase will have a light underneath to make it sparkle. One room will be divided into a reading room with many books, some old, some new and a church room in service. A leather and woodworking shop will occupy other rooms. Continued on page 3
Mark your calendar!
There will be an Amish Wedding Dinner and Live and Silent Auction at Joe’s Window Shop to help raise funds for the Amish Heritage Center Friday evening, April 13. Carryouts 3:3 to 5 p.m. and dine in at 5 p.m. All are welcome!
Next issue Plain Country– April 18. Submission deadline–Monday, April 2. Advertising deadline–April 6. Please send the information to share to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062, or call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933. Subscriptions are available for $25 per year.