{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS}
Vol. 3 No. 7
June 22, 2011
Submitted by our readers and writers “Kind words make good echoes.” “The only people who never make mistakes are those who do nothing.” “Ideals learned by children are more caught than taught.” “Never give up in failure; below the ashes there’s a spark in the cinders.” “Bloom where you are planted.” “We get too soon old, and too late smart.”
“Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who are not.”
“A task takes as long as it takes.”
“A child can read a parent’s character before he can read the alphabet.”
“The person who sows seeds of kindness will have a perpetual harvest.”
Psalm 37– “He who talks to you about others will talk to others about you.”
“Good character like good soup is usually homemade.“
“You need not call the devil; he’ll come without calling.”
“The best way to escape evil is to pursue good.”
“You can tell when you are on the right path. It’s usually uphill.”
“The only time to look down on your neighbor is when you’re bending over to help.”
Proverbs 11:17– “Your own soul is nurished when you are kind; it is distroyed when you are cruel”
Psalm 90: “He will overshadow you with his pinions, and you will find refuge under his wings. His faithfulness will encompass you with his shield.” “God gave us two ends – one to think with and one to sit on. Your success depends on which you use the most.”
Please Help Me Solve a Mystery . . . By Jane Attina On July 14th I will have worked for the library for 25 years! Most of that time has been spent with the bookmobile. I have had a mystery on my mind for some time now; maybe you can help! Sometime between 1987 and 1995 a little Amish girl drew a beautiful picture of the bookmobile and me. I was a driver back in those days and on the bus quite often so I got to know many of the people who came week after week. I covered the crayon drawing with plastic so it would last and to this day I have it hanging in my office here at the Middlefield library. Every time I look at my drawing I wonder what happened to this little girl. Today, she is more than likely married with children of her own. The back of the picture was signed simply Regina Miller. Was this you or someone you knew? If you can help me solve this puzzle, it would mean so much to me. Maybe I will hang my picture on the bookmobile and make a contest of it! Please let any staff member know if you can solve this great mystery!
Our next issue of Plain Country is July 13. Deadline for submissions is Monday, June 27.
Advertising deadline is Tuesday, July 6. Please send the information that you’d like to share to Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062. You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-834-8933.
Plain Country
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June 22, 2011
In This Issue . . .
Birthdays........................................................02 Bits and Pieces of the Yesterday............08 Books in Review..........................................08 Children’s Immunization Clinics............02 From Our Schools.......................................06 Greetings from Garrettsville...................06 Greetings from the Plain Community.06 Hello from Amish Crossing Corner.......06 Hello from Huntsburg...............................07 Jane Attina [Bookmobile News].......01, 08 Katherine’s Korner......................................04 Lines From Linda........................................07 Mom’s Diary..................................................05 Nutrient Dense Gardening.....................04 Obituaries......................................................02 Parkman Pathways..... [see you next issue] Plain Community Events..........................02 Plain Fun........................................................09 Recipes...........................................................03 Spotlight On Creekside Lawn Furniture........................04 Tell Me a Story ........................................... 08 Wanted...........................................................02
{AMISH COMMUNITY NEWS} Publisher: the Fontanelle group inc Editorial Coordinators: Jacquie Foote and Joe & Sarah Miller Staff Writers: Katherine M. Byler, Barbara Ann Detweiler and Donnie Miller Contributing Writers: William Bender, Daniel Fisher, Ellen Hershberger, Rachel Miller and Linda Weaver Mailing Address: P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 Phone: 440-632-0782 v 440-834-8900 v Fax: 440-834-8933 Published Every Three Weeks – Free of Charge v Subscriptions are available for $25 per year
Happy Birthday!! June 23 Wally Miller Jr. (24) June 24 Adam Miller (twin) (2) June 24 Amanda R. Miller (twin) (2) June 24 Marcia A. Mullet (11) June 24 Ella Fisher (51) June 24 Robert J. Miller IV (2) June 25 John J. Miller (91) June 25 Jeremy W. Miller (1) June 25 David E. Miller 15) June 25 Jeremy Byler (5) June 25 Mrs. (Jonas) Susie Miller (86) June 26 Mrs. Kathy Yutzy (36) June 26 Jason B. Detweiler (1) June 26 Rebecca E. Miller (23) June 26 Owen Mullet Jr. (24) June 27 Mrs. Clara Hershberger (66) June 27 Abner J. Miller (51) June 27 Christopher C. Yoder (28) June 27 Elizabeth R. Hershberger (15) June 27 Mrs.(Crist)Clara Hershberger (66) June 28 Levi (Shteff ) Miller (45) June 28 Wayne P. Miller (13) June 28 Jonas J. Miller (87) June 28 Levi Miller, Jr (45) June 29 Karen M. Schmucker (6) June 29 Robert E. Weaver (2) June 29 Elma A. Miller (15) June 29 Joe L. Miller (66) June 29 Josiah D. Detweiler (22) June 30 Samuel O. Yoder (5) July 1 Christina Fisher (27) July 2 Rachel J. Hershberger (10) July 2 Elizabeth Weaver (9) July 3 Joni Bender (13) July 3 Ruthie J. Gingerich (39) July 4 Paul A. Miller (19) July 5 Mary L. Byler (11) July 5 Mrs. (Roman) Miriam Erb (25) July 5 Mrs. Barbara Schlabach (52)
July 6 July 6 July 6 July 6 July 7 July 7 July 8 July 8 July 10 July 11 July 12 July 12 July 12 July 12 July 13 July 13
Crist C. Hershberger Jr. (35) Mrs. Christine Weaver (35) Carolyn Miller (12) Robert R. Miller III (32) Mrs. James (Maurine) Troyer (23) Elizabeth O. Yoder (11) Becky R. Weaver (28) Rosanna Schmucker (22) Matthew C. Yoder (9) Mrs. Robby (Regina) Byler (23) Olin Ray Mullet (17) Noah G. Bender (17 Carolyn R. Weaver (20) Nellie R. Miller Martha M. Weaver (22) Marvin C. Miller (13)
May 26 June 3 June 5 June 9 June 12 June 13 June 13 June 15 June 15 June 18 June 18
Melvin Ray Bender (7) Chester R. Miller (61) Nathan & Norman Weaver, twins (19) Robbie Bender (5) Cathy (Bill) Miller (29) Melissa Miller (22) Barbie Kurtz (17) Clara Stutzman Bob Miller, Jr (60) Adam Lee Miller, Jr (12) Marianne Miller (56)
Plain Community
Events
Benefit Bar-B-Q Chicken Dinner for church district # 13 Friday, July 8 Carry outs at 3:30 p.m. Sit down from 5:30 - 6 p.m. Live and silent auction follow. Joe’s Window Shop Corner of Shedd Road and Route 168.
Belated Birthday
Benefit Haystack Dinner Live and silent auction to follow Friday, July 1 Carry outs starting at 3:30 Sit dinner starts at 5:00 Auctions to follow Joe’s Window Shop (Corners of Shedd Road and Route 168)
Wanted
‘Extra special birthday wish’ to:
for Our Next Issue
Please write in and tell some . . . - Ideas to get rid of garden pests - Benefits that will be held after July 13 - Birthdays and anniversaries - Recipes for canning fruits of this season - *New column* ‘Tell Us a Story’ – send in stories of the past, stories with morals, or Bible based stories. Stories you like to tell, or stories that have been told to you. - Write to the editor with questions or comments you have. Please include your name (we will withhold your name from print, if you wish) We will print as many of these letters as space permits. Information must be received by: June 27 to be included in the next edition. Send to: Plain Country, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, OH 44062 . You may also call 440-632-0782 or fax to 440-636-9842.
June 9 Willie Byler-hit the big 50! June 24 Robert Johnathan Miller IV (2) July 6 Robert R Miller (32)
Happy Anniversary June 26 Shanna & Robert Miller III (11)
Children’s Immunization Clinics
Geauga County General Health District hosts local children’s immunization clinics. Immunizations for children and adolescents are free of charge for all Geauga County residents regardless of income. For non-Geauga residents, there is a $5 fee per child, per visit. MIDDLEFIELD CLINIC Second Wednesday, July 13 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Wednesday, July 20 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. Third Thursday, July 21 from 3 – 6 p.m. Clinic will be held at St. Lucy Mission, 16280 Kinsman Road (Route 87 east), Middlefield. NEWBURY TOWNSHIP CLINIC Wednesday, July 27 from 9 – 11:30 a.m. Clinic will be held at Grace Evangelical Bible Church, 14951 Auburn Road, Newbury. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
FOR SALE
Cedar Lumber
Approximately 70 pcs. 2 x 6 x14 for $44. each 166 pcs. 2 x 4 x14 for $23. each or, all for $6,000.
Answers to Bible Trivia Game
sling and stone (1 Samuel 17:4,50) Gideon (Judges 6:11-12) laugh (Genesis 18:10-12) Satan (Job 1:12, 2:6:7) honey (Judges 14:5-9)
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
gray hair (Proverbs 20:29) lamb (Exodus 12:3-6) bless them (Luke 6:28) ant (Proverbs 6:6-8) snake (Exodus 4:1-4)
Joseph A. Miller 17245 Swine Creek Rd., Middlefield, 440-632-1865 or 440-313-8838
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In Memoriam
Amanda J. Miller (nee Weaver), 61, of Parkman, entered eternal rest Sunday morning, May 29 at home surrounded by her family and friends after a long battle with cancer. She was born April 22, 1950, to Jerry J. and Lydiann (Sommers) Weaver. She married Bill U. Miller on March 25, 1971. Amanda was a lifelong resident of the Middlefield area and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. She thoroughly enjoyed being a homemaker, working outdoors, sewing, cooking, and always doing for others. Amanda also cherished spending time with her family. Amanda will be sadly missed by her husband; children, Nancy (Robert) Detweiler and Gertrude (Allen) Detweiler both of West Farmington, David (Mary Ann) Miller of Middlefield, Lydiann (Daniel) Hochstetler, Martha Mae Miller, Fannie Mae Miller all of Parkman; 16 grandchildren; two brothers; and three sisters. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, and a granddaughter. Funeral services were held June 1. Amanda’s final resting place is in Yoder Cemetery in Parkman.
In loving memory of . . .
Our grandfather, John A. Miller who passed away June 24, 1947 and his wife, our grandmother, Jemima (Hostetler) Miller Hershberger who lived to be 99 years and 11 months old. She passed away June 21, 1995. John was a well-known farmer having his farm at the bottom of Huntsburg Hill on Route 528. In addition, he worked for Doerfer’s Harness Shop in downtown Middlefield. He and his wife also cared for Mr. Doerfer as he suffered ill health. John was starting home from work that June 24 stopping first to get his mail and then at Mumaw’s with a jug of his maple syrup. It is said he was reading his paper as he crossed the tracks in downtown Middlefield and did not hear the train that hit and killed him. Our grandfather, Samuel J. Fisher, who passed away July 12, 1964 and his wife, and our grandmother, Ella D. (Miller) Fisher, who passed on March 24, 1993. Samuel was a well-known farmer who also worked for and, eventually, retired from Geauga Industry. He and his wife were known for their charitable works, done quietly. Our father, Robert J. Miller who passed on June 30, 1997. Robert was a well-known blacksmith in Middlefield. His shop was next to where the Middlefield Fire Station is today. He was at work when his father, John A. Miller had his fatal accident. They are all sorely missed by their family, Emma Miller and her five sons, Raymond, Chester, Bob, Jr., Marty and Nelson Miller and their families.
June 22, 2011
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Plain Country
Nice Selection of Gazebos, Barns, Playsets & Outdoor Furniture
Friday, July 1, noon–8pm; Saturday, July 2, & Monday, July 4, 8am–8pm
July Fourth Trifle
Closed Sunday
10% OFF
Submitted by Jacquie Foote 1 angel food cake 3 cups vanilla pudding 1 large tub Cool Whip 1 quart strawberries, washed and patted dry 1 pint blueberries, washed and patted dry 1 cup whipped cream
All in-stock Poly Vinyl Furniture We challenge you to find a better-built line of Outdoor Products!
Alan Mullet
(Rt. 87–1 mile West of Mesopotamia or 4 miles East of Middlefield )
S & E Country Store Oil Stoves • Gifts •
Parts and Service
Tear or cut angel food cake into bite size pieces. Set aside 3 of your largest strawberries and cut the rest into halves or quarters, depending on size. Set aside 2 tablespoons of blueberries. In a large bowl, place a layer of angel food cake pieces. Spread 1 cup of vanilla pudding over cake pieces. Sprinkle 1/3 of the cut strawberries and 1/3 of the blueberries over the pudding. Spread 1/3 of the Cool Whip over the berries. Place a layer of cake pieces over the Cool Whip. Repeat alternation of pudding, berries, Cool Whip and cake until you have 2 more layers, ending with a cake layer. Spread whipped cream over final layer of cake. Cut large strawberries in halves. Place strawberry halves on whipped cream layer. Sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of blueberries among the strawberry halves. Keep cool until serving. Serve by spooning up this trifle as if it were a big pudding.
4853 Kinsman Middlefield • 440-693-4363
8-5 Daily; 8-4 Sat; Closed Sunday
Books
German and English
440-548-2347
17574 Newcomb Rd • Middlefield
Our cabinets are a work of art!
Since 1977
Hayes Road
Greenhouse
• onion sets • Plants • bulk seeds • Seed Potatoes • Asparagus
• Rhubarb • Soil • Annuals • Perennials • Roses
• Hanging baskets • Fruit Trees • Berry Plants • Grapes
Flats of Beautiful Flowers, Vegetable Plants and Patio Tomatoes
13015 Hayes Rd., Middlefield, 44062 (Between Pioneer & Burton Windsor)
HUGE SELECTION OF
HOUTDOOR FURNITURE HFIREPLACES HSTORAGE BARNS H SHEDS!
Cookies N’ Cream Cheesecake
Submitted by Sarah Miller 30 Oreo cookies 1 cup butter or oleo 4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 1 cup sugar 4 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla 20 chocolate Oreo cookies, crushed
H 4 Styles of Outdoor Furniture Poly, Cedar, Treated & Vinyl
H Unique Planters H Wishing Wells H Lighthouses and more!
Finely mash the 30 Oreo cookies. Add butter and mix well. Press into a 13 by 9 inch pan. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Mix well. Add eggs. Mix gently. Stir in 1 1/2 cups crushed cookies. Pour into pan. Sprinkle with remaining crushed cookies. Bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Chill.
440-834-1540 17090 Jug St., Burton, OH 44021
Mon.-Fri. 7:00am to 4:30pm, Sat. by appointment only.
440-632-0174 13650 Madison Rd H Middlefield
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Fourth of July Banana Split Cake
Submitted by Jacquie Foote White cake mix, your choice 1 cup whipped cream 1 large tub of Cool Whip 2 bananas, ripe but firm 1 quart strawberries, washed and patted dry 1 pint blueberries, washed and patted dry 1 cup chocolate or fudge syrup Make the white cake in a sheet form according to directions. Let cool well. Combine whipped cream with Cool Whip mixture. Mix well. Spread a thin layer of Cool Whip mixture over cake. Slice bananas and distribute them on the layer of Cool Whip mixture. Quickly, cover bananas with rest of Cool Whip mixture. Slice strawberries, toss with blue berries and sprinkle over Cool Whip mixture. Drizzle chocolate syrup or fudge syrup over strawberries and blueberries. Keep cake cool until serving it.
Fourth of July Cake
Submitted by Jacquie Foote White cake mix, your choice 12 ounce container sour cream 1 cup whipped cream or Cool Whip 1 cup sugar 1 quart strawberries, washed and patted dry 1 pint blueberries, washed and patted dry Make the white cake in a sheet form according to directions. Let cool well. Combine sour cream, whipped cream and sugar. Mix well. Slice the strawberries in halves (or quarters if they are very large). Spread sour cream mixture over cake as a thick frosting. Place strawberries on this frosting. Sprinkle blueberries among the strawberries. Keep cool until served.
Calico Beans
Submitted by Sarah Miller 1 pound bacon 2 pounds hamburger 2 cans kidney beans 2 cans pork and beans 2 cans butter beans 2 cups brown sugar 2 cups ketchup 4 teaspoons mustard 4 tablespoons vinegar 2 onions chopped Fry bacon and hamburger. Drain. Place in a large baking dish. Add beans and other ingredients. Bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours.
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June 22, 2011
Katherine’s
Plain Country
By Katherine M. Byler
“DON’T SLAP THE BREAD!” John Mark, age 9, knows that now. Took the grandson along to the Senior Center. He was a big help and, thank goodness, didn’t harm the bread I was baking there. He was just tempted enough to give light slaps to the bread as it was rising in the pans. Emma Shrock, 92, who is a regular at the Senior Center, can still recall girlhood songs and will sing them (quietly) if we ask nicely … songs like “Geauga County Girls” and the “Bachelor Song”. I baked another yummy chocolate cake and, as someone wrote to Ann Landers long ago, “You take just a little sliver of cake, eat it; soon another sliver, and, before you know it, you’ve slivered that cake to death.” Serves it right, right? We’re finally getting warmer weather, probably here to stay. Gardens are being planted later than normal. Grass keeps growing in lawn AND pasture! Weddings abound, always a good time to see and talk to friends … and maybe make new ones. Ike and Linda Ebersol and Sam and Linda King from Lancaster County, Pa. were in the area for the wedding of Jonas
On...
spotlight
Creekside Lawn Furniture By Jacquie Foote
Korner
Lancaster County’s loss is definitely and one that swivels. How about swings? Geauga County’s gain! They too come in various lengths, high and It started three years ago when Joseph low backed and with a model featuring Miller bought out Lancaster’s Cypress lumbar support. In addition, tripod a-frame Breeze Series and moved the business to swings are available in 4 and in 5 feet. his property on Swine Creek Road. There, Are you interested in chairs? You will in a neat white building next to his house, find English chairs, Adirondack chairs, he and his wife, Nancy, set about making a Kennebunkport chairs and rockers (high dream come true. back, low back and bent cypress). The dream? Well, Joseph, a carpenter Of course, for outdoor or casual meals, and cabinetmaker who worked in there are tables; picnic style, oval, octagon construction, wanted a family owned and children’s tables along with the chairs and operated business right on his own or benches that fit them. Actually some of homestead. And he wanted a quality these tables are elegant enough for indoor product he could feel satisfied having his use. sons (and daughters) work on with him. Other furniture available includes When you turn in at the Creekside Lawn planters, potting benches, refreshment Furniture sign, you can see swings, tables, stands, foot rests and a unique folding benches and chairs set in an outdoor display beach chair. area. When you walk into the workshop, If you don’t see what you want, Joseph you will see the pieces being made and and his family are pleased to do custom you will smell the rich, clean aroma of the orders. Bring in a picture or drawing … or Cypress wood being cut, carefully sanded, just describe what you want. Large or small, assembled and finished right there. (In an they will make it for you. (Recently, they effort to support other Geauga businesses, constructed a trellis for a customer.) And Joseph buys all his supplies, even the they don’t restrict you to lawn furniture. Cypress, from local suppliers.) Joseph and family will be happy to produce At first, he used Cedar wood as well cabinets to meet your requirements. when making his furniture. The prices for these But he found that customers things are astoundingly Creekside Lawn vastly preferred the Cypress reasonable. For example, the Furniture and has phased out the 100 Series 4 foot low back Joseph and Nancy Cedar. (There may still be glider with a contour back Miller, owners some great bargains there, if is only $208. The, heavier you hurry). 500 Series 4 foot glider with Fine handcrafted Cypress, like Cedar, has a contour back is only $290. lawn furniture natural oils that repel rot … And remember, these gliders and more! but without Cedar’s strong are backed by a 100 percent odor. It also does not twist 17245 Swine Creek Rd guarantee for quality of Middlefield or crack like treated lumber, materials and workmanship nor has it been treated with and will last, not years, but 888 768 7534 arsenic or other chemicals. decades! Call ahead Cypress is well known for its Oh, by the way, it is No Sunday Sales hardness. One of Joseph’s not only gliders covered by customers tells of a piece the 100 percent satisfaction of Cypress lawn furniture she has had guarantee. Every piece of Cypress furniture outdoors for 30 years that is still as beautiful sold at Creekside carries the same and useful as ever. assurance. Cypress’ natural color is a light golden Although the Cypress furniture is less yellow with reddish, chocolate or olive heavy than you would think, most of the overtones. At Creekside Lawn Furniture, pieces are too large to simply pop into the you will see Cypress furniture in its natural trunk of the average car. As a service, Joseph state, and in the silver gray it weathers into will arrange for delivery for you, as near as if you choose not to stain it. Of course, if you less than a mile away, as far as the state of prefer, Joseph will stain the furniture you Washington, or even further if you need. buy for you. The colors of stain he keeps on For a friendly atmosphere, knowledge hand are Golden Harvest, Keystone Dark about the products being made and sold, and Redwood Light. If you prefer another quality craftsmanship and an enthusiasm color stain, he will take care of it. for letting you know how to care for your So what kind of furniture can you get new purchase, Creekside Lawn Furniture here? Well, are you looking for a glider? can’t be beat. Joseph will make you a glider 2, 4, or 5 feet Come on over to Creekside Lawn long with either a high or a low back … and Furniture for excellent furniture and an a model with a special lumbar support back enjoyable experience wrapped into one!
C. Detweiler of New York and Rachel Miller, daughter of Dan and Mary Ann. Ike and Linda made a short visit at the hospital with Mrs. Crist Miller (Barbara). Barb had knee replacement done, then returned to the hospital with a lot of pain. Doctors removed fluid and sent her home again after two days. She had to miss out on the wedding. We spent a day with Uncle Jake C. Byler who recently turned 86. He’s pretty much confined to home. We found out one of his grandsons, married and father of 10, told his busy wife to take care of the twin babies and he’d finish supper. OOPS! He put the thickening for chocolate pudding in the wrong kettle and they had chocolate bean soup (minus the bread?) for the first and, hopefully, last time. End of an era? With an auction of many years’ collections, a great change looms. Milo Schlabach, age 89, experienced such, ridding himself of the headaches of storage, etc. He has a very pleasant new home in the new addition at his daughter’s, the Dan P. Hostetlers on Hayes Road. Yours truly is trying to get rid of a bunch of stuff so I can go yardsaleing again. Watch for the “free table” in our front yard. Maybe we need to hire an auctioneer too!
Nutrient Dense Gardening By Daniel Fisher
First, I’d like to write about our Nutrition and Health Seminar by Walt Merriman on June 28, 6 p.m. He will talk about how the body was designed and how America’s standardized food has effected America’s health. This is why we really think it’s very important to try and get nutrition back in our food. Now, to get back on track on Nutrient Dense! How do we do that with the wet spring we had? It’s harder, but still possible. So we will try and write why soil health matters. You have more at stake than next year’s crop. We believe healthy soil is the firm foundation needed for a healthy food system. Healthy soil produces healthy crops, healthy livestock and, ultimately, healthy people. There is, as yet, no standard definition of healthy soil. But, as a farmer or gardener, you likely recognize healthy soils when you see them. Some common characteristics of healthy soils are: • They drain and warm up quickly in the spring. • They don’t crust after planting. • They soak up heavy rains with little run- off. (This spring was different. With 20 plus inches of rain in May, you will have run-off. This is why cover crops are important to help prevent soil erosion, etc.) • They store moisture for dry spells. • They resist erosion and nutrient loss. • They support teeming populations of microbes. • They don’t require ever-increasing fertilizer rates to maintain good quality and quantity. • They produce healthy, high quality, and nutrient dense crops. The condition of the soil is at least as important as its fertility. The productivity of the soil can never be greater than the plant-available food element in the least supply. This means being concerned with
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what is missing in the soil and what is plantavailable, as well as what is wrong with it and what can be done to correct it. Until next time. Daniel C. Fisher is proprietor of D & S Farm & Garden Supply LLC, 4738 Gates Road, Middlefield. Call his voice mail at 440693-4632 for more information.
David RS
Sharp Shop
If it can be sharpened, We can sharpen it. . . Knives • Sissors • Drill Bits • Chisels • Grinder Blades and more!
440-632-9600 15480 Burton Windsor Rd • Middlefield
10% OFF any
Outdoor Furniture purchase
Creekside Lawn Furniture 17245 Swine Creek Rd., Middlefield 888-768-7534 Not valid with any other offers. Expires 7/31/11
June 22, 2011
Amish Home Craft & Bakery ry Pies Try our F for your s or Cookier Picnics! Summe
Jams • Jellies • Lots of Crafts • Gifts • Baked Goods Quilts • Wood Items • Centerpieces • Wallhangers Place Mats • Rugs • Baby Items • Hickory Rockers –Store Open Daily 9am - 4:30pm– Bakery Available Daily – Will Do Special Orders!
By Barbara Ann Detweiler
Jonas Jr. & Emma Miller • 440-632-1888 (Let Ring)
16860 Kinsman Rd. (Rt. 87) 1-1/2 miles East of Middlefield
Sunday, May 15: Norma’s sixth birthday! She’s waited a long time for this day. Rainy and dreary all day. We were cooped up in the house; the children got bored and my nerves got all jittery. Needless to say, I was overjoyed when bedtime rolled around! Monday, May 16: Still dreary. Laura was home today, so she did laundry. Tuesday, May 17: Rose Edna’s sixteenth birthday. These children of mine are growing old way too fast for me. It is raining for the sixth day in a row. I’m trying to be thankful. Wednesday, May 18: I was home all day, which is unusual! It was nice, too! More rain coming down. Thursday, May 19: The children and I went to Mom’s to help clean, etc. Laura and Katherine did cupboards and I did ironing, cooking and baking. It was nice and sunny this afternoon. Very refreshing. Friday, May 20: It didn’t rain, but everything is very saturated. Andrew mowed the lawn anyway and you could see his tracks. Saturday, May 21: We went to the Cleveland zoo. We really enjoyed it, especially the monkeys; and, no, they didn’t keep any of us there to join them! It was a beautiful day and lots of people there! Sunday, May 22: We went to church, then home to rest and read. It rained, and then turned nice. Monday, May 23: Niece Barbara Ann called and announced she and her husband, Ben, have a little boy. They named him Joey, after his grandpa (my brother Joe). Joe’s birthday is May 25, so all the more reason to call the baby Joey. Can’t wait to see him. We went to Teacher Norma’s house tonight to visit with her and her parents. Nephew Nathan, age 8, came up from Carroll County tonight to stay a while. Tuesday, May 24: Nathan had lots of fun with Andrew today, riding and driving the pony, catching frogs, all those boy things. They put up the tent to sleep in tonight.
– Footwear for the Whole Family –
Custom Choose from: Redwing • LaCrosse • Danner • Wolverine • Irishsetter Leather • Georgia • Rocky • Chippewa • Muck Boots • Hi-Tec • Vasque Work • Golden Retriever & more! MULLET’S HARNESS SHOP – Men’s Work Boots –
16138 Newcomb Rd., Middlefield
440-632-1527
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8-5, Fri 8-6, Sat 8-4 (Closed on Sunday)
Windsor
Stairs and Millwork Custom-Built • Stairs • Boxed Newels • All Interior Trim Unfinished or Prefinished
• Hardwood Flooring • Handscraped Flooring • Hand Hewn Beams • Old Barn Siding
Free estimates!
7418 North Wiswell Rd. • Windsor 44099
Visit Our SHOWROOM !
Installation Available
Contact Dave C. Miller at
(440) 272-5157
Furniture for Every Room in your Home Recliners • Rockers • End Tables • Hutches • Secretaries Desks • Dining Room Tables and Chairs • Benches Wrap Around Bed Frames • Clocks • pictures Candle warmers and much more . . . Our showroom is full, come and browse to see all that we have
Miller’s
Furniture
Open Monday thru Saturday
8847 North Girdle Rd (1/4 mile North of 87) Mespo • 440-693-4609
Wood Siding & Paneling for all your building needs!
Custom Orders Available! Home C ountry Decor Items
• 6x6 and 6x8 Logs! (Green or Kiln-dried) • Log Siding • Channel Groove • Shiplap • Tongue & Groove • Dutch Lap & more!
d Pine Kiln-drieailable Also Av
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Plain Country
Wednesday, May 25: Katherine went down to Sister Elizabeth and Wayne’s in Carroll County. She’ll stay till Sunday, then we’ll take Nathan home and pick her up. Thursday, May 26: It stormed last night, but the boys stayed in the tent and braved it out. Then, tonight, we had another storm. I didn’t feel all that good. I have sore throat and headache. Betty had it earlier in the week, so, evidentially, I caught it from her. Friday, May 27: Housework was up to me today, since my three older girls were all gone. Nathan says he wants to stay here forever and never go home! He misses Baby Donnie, though! Saturday, May 28: Laura was home today, which was such a treat. She did laundry while I baked and cooked and cleaned some. The day went fast. Sunday, May 29: We went down to Carroll to exchange children and also stayed to visit and for supper. Neither Katherine nor Nathan was ready to go back to their own homes! Monday, May 30: Memorial Day. Very warm and humid. The girls didn’t have to work today so they cleaned, did laundry and sewed. Tonight we all went to Crist and Emma Burkholders for a cookout. Tuesday, May 31: Today was an exceptionally warm and humid day. I had to go get groceries which makes it seem worse. Tonight, I didn’t do more than I had to! Wednesday, June 1: Much more pleasant today. I had a yard sale. I got rid of some junk (treasurers?). Some I put out as free and that disappeared in a hurry. Thursday, June 2: I went to my cousin Rachel’s wedding today. It was a beautiful, pleasant day. I surely enjoy it when it’s like this! At home tonight we had hot dogs on the grill and sat outside till the mosquitoes drove us indoors. They come out in swarms and invade the whole outdoors. Friday, June 3: Katherine and I did the laundry and cleaning. Andrew was weedeating and Norma was “helping” him with a stick. I asked her something and she said, “Mom, you have to be quiet, ’cause I can’t hear you while I’m weedeating.” Saturday, June 4: I went yard saleing today. Laura was home, so things were in good hands.
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Plain Country
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June 22, 2011
By Sarah Miller June 6, 2011: Ahhh! We finally have summer. It has been a week without so much rain and it gives us a chance to catch up on yard work. Many flowers are in bloom. It is a lovely time of year. Our sympathy to the Bill U. Miller family on the passing of their wife and grandmother. Spending an enjoyable day with the eighth grade class and parents on Wednesday, June 1 were Bill and Ada and Mose D. Byler and Joe and I. We went to Altoona, Pa. where we took a train ride and visited a museum and a candy factory. Last we stopped where Flight 93 crashed. They are in the process of building a huge monument there. It is to open by September 1, 2011, the tenth anniversary of the crash. Visiting Grandpa John J. Miller on Sunday afternoon, June 5 were Mr. and Mrs. Freemon A. Byler of Route 168. They used to live in Pelki, Mich.
Greetings from Garrettsville
Going to a wedding in Johnsonburg, Pa. on Thursday, June 2, were Roman and Ada Schlabach and Mike and Emma Slabaugh plus some more whose names I’m not sure of. They also visited brother Allen and Mary Ann M. Miller in Punxsutawney, Pa. on their way home. Allen had a stroke several years ago. June 7, 2011: Tuesday morning and it’s time to get this faxed in. That was quite a storm we had this morning, with hail the size of marbles. Am glad farmer Joe got most of his hay that was dry in. It has been hard for farmers to get their crops planted with all our rainy weather. On Thursday, June 16, we plan to leave for Mio, Mich. for a family reunion. The reunion is to be on Friday, June 17. We plan to go by chartered bus. Coming home the evening of June 17. Plans are for a nephew and family and brother Menno and Malinda to come down from Wisconsin and travel with us.
By Rachel Miller
June 3, 2011: We have 40 degrees this morning. The sun is out. We have had four nice days in a row. Monday, Barbara and I went to son Ivan Jrs. to help get ready for the wedding of granddaughter Lucinda to Albert, son of Albert Millers. They had a nice day, Tuesday, although warm. It was a nice wedding with good food. John Schrocks of Prattsburg, N. Y. came. My relative from Atlantic, Pa. couldn’t make it. I’m still working on spring cleaning. This week, it’s the kitchen’s turn. With going away so much, I’m slow getting spring cleaning done. Ivan and Barbara were working on mowing and trimming the lawn last night. He still has the front lawn to do. This morning, he had to go work for a lady in Garrettsville. I had a lot of humming birds and was filling the feeder every day. Now I think I have one
An elderly man finally decided to get a hearing aid. Some time later, he stopped at the store where he’d bought it. The beaming manager greeted him and said, “Your relatives must be happy that your hearing is so much better.” “Oh, I ain’t told ‘em yet,” the old timer chuckled, “I’ve just been sitting around the house, listening. You know, I’ve heard enough to change my will twice already.”
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June 8, 2011: Well, our rainy season has ended, or so it seems. The garden was planted Wednesday evening, June 1 and it dried up awful fast. The rain we received early morning, June 7, sure made the garden pop! Strawberries are ripening, but ours are a later kind of strawberry. We are anxiously waiting for ours to ripen, but, oh, my aching back! A trip is planned to Munfordville, Ky. to surprise Nancy’s brother for his sixtieth birthday. We expect to leave Friday noon, June 10 and arrive Saturday morning with balloons and streamers. We hope to make this a real surprise! By the time this is in print, we hope we have had a safe trip and it was a success. The whole Troyer family is planning to go along except John H. Troyers and Dan E. Millers. We enjoyed the wedding at Urie Byler’s of their daughter Nora Mae to Johnny Troyer on May 26. Johnny is wife Nancy’s nephew. So we enjoyed the day with relatives. It was a nice day except for some light sprinkles in the afternoon. Upon arriving home that evening, we saw the rain gauge had over 2 inches of rain. Only a little over a mile away from the wedding. As always, I ate too much and talked too much, but, so, this is my life. What I like about the Plain Country is the ads. I’m an ad reader to see what people have to sell. I would like to see more classifieds. I also enjoy the reviews and the stories about businesses. I also enjoy all the writers. Keep it up! If anyone has ideas how the paper can better serve us, write a letter to the editor.
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lonely humming bird. The others must have found it sweeter someplace else. We have two barn swallow nests by the porch. The wren is singing by the clothesline. We got our garden planted Wednesday evening. Still need some cabbage, pepper and celery plants. My tomatoes were big and ready to go out. Happy birthday to granddaughter Barbie Kurtz who was 17 years old on June 13!
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Georgia Road School News By Linda Weaver
A chartered bus took Georgia Road School seventh and eighth graders as well as teachers, parents and grandparents (us) on a well-planned outing in West Virginia on Saturday, June 4. The first stop was breakfast at Das Duetch Haus in Columbiana, Ohio where we all had the buffet. Yummy! Our next stop was in Moundsville, W. Va. at the Sate Penitentiary. It is no longer a working prison, but tours are given by a former worker, Margie Gray. She was an excellent tour guide being as she had years of experience, and could tell us what went on and what could happen, etc. Very interesting and an eye opener for all of us. Part of our group was brave enough to be locked up for a few minutes, but not this Grandma! We, then, went to the Marx Toy Museum, a very interesting place for us oldsters. We played with some of those exact toys growing up. I also love antiques, and these definitely were. Louis Marx Jr. just recently visited there and didn’t know the museum existed. He is now paying a salary to the collector who started the museum and rents his building. There is also a movie about his father that Louis Marx didn’t know about. Our last stop was Cabelaís which all the menfolk enjoyed. Their stuffed animals and live aquarium are unbelievable. A very worthwhile day. It was a tired group coming home. We stopped and ate on the way home. We did a few quizzes and sang some songs, making for some special memories.
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June 22, 2011
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Plain Country
Hello from Huntsburg
Lines by Linda
Looking Back to the Beginning
Time to get my thinking cap on and get something worthwhile on paper. Huntsburg has two new residents that I know of. A son born to Harvey and Anna Mary Detweiler; a daughter born to Marlin and Miriam Yoder. The way it looks, summer might be here. We sure had a wet May. The old saying is “A wet and cold May fills the barn with hay”. April showers bring May flowers; what do May flowers bring? If I don’t forget, I will put the answer down next time. Mrs. Lester Mullet (Barbara) passed away. At 96, she was the oldest Amish woman here in Geauga. Now, if my feeble mind is right, the oldest Amish woman is Mrs. David Troyer at 94. Melvin Wengerd is the oldest Amish person in Geauga at 97. (Read William Bender’s story of boys living off the land in “Tell Me a Story”, page 8.)
June 6, 2011 Hello Friends, I’m sure everyone is enjoying the beautiful weather after all the rain. We got our garden planted and it already could use some rain, at least around the plants. Underneath, there are still lots of moisture. Church was here May 29 for daughter Sara Jane and Marty Mast and we were blessed with a few visitors. Minister Andrew and Sara Jane Miller and children, John and Barb Mast, and their granddaughter Ruthie (Eli) Yoder were here. Church is here again for Jake and me on June 12. Noah Detweiler Jrs. announce the birth of quadruplets … swans, that is. Seems a little later than usual. Miriam wrote there were 5 eggs, so I guess one didn’t hatch. James and Linda Miller had church in Bill M. Byler’s district Sunday. His dad Jim Miller of Guys Mills Pa. attended, as did Mark Gingeriches, Owen Yoders and son Rudy and John Gingerich Jr., a cousin to James. John is the one who compiled the Gingerich ancestry book and went to Germany to learn more of his family history. He also understands and speaks German, but wasn’t raised Amish. This church is next at Erwin and Betty Ann Slabaughs on June 12.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” These words were written 235 years ago. They are actually the beginning of the second section of the Declaration of Independence. Under the last sentence of this declaration which said, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor”, 56 men, representing the 13 colonies in America, put their signatures. The war with England had been going on for more than a year when, on June 11, 1776, the Second Continental Congress appointed a “Committee of Five” to write a declaration, which would tell the world why Americans were fighting. The Five were: John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Robert R. Livingston of New York, and Roger Sherman of Connecticut. This committee left no minutes, so how it happened that Thomas Jefferson was the one to actually draft the declaration can only be guessed at. We do know that Jefferson was well known for his writings and was well respected among the members of the Congress. Something written by him could be expected to be well received. So, between June 11 and June 28, 1776, Jefferson wrote what we call the “Declaration of Independence” which has become both the nation’s most cherished symbol of liberty and Jefferson’s most enduring monument. Here, in exalted and unforgettable phrases, Jefferson expressed the convictions that had come to exist in the minds and hearts of the American people. So, remember, the political philosophy of the Declaration was not Jefferson’s own idea. In fact, its ideals of individual liberty had already been expressed by John Locke and the Continental philosophers. What Jefferson did was to summarize this philosophy as “self-evident truths”. Later in the Declaration, he also set forth a list of grievances against the King in order to justify before the world the breaking of ties between the colonies and the mother country. One of the most stirring and famous passages of the Declaration is the one quoted at the beginning of this article. In more modern language it means that there are certain obvious truths. One of them is that all people are created equal (i.e., no one is created to be a king, or a noble, or a pauper). It also says that God has given us certain rights that cannot be taken away. These rights include the right to life and the right to liberty and the right to strive for a good life. Once the document was complete, Jefferson consulted the other committee members, made some alterations, and the completed Declaration was presented to Congress by the committee on June 28, 1776 under the title, “A Declaration by the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress assembled”. The Declaration was tabled until July 1st, when Congress declared itself a “committee of the whole” and began the debate over Jefferson’s writing. This debate resulted in its ratification and the signing that was completed on July 4, 1776, giving us our national birthday. As Benjamin Franklin said we are not English any longer, ” We are a new people. And we need a new country.” We declared we were no longer 13 colonies; we were 13 states united into one country. We were … and are … the United States of America.
By William Bender
By Jacquie Foote
By Linda Weaver
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Plain Country
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June 22, 2011
Helpful Hint and Very True By Katherine Byler
Submitted by Sarah Miller
Books in Review
Welshfield, Ohio July 29, 1893 Warm and dry is the weather. Farmers are busy cutting oats, which is a little short on account of the dry weather. Wheat is a fair crop. John and Eli Miller are hustling over the county with their threshing outfit. Jacob, son of Benjamin Schrock had a severe attack of lung fever* but is slowly improving again. Minister Simon E. Mast and wife, of this place, started for Holmes County last Saturday evening. Benjamin J. Yoder’s new barn is nearing completion. John S. Weaver is happy that little boy made his appearance in their family. Anybody desiring a good mail carrier will do well to call on Misses R. and K. I and my Pa *lung fever is what we now call pneumonia.
By Jacquie Foote
“From Grandpa’s Pen, Memories of Uria R. Byler” by Uria R. Byler was published by Carlisle Printing, Sugarcreek, Ohio and copyright 2010. This is a companion book to “As I Remember It”, Uria R. Byler’s autobiography. As many Amish still do, Uria kept a careful journal. In his later years, remembering his longing to know more about the lives and times of his grandparents, he used his journals to write his life story for his grandchildren. His family had his book published after his death. His was a notable life for many reasons, not the least of which is his involvement in the formation of the Amish schools in Geauga County. “From Grandpa’s Pen” contains memories and meditations this good man wrote from June 1962 through January 21, 1973. The first of his writings published by his family is more fact centered, dealing with the events in his life and times in a straightforward manner with a few asides containing his thoughts about what was going on. This book dwells more on his thoughts and concerns as he went through life trying to understand God’s will. In it, Uria looks back on the choices he made, trying to understand why he made them and how those choices affected his life and the lives of others. Another thread running though ”From Grandpa’s Pen” is Uria Byler’s concern for the Amish way. He meditates on life in the Geauga County Amish community, on how cherished traditions and beliefs are taught and followed and yet how the press of Yankee culture influences members of the Amish Community. Uria writes of his concern for the children especially. He saw clearly how the non-Amish world can tempt the young to forget their own values so that they could lose their way and he worried at the erosion in the Amish Way that could be caused when economic security becomes too important. This book is also filled with moments of humor, beauty, commitment to the Amish way and with memories of Uria’s deep affection for friends and family. “From Grandpa’s Pen” was written by a man to whom God had given the gift to communicate. His writings are both deep and interesting. Readers from the 8th grade to adulthood would enjoy this book. This and other fine books are available at S & E Country Store on Newcomb Road.
Tell Me a Story Making Hay
My Memories of the 4th of July
When we have four nice June days in a row, it makes me think of making hay when I was still at home. I had to drive the team while Dad loaded with the hay loader behind the wagon. When the wagon got full, I’d have to stand on the standard. Then the hay would get down my neck and scratch. We’d take the wagon into the barn with Dad in the wagon with a (grapple) fork he’d stick in a bunch of hay. Then, I’d lead the horse down the ramp pulling a rope and Dad would guide it to the haymow. Sometimes I would go up in the haymow and help even the hay out. Those were the good old days!
To some, the 4th of July simply means a day off work, to others a cookout in the backyard. I remember my childhood 4th of July celebrations fondly. It was a time for family fun, and, with my father being of Italian descent, that meant big family fun! Dad had five brothers and sisters and that meant I had a great many cousins to play with. We all gathered at my grandmother’s house. Nana, as we called her, was not really into grilling hamburgers and hot dogs. She would much rather feed us a “decent” meal of spaghetti, sausage and meatballs, fried chicken and mashed potatoes. Of course I loved the food, but most of all I loved being outdoors playing with my cousins. It was the best fun ever! When the day’s light started to fade, my dad went to the trunk of his car. Our anticipation immediately grew as our eyes feasted on the sparklers and other firecrackers that would soon be lighting up the night sky. Dad was always very careful so that no one ever got hurt or burned. One by one we had our sparklers lit by dad. “Be careful”, he told us as we twirled them ‘round and ‘round. Little stars danced in the night sky until the sparklers had burned down to the end. As I grew into an adult I realized that not only was it a day of celebrating with family and friends, but more importantly it was about our nation’s freedom and called the birthday of America. On July 4, 1776, the Continental Congress declared independence by announcing our 13 colonies no longer belonged to Great Britain. Because of that declaration, the first Independence Day was celebrated on July 8th 1776. Today we continue the annual holiday, each in our ways. My dad is no longer here but memories of days gone by remain. I am thankful I live in a beautiful country and am free to be me.
By Rachel Miller
Living off the Land By William Bender
Some years ago, there were some boys who lived along Clay Street. They wanted to live off the fat of the land (or should I say “creek”). On a Monday morning, they went back in Poor Dave Joe’s pasture with a tent, some bread and a bottle of salad dressing. They were going to stay until Thursday afternoon. They tried to live on fish and frog legs. Well, they didn’t get enough fish or frog legs to take care of their hunger. So, one day one of the boys went home and his mom gave him some money to buy hot dogs. They walked up to 322 and got their feast of roasted hot dogs. When Simon went to get the salad dressing, it was gone. He yelled, “Jonas!” and all Jonas said was, “I was hungry.” Thursday morning found the boys eating cold cereal at home. I don’t know how much weight they lost, but I do know they came home hungry. Now, the only one of these boys left in this neck of the woods is David Bender. Most of the others live down by the Green River. I guess the Green River has bigger fish than Tare Creek. (Right! The other boys were Joe’s Joey and the Schmucker boys!)
Submitted by Katherine Byler
From a letter Aug. 1991 The Chouteau Farm Supply had been broken into for 3 weeks in a row. Radios, flashlight and tools were missing from the trucks, besides feedbags torn open and messes made. Then, last Monday eve, the manager, Jake, saw someone going into the elevator. He told his wife to call the law and he walked down to watch them. He saw them crawl through a hole that had always been there. He could hear them having their fun. After the law got there, Jake locked the door which got their attention and they ran for the big doors which were hooked on the inside. When they got it unlocked to get out, the law was on the outside, waiting on the 3 boys who were 9 and 10 years old. Jake said he never in his life heard bawling like he heard then. It was still daylight. The law took them to t he police station and their parents had to come after them.
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If your buggy’s back curtain is rolled up while you’re driving, it is much cooler for you, and for the horse. Try it. (This doesn’t mean roll it up WHILE you’re driving; do it before you hit the road.)
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June 22, 2011
Fun! And the Winners Are
Thank you for entering our “Improve and Color the Eagle Picture” contest. Our winners are: Ages 5 – 7 Enos A. Byler (Donley Road) Marlin Miller (Bundysburg Road) Ages 8 – 10 Ruthie Mast (Hayes Road) Andrew Miller (State Route 534) Ages 11 and up David Detweiler Jr. (Bundysburg Road) Kathryn D. Schlabach (Parks West Road) The winners should have already received notice by mail.
Bible Trivia Game
(Answers on page 2) 1. What weapon did David use against Goliath? sling and stone lance jawbone 2. Who was working under an oak tree when the angel greeted him? Mark Job Gideon 3. What did Sarah do when she was told she would have a son, Isaac? cry laugh go to the temple 4. Who received permission to attack Job’s possessions, family and health? David Pharaoh Satan 5. What did Samson eat from the carcass of the lion he killed? honey tongue jawbone 6. According to Proverbs, what is the “splendor of the old”? children gray hair wisdom 7. What animal did God tell the Israelites to eat during Passover? lamb camel dove 8. What did Jesus tell his disciples to do to people who cursed them? leave them curse them back bless them 9. What insect does the book of Proverbs tell lazy people to learn from? bee ant locust 10. What did Moses’ staff (or rod) turn into? water manna snake
Summer Drawing Contest –
To enter this contest, draw a picture of something that you like best about summer – is it riding in the pony cart? helping in the garden? playing with your pet, or brothers and sisters? sitting under a tree and reading? or fishing? You may color your picture if you wish. But the winners will be chosen for the drawing, not for coloring. Put your name, address and age on the back of your drawing. Send your entry to: Plain Country Contest, P.O. Box 626, Middlefield, Ohio, 44062 must arrive by June 29. Age groups are 5–7, 8–10, and 11 and older. There will be 2 winners in each age group. Each winner will get a tablet of drawing paper and set of artist pencils. Winners will be notified by mail on or about July 6.
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Plain Country