Furniture Heartland

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The Magazine of Solid Wood Furniture

www.furnitureheartland.com

The art of custom furniture Understanding quartersawn Color trends: a little help from Mother Nature Bedroom suite styles

2007

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%JOF JO TUZMF BOE DPNGPSU XJUI UIF .JMMFOOJVN EJOJOH SPPN TVJUF Designed and hand-tooled by Amish craftsmen in our own custom wood shop.

8233 SR 241, P.O. Box 158 • Mt. Hope, OH 44660

Located in the heart of Ohio’s Amish country

1-866-674-4902 HomesteadFurnitureOnline.com

Open everyday except Sunday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

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Cover: The Liberty Mission Dining Room Collection from Valley View Oak exemplifies the classic styles offered by retail stores in the Furniture Heartland.

2007

10

14

18

30

Features 10

Departments

Tips & Trends

5

Solid wood furniture and Amish traditions

With a little help from Mother Nature, fresh color trends are here

14

To Customize or Not to Customize When, why and how to make a

7

Editor’s Notes

9

Welcome to Amish Country

28

custom furniture purchase

18

Insider Info

From the Heart

Finding the Way A map of the Furniture Heartland

30

Last Course

Does the term “quartersawn” leave

Mrs. Yoder’s Date Nut Pudding

you with a blank stare? Find out

Shopper’s Scoop

how this sawing method could affect your next purchase.

2007

The Furniture Heartland

22

Stylistically Speaking Bedroom suites, from classic to contemporary

24

The Showroom

27

Resources

3

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C O M I NG I N THE SUMMER OF 07

Quality that surpasses time. It’s found only in The Furniture Heartland with more than 30 stores in a 15-mile radius, representing the nation’s largest concentration

‘

We’re doubling the size of our Kidron Store!

Lehman's, on the Square in Kidron, is pleased to announce the expansion of its current retail store.

With the purchase and reconstruction of an 1840’s era barn, and the conversion of a large warehouse into retail space, the family owned and operated business will better serve customers.

With massive exposed beams, the barn will be the centerpiece for the store and an historical landmark for Wayne County.

• • • • •

of solid wood furniture craftsmen. All committed to delivering authentic, ABOUT 25 MILES SOUTHWEST OF CANTON, OHIO.

finely crafted furniture. Rediscover the beauty of quality furniture in the Amish Heartland.

Discover. Experience. Treasure.

Visit www.furnitureheartland.com or call 1-877-643-7874 for more information.

Interactive displays Museum-quality antiques Cafe and coffee shop Additional restrooms High-tech theater (a restored buggy barn)

Visit www.Lehmans.com for more information about our new expansion or plan a trip to Kidron soon.

Pleasant View Furniture

PROPRIETOR

CARING FOR OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE 1991

‘

er of 07 Coming in the Summ One Lehman Circle, P.O. Box 41, Kidron, OH 44636 (in the heart of Amish Country) Ph: 888-438-5346 • www.Lehmans.com

Bedroom Suites • Dining Room • Living Room Glider Rockers • Candles • Curios • Entertainment Centers Baby Furniture • Coffee & End Tables

A Complete Line Of Fine Hardwood Furniture 6782 TR 423, Dundee, OH (Between Winesburg & Berlin) 330-893-4322 • Mon.-Sat. 9-5

HOME DELIVERY AND SETUP AVAILABLE

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From the Heart

The Furniture Heartland The production of high-quality furniture in Amish Country is nothing new. Starting with indi-

With more than 30 retail showrooms and around 450 manufacturers in this region, the Furniture Heartland has set an American record. No other region has this many solid wood furniture stores and manufacturers

vidual craftsmen, the process of

concentrated in one area. Yet, this resource in

making furniture was done only

central Ohio remains relatively unknown to the

for family and neighbors as part

residents of our own state. Many don’t even

of a heritage of independence.

know that Amish Country in Holmes County is

This has been a part of Amish

nation, to the Midwest and even to some

the world’s largest Amish community.

This might be why so many people who do

Country for years; only recently

know about the Furniture Heartland won’t go

has the area earned the name

anywhere else to buy furniture. They have found

“The Furniture Heartland.”

corporate sponsorship and flashing neon signs.

the real thing, and it remains untouched by

In a world where mass-produced imports are rampant, the search for authenticity is becoming increasingly difficult. Thanks to the Furniture Heartland, genuine, solid wood furniture is alive and well. www.furnitureheartland.com

© Photo courtesy of Doyle Yoder Photography, www.dypinc.com

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Mrs.Yoder’s KITCHEN You need to try Mrs. Yoder’s homemade specialties.

330-674-0922 Wednesday: Breakfast and lunch buffet Saturday: Breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet Hours: Monday – Saturday 7AM – 8PM 8101 State Route 241 in Mt. Hope 9 miles east of Millersburg, 15 miles south of Massillon

Wake up in Amish Country

)BOE $SBGUFE

0BL $IFSSZ & 5 2 . ) 4 5 2 %

Mist rising over rolling farmland lifts the curtain on another day in Amish Country.

You’re well rested and ready to start the day. Rise and shine. This is your country wake-up call! Couples relax and reconnect. Families reunite and share quality time together. Groups gather for productive meetings and enjoyable social events.

All within easy reach of dozens of cities and towns in America’s heartland.

2 VBMJUZ GVSOJUVSF BT XFMM BT MFBUIFS VQIPMTUFSFE JUFNT GVMMZ BDDFTTPSJ[FE JO UPEBZÂľT TUZMFT

5SPZFS & 5 2 . ) 4 5 2 %

7EST -AIN 3TREET 3UGARCREEK /(

330-893-2926 or dhgroup.com

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Editor’s Notes The Magazine of Solid Wood Furniture

2007

Publisher Rose Kleidon Business Manager Dennis Kleidon Editor Kurt Kleidon Editorial Staff Rose Kleidon Amy Brighton Art Direction/Design Tim Klinger Christie Lang Rosella D'Agruma

Desperately Seeking Authenticity

I

f you haven’t noticed, it seems that no

One can find plenty of reasons to buy authen-

matter which retail store in the Furniture

tic. In the example of furniture, buying from

Heartland you buy from, the furniture is

stores in the Furniture Heartland ensures that

invested with more authenticity than furniture

you are supporting the American – and local –

Board of Directors

bought…well, just about anywhere else. Once

economy. The materials and the labor all come

Ernest Hershberger, President

you realize that real hardwood furniture isn’t

from within the country, exotic wood orders

Shasta Mast, Executive Director

shipped in boxes with instructions and one-

excluded.

Roy Weaver, Vice President

time-use wrenches, you begin to understand

The alternative is grim: according to an MSNBC

Dan Mast, Secretary & Treasurer

the range of furniture options. It’s like discover-

article last year, 75% of furniture bought in

Matt Beachy

ing a home-cooked meal after a lifetime of

America in 2005 was imported. Even the major-

Matt Campbell

frozen food.

ity of all-wood furniture is imported now, up to

Mike Hummel

It’s not that furniture or food from a box is bad.

55% from about 33% ten years ago. Are the

Atlee Kaufman

I have had my share of both. But a life

imports a better value, of better quality or more

Dale Miller

centered around boxed goods is a dry life

stylish? No, no and no, when compared even-

Kyle Miller

indeed. If no more than occasionally, a

ly. Are they cheaper and more readily accessi-

Lee Pagani

handmade meal is necessary to remind yourself

ble through big box stores? Absolutely.

what food is supposed to taste like.

In today’s age, living a prepackaged lifestyle is

For advertising inquiries, contact

While working on an article about quartersawn

impossible to avoid at times. But I believe the

dennisk@kleidon.com or (330) 666-5984

white oak for this issue, I had the opportunity to

pursuit of an authentic lifestyle is our only

watch logs being sawn at a lumber yard.

means to avoid becoming prepackaged

Technology has changed over the years, so

citizens, no different from one another.

Amish Country Furniture Association

Paul Swartzentruber

For editorial inquiries, contact kurtk@kleidon.com

transporting and cutting logs is now done with For inquiries on visiting the Furniture Heartland,

the help of machines. Still, the process from for-

call 1-877-643-7874

est to furniture is transparent here. No additives.

The Furniture Heartland is an official publication of the Amish Country Furniture Association and is published by Kleidon Publishing, Inc., 320 Springside Drive, Akron, Ohio 44333.

Copyright 2007 © by Kleidon Publishing. www.kleidon.com.

(330) 666-5984, fax (330) 666-6833. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission.

Kurt Kleidon, Editor

2007

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Featuring Oak and Cherry Furniture Manufactured Locally With Quality Bedroom Suites Dining Rooms Computer Desks Jelly Cupboards Children’s Furniture Entertainment Centers

From the straw hats to the quilting bees to the lemonade, Holmes County’s Amish Country is the summertime place to be. Visit our region’s web site for a list of events, destinations, lodging and other ways to enjoy the summer. Because in Amish Country, this season is simply too good to miss.

Mattresses End Tables Pie Safes Glider Rockers Poly-gliders & Swings

Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Millersburg, OH

(877) 643-7874 www.visitamishcountry.com

11463 Harrison Rd. Apple Creek, Ohio 44606 Mon.-Thurs., Sat. 9-5 Friday 9-8 Closed Sun. ●

The simple life. One weekend at a time.

●

●

E x c e p t i o n a l b e a u t y. E x t ra o rd i n a r y q u a l i t y.

Generations of furniture-making traditions are reflected in each piece of The Valley View Collection. Using timetested techniques, we handcraft furniture that is durable and beautiful with details often overlooked in today’s rushed world.

You may not see the time and talent invested into each mortise-and-tenon joint, dovetailed drawer or hand-planed top, but you will feel the difference each time you welcome guests to your table, serve a meal to your family and securely close treasures in your hutch.

Available at many retailers in the Furniture Heartland.

VALLEY VIEW OAK, LLC fine dining room furniture 4760 East Main Street Berlin, Ohio 44610 330-893-2242 schrocksheritagefurniture.com

www.valleyviewoak.com

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Welcome to Amish Country

I

’m thankful for many things — health, fam-

nation’s largest concentration of solid wood

ily, friends — and living in such a beautiful,

manufacturers and retailers.

thriving, rural community is certainly near

They’ve re-discovered what their culture has

the top. So, what makes Holmes County

practiced for hundreds of years — they can

special? While I love the breathtaking scenery

accomplish much more by working together

and slower-paced lifestyle, it’s the people who

and marketing collectively than through

truly make the difference.

cut-throat competition.

When European immigrants fled religious per-

This magazine is just one example of the

secution and in the nineteenth century settled in

cooperation among the Furniture Heartland

the verdant valleys of Holmes County, Ohio,

members. We hope you enjoy the craftsman-

they brought with them a self-reliance, work

ship and beauty of this small sample of furniture

ethic and independence from the rest of the

available in Ohio’s Amish Country.

world that remains today.

Please plan a visit to the Furniture Heartland for

These Amish and Mennonite settlers farmed for

your next furniture purchase. And while you’re

a living and grew, produced or crafted most of

here, enjoy our home-style cooking, charming

what they needed to survive, including furniture.

inns and country hospitality.

Today, descendents of these original settlers

Times may change but quality shouldn’t. Visit

continue to craft beautiful, high-quality furniture

the Furniture Heartland for old-fashioned

designed to endure for generations. By visiting

quality, the best value you’ll find anywhere and

the Furniture Heartland, you can add a little of

today’s furniture styles.

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this legacy to your home.

The Furniture Heartland represents a partner-

Sincerely,

ship between retail furniture stores and the business community in the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest Amish community, with its heart here in Holmes County.

In fact, with more than 30 retail stores and 450 manufacturers, the Furniture Heartland has the

Shasta Mast, Executive Director Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau 877-643-7874, www.visitamishcountry.com

RU GKJURXS FRP 2007

The Furniture Heartland

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Tips & Trends

By Rose Kleidon

Planet Earth Inspires Decorate with the colors of the planet – today’s freshest look

According to the Color Marketing Group

they tell us that the mainstreaming of environ-

(CMG), the leading international association

mentalism is the key to next year’s colors.”

in 2007/2008? If you're thinking

of color design professionals, the most

Specifically, CMG predicts these trends:

fluorescent colors, think again.

powerful color trends are driven by concern for

What colors will hold center stage

the environment.

Blues from Nature

From fabrics to furnishings,

“Our members specify color for everything

The color of the sky, the color of water, true

pillows to paint, this year’s key

from Cadillacs to Kleenex boxes,” said Jaime

blues from nature will be everywhere.

Stephens, executive director of CMG, “and

colors are coming down to earth.

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New Natural Neutrals The newest neutrals, especially medium to dark browns, are soul-satisfying. Beiges, browns and tans will be more earthy and grounded – reflecting the colors of stone and soil.

Rich, Ethnic Accents Lighter, neutral settings will be punctuated by warmed-up accent colors from a rich mix of countries and cultures. Deep, rich, ethnic reds and warm, glow-y oranges are the new “punch” colors.

Left: Fresh blues inspired by sea and sky. Painted furniture and stained finishes from dark to light work beautifully with this year’s blues.

Azure Collection photo courtesy of Sullivan, Inc.

Above: Neutrals with impact. The colors of earth, bark and rock are a big part of the new palette. Earthy beiges, tans and browns are easy to use in paint, wallcoverings and upholstery.

“Canyon” photo courtesy of Atrium Wallcoverings Inc.

Right: Red and orange give it a kick. Cultures from around the world have their say in reds and oranges from copper to coral to raspberry.

“Copper Brown w/ distressed gold foil application” photo courtesy of burton + BURTON ™

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Below: Bright Olive with Dark Brown. Nature boasts many hues of green, but this one goes especially well with dark brown woods. Expect to see blue-based greens as well.

Photo courtesy of Sullivan, Inc.

“Green” Rules!

The idea of “green” means the color green, too. Look for softer, more botanical greens inspired by nature.

Bring color swatches or pictures from magazines when you shop so you can see how this year’s colors will go with the furniture you choose. Want an interior designer’s help? Several Furniture Heartland stores have interior designers on staff, so be sure to ask.

12

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Want to send the next issue of The

Furniture Heartland magazine to a friend?

Want to receive the next issue by mail?

V I LLAGE GI FT BARN

To add or confirm a complimentary subscription, send name and mailing address to kurtk@kleidon.com.

The Furniture Heartland magazine is distributed for free through the Amish Country Furniture Association. If you received a copy in the mail by mistake and would like to be taken off our list, please e-mail your name and mailing address to kurtk@kleidon.com.

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www.furnitureheartland.com

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By Kurt Kleidon

To Customize or Not to Customize Ordering a roomful of custom furniture can leave you secondguessing each decision. But it can also transform a room from awful to amazing.

W

hen considering custom furniture from the Furniture Heartland, you should realize two things from the start:

1. Furniture customization is not an exclusive practice only for the wealthy. We’re not talking about designing a customized car or yacht.

In the Furniture Heartland, customizing is a regular practice.

2. Customizing can be an exciting way to unleash your creative

ideas. But if you have not customized furniture before, get a second opinion before moving forward with an industry-changing design sketched on a notepad.

“A majority of the custom work we do is tweaking details, such as size or finish, for the piece to work in a space,” said Dale Miller, owner

Understanding how customizing works requires a brief background on how furniture from this area gets to you, from initial purchase to delivery at your home. Some of the stores in the region make a “standard” chair or bench, but most of the pieces you see on their showrooms are idea generators for customers. Whether an order is identical to a piece on the showroom floor or very different doesn’t significantly alter the manufacturing time or final cost.

of Walnut Creek Furniture. Furniture can also be customized with carvings, inlaid designs or messages, whether significant or subtle, through engraving or burning processes. Shannon Hershberger of Schrock’s Heritage Furniture pointed out that you can also customize with hardware, such as knobs or handles. “We have two hardware manufacturers that we work with,” said Hershberger, “so we can get just about any hardware that is still being manufactured.”

To a certain extent, if you’re ordering furniture in the Furniture Heartland

Are you a custom furniture person?

you can expect part of your order to be custom. But first consider the range of what customizing can mean. At one end of the spectrum, you

There are only two types of furniture buyers for whom custom pieces

can order a completely custom-designed piece of furniture. At the other

are probably not a good option: college students and those of you

end, you can customize a piece by choosing simply a wood species and

buying furniture as if you are still in college. For everyone else, ask your-

finish color. If your furniture order doesn’t include a custom element, then

self this: Would I rather buy a dining room table that fits my dining room,

you might not get the exact size, style, species or color you want.

or would I rather expand my dining room by two feet to fit a catalog piece’s standard size? Above all else, your furniture must fit your space.

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Maybe you don’t need to create a custom

Is it safe for a novice furniture buyer to come in

piece; maybe you want to. It can be an excit-

with a completely custom design? Yes, but be

ing process. “The customer is only limited by

open to suggestions the retail store may have.

their imagination when it comes to custom

If you have zero experience with furniture

pieces. That’s it,” said Miller. Not only does a

design but like the idea of having a piece that

custom piece become a talking point in your

no one else has, go to the magazine racks

home; it also could have an impact in others’

first. There you’ll find examples of all types of

homes as well. Miller has had custom designs

furniture, and you’ll also get an idea of styles

brought to his store that were so well designed

that are popular and how to match them

that he decided to put them in his showroom.

with your rooms.

He even named one custom-designed bed-

“People will come in with a picture from Pottery

room set after the customer who brought it to

Barn or Crate & Barrel and ask us to make it

Walnut Creek Furniture. “When we told (the

out of solid wood,” said Hershberger. This is a

customer) we were going to make it for others

wise idea if you find a design you love and you

and name after him, he was tickled pink,” he

want to last for generations.

said. The Wheeler, as it was named, continues to entice customers in the showroom.

16

www.furnitureheartland.com

Page 14: This dining room table and chair set was customdesigned by a Walnut Creek Furniture customer.

The design was then adopted by Walnut Creek’s showroom.

Page 15: Custom furniture, like this entertainment cabinet, is the only solution for various-sized electronics.

Above: Made to fit a specific space, this entertainment center from Schrock’s Heritage Furniture uses storage space and style to match a customer’s specs.

Right: This Walnut Creek Furniture bed set called The Wheeler got its name from a family who originally brought in the design for themselves.

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Remember the adage: Measure twice, cut once.

The customer’s responsibilities Purchasing custom furniture is an interactive process, and you get to choose how involved you are in the process. The following is a checklist of items, so that you are ready to order–and get–exactly what you want.

• Remember the adage: Measure twice, cut once. When it

• Some people will go as far as

comes to furniture, you’ll need the measurements of the piece

bringing in designs made in

as well as measurements of the space where it goes. And

autoCAD with measurements

don’t forget to measure the other elements, like every door-

that go down to a quarter of

way, stairway or tight corner that you’ll encounter while getting

an inch. This might be more

the piece into your room.

preparation than you need, but it’s very important to understand

• Consider how a size alteration to a showroom piece will change the proportions of some of the piece’s parts, such as

what the piece is going to look like when it’s done.

drawers. Said Hershberger, “We try to point that out to the customer so they know what to expect.”

• Interior designers are not used nearly enough, according to Miller, and can be very helpful in the decisionmaking process.

• Many stores have a variety of stains available, and some are able to create custom stains to match your décor. Don’t be afraid to take photos of your room or bring in the exact colors you want.

Interview sources: Dale Miller

Shannon Hershberger

Walnut Creek Furniture

Schrock’s Heritage Furniture

3473 SR 39, Walnut Creek 330-893-3383

4760 East Main St., Berlin 330-893-2242

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Insider Info

By Kurt Kleidon

The Story of Quartersawn If you’ve ever found yourself

Photographs of quartersawn provide only a

was considerably inefficient compared to plain

hint of its characteristics. The flakes have an

sawn techniques, has been improved upon

iridescent quality, something visible only

over the years to create much less waste than

between regular or quartersawn

in person.

the 10%-15% from older techniques.

oak that leaves you lost, you are

In technical language, the flakes are called

confronted

with

a

choice

not alone. It’s not uncommon to wonder the following: What does “quartersawn” mean? What

medullary rays and are the life veins that carry nutrients from the heart of the tree to the bark.

In other words, these flakes connect the inside to the outside.

styles go with it? How much of

The quartersawn process

an upcharge should one expect

Quartersawing is the process of showcasing

to pay for this type of cut?

Many know enough about quartersawn to recognize what it looks like, with its “flames” flittering throughout the grain. These marks are also known as flakes, rays or ray fleck.

18

flakes on the face of a board. The traditional way to achieve this is by first quartering a log and then cutting the quarters into boards (see diagram). Before the invention of the

Above:

dry kiln, all furniture production used the

Looking at the circumference of a log, this diagram shows how a log is traditionally quarter sawn.

quartersawn method. This method, which

www.furnitureheartland.com

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Buyers Alert The 10%-15% more-than-plain-sawn estimate for quartersawn is realistic for stores in the Furniture Heartland.

Buyers should be aware that various retail furniture web sites claim that ordering quartersawn oak doubles the cost of a piece.

ram

“Not all lumber yards create quartersawn the

Quartersawn vs. rift sawn

same. But everyone has the same goal in mind: capture the flakes,” said Melvin Yoder, the vice president of Yoder’s Lumber Co., Inc., near Berlin, Ohio. Through the family business that has existed for over sixty years, Yoder has learned all of the modern sawing techniques and knows what produces the best lumber.

His

company

supplies

many

furniture

manufacturers in the Furniture Heartland with their lumber.

This is not to say that rift sawn is bad. In fact, current trends in Greece are calling for rift sawn

One of the details that Yoder points out is the difference between quartersawn and rift sawn wood. The two are very similar, but to those

white oak in their top-of-the-line flooring. But in America, quartersawn white oak continues to reign as one of the most popular options.

with discerning tastes, the distinction is important. Rift sawn produces board faces with a straight grain pattern but flakes that are angled and not as large as in a well-cut piece of quartersawn. According to Yoder, it is almost impossible not to get some rift sawn when cutting quartersawn.

Left: Subtle details, like the notch on the dresser’s top corner, match nicely with quartersawn white oak.

From Homestead Furniture’s Post Mission Collection.

Above: A quartersawn white oak nightstand from Homestead Furniture’s Bunker Hill Collection.

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This white oak board, moments after being cut at Yoder’s Lumber Co., Inc., begins to show its flakes. The vertical lines are from the saw and are sanded out.

Since the origin of quartersawing, white oak

Quartersawn oak is a fine fit in all areas of the

has always been the wood of choice, but along

house, from bedrooms to dining rooms. But

the way, red oak, maple and a few other

quartersawn has a style of its own. Just as

species have been sold as quartersawn. White

mixing styles should be done with discretion,

oak is the favorite because it almost always

mixing quartersawn white oak with other

produces the biggest, most distinct flakes com-

species should be done with caution.

pared to other species. Red oak is often the quartersawn species alternative to white oak, and because red oak typically produces smaller flakes, it is a cheaper alternative.

According to Ernest Hershberger, owner of Homestead Furniture in Mt. Hope, “As a rule, quartersawn is in Craftsman and Mission styles.

Here and there you’ll see it in Shaker, but nothing else.” The pairing between quartersawn and these styles goes back about a century. Using quartersawn with them – all known for their simplicity – allows the ornate quality of the flakes to add detail to the furniture’s simple style.

20

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Quartersawn: Who it’s for and how to buy Among his customers, Hershberger sees quartersawn oak and Arts & Crafts/Mission styles as a popular choice among the baby boomers. At a price point in the Furniture Heartland market that is 10%-15% more than plain sawn oak, quartersawn oak has struck a chord among buyers who are ready to spend a little extra for a set they’ve always wanted.

A significant number of people today are

Browns and darker hues, such as red or rust,

To quartersawn oak’s advantage, it is a specific

are the route to go with quartersawn. It’s no

look and not a fad, believes Hershberger. “In my

coincidence that this color scheme fits perfect-

opinion a certain percentage of the market will

ly with the Arts & Crafts style. A medium tan is

always lean toward the quartersawn/Arts and

about as light as you can go with quartersawn

Crafts style because of its authenticity.”

because deeper stains help the flakes appear.

Compared to furniture with an exotic design,

To add a subtle yet stylish decoration to

built overseas and constructed of thin boards

quartersawn, many stores will suggest including

and plywood, a quartersawn white oak Arts and

a discrete walnut inlay. Remember, however,

Crafts piece built in the Furniture Heartland is

that style trends are worthwhile only if they work

certainly as authentic as it gets.

for the buyer.

decorating whole houses in the Arts & Crafts style. For those decorating single rooms in this style, quartersawn can work with country, rustic, Cape Cod or cabin/lodge settings. It doesn’t match with an ultra-mod look, but the simplicity of Arts & Crafts allows for a spot in contemporary settings.

Interview sources: Melvin Yoder Yoder Lumber Company, Inc. 4545 TR 367, Millersburg 330-893-3121

Above: The right stain with quartersawn white oak allows the flakes to stand out perfectly, as seen on this desk.

From Schrock’s Heritage Furniture’s Trenton Collection.

www.yoderlumber.com

Left: The white oak log here is shaved of its bark before being quarter sawn.

8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope 866-674-4902

Ernest Hershberger Homestead Furniture homesteadfurnitureonline.com

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Stylistically Speaking

Bedroom Suites Century Mission This classic mission set uses quartersawn white oak in a hazel stain with walnut insets.

The bed and dresser with mirror are decorated with stained, leaded glass sections. To complete the look, antique pewter in an Arts & Crafts style is used for the hardware.

Homestead Furniture 8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope 866-674-4902 HomesteadFurnitureOnline.com

Wheeler Bedroom This contemporary suite accomplishes its stylistic goal with bold pieces, clean lines and subtle accenting. The species used is maple with a rich mahogany stain. This suite is a custom design named for the customer who brought in the original concept.

Walnut Creek Furniture 3473 SR 39, Walnut Creek 330-893-3383 www.walnutcreekfurniture.com

Custom Classic This set, custom-designed, is finished with a white paint and dark glaze to create a vintage look. Crown shell carvings adorn the headboard with matching legs on the bed and dressers and leaf pulls on the drawers.

Homestead Furniture 8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope 866-674-4902 HomesteadFurnitureOnline.com

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AND A REFINED LIFESTYLE E M B R A C I N G L E G E N D A RY Q U A L I T Y

O F

S U G A R C R E E K

Because not all Amish Heartland Furniture is created equal.

W W W. W E AV E R F U R N I T U R E . C O M 7011 Ol d Route 39

NW,

TEL 888 Weaver 1

Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681

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The Showroom Empire Collection Bed and Chest Part of the Empire Bedroom Collection, this elegant bed and chest are complemented by a hand sewn quilt with a nautical scene. The bed is shown here in cherry with a Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cherry finish.

Pleasant View Furniture 6782 TR 423, Dundee Voice mail: 330-893-4322

Classic Cage Pub Table Gather â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;round with your favorite brew at the Classic Cage Pub Table.

Wood and iron combine in this set, shown in oak with a Boston stain.

Schlabach Furniture 11463 Harrison Rd., Apple Creek

Edinburgh Collection Lingerie Chest and Armoire From the Edinburgh Collection, this lingerie chest and armoire sport a distressed glaze on maple and textured glass inserts.

Pleasant View Furniture 6782 TR 423, Dundee Voice mail: 330-893-4322

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Plasma Wall Unit The Plasma Wall Unit, shown in cherry and painted black, houses everything from the television and electronic consoles to framed pictures and decorative statues, with storage room at the bottom for movies and music.

Troyer Furniture, Inc. 985 W. Main St., Sugarcreek 330-852-4752

Bentley Mission Dining Room The Arts & Crafts style shines in this Bentley Mission dining room table, chairs, hutch and trash bin. Shown in quartersawn white oak with a Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cherry stain.

Pleasant View Furniture 6782 TR 423, Dundee Voice mail: 330-893-4322

Mission Plasma Stand Interested in an alternative to the large entertainment center for housing your television? Check out this Mission Plasma Stand, perfect for flat-screen televisions.

Green Acres Furniture 7412 Massillon Rd. SW, Navarre 800-807-0975 www.greenacresfurniture.com

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Milano Office Collection The Milano Office Collection offers these distinguished pieces with raised panels and pewter hardware.

Green Acres Furniture 7412 Massillon Rd. SW, Navarre 800-807-0975 www.greenacresfurniture.com

Sonoma Dining Room Collection The Sonoma Dining Room Collection uses stains and special effects to create a rustic atmosphere. Large glass inserts in the hutch allow for uninterrupted display space.

Valley View Oak www.valleyviewoak.com

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Resources p. 6, 25: Troyer Furniture 985 West Main St., Sugarcreek 330-852-4752

p. 6: Carlisle Inn Walnut Creek, Sugarcreek 330-893-2926 dhgroup.com

p. 4: Lehman’s Kidron 330-857-5757 www.lehmans.com

p. 9: Dutch Valley Furniture Sugarcreek 330-852-4026 dhgroup.com

p. 6, 30: Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen 8101 SR 241, Mt. Hope 330-674-0922

p. 25, 26, 31: Green Acres Furniture 2 miles north of Mt. Eaton on SR 241 800-807-0975 www.greenacresfurniture.com p. 8: Holmes County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Bureau Millersburg 877-643-7874 www.visitamishcountry.com p. 2, 18, 19, 22: Homestead Furniture 8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope 866-674-4902 www.HomesteadFurnitureOnline.com

p. 13: Ole Mill Furniture 4422 SR 557, Charm 330-893-2823 www.olemillfurniture.com p. 4, 24, 25: Pleasant View Furniture 6782 TR 423, Dundee 330-893-4322 p. 8, 24: Schlabach Furniture 11463 Harrison Road, Apple Creek

Cover, p. 8, 26: Valley View Oak www.valleyviewoak.com p. 13: Village Gift Barn 4755 SR 39, Berlin 330-893-2648 www.villagegiftbarn.com p. 14, 17, 22, back cover: Walnut Creek Furniture 3473 SR 39, Walnut Creek 330-893-3383 www.walnutcreekfurniture.com p. 23: Weaver’s Furniture of Sugarcreek 7011 Old Rt. 39 NW, Sugarcreek 888-WEAVER1 www.weaverfurniture.com

p. 8, 15, 16, 21: Schrock’s Heritage Furniture 4760 East Main Street, Berlin 330-893-2242 www.schrocksheritagefurniture.com

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Finding the Way

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Amish Country Furniture Association Member Stores

CF Country Furniture

JH Jake’s Handcrafted Oak

Full line of handcrafted and upholstered furniture. Non-commercialized. 30 years, family owned. Known for informative service.

We can help you combine comfort, quality and price. Shipping nationwide.

Dedicated to customer service and topquality, solid hardwood furniture. Many styles, including formal, casual, rustic and custom designs. Numerous stains with durable finishes. Can ship anywhere.

4329 CR 168, Millersburg 330-893-4455

8239 TR 562, Holmesville 1-800-893-3702, ext. 8239

1367 Old Rt. 39, Sugarcreek 330-852-4026 www.dhgroup.com

JF John’s Furniture Gallery

More than 13,000 sq. ft. of handcrafted furniture: dining room, bedroom, office, entertainment, children’s. Available in six wood species. Also Howard Miller clocks, upholstered pieces and accessories. Many items in stock. Custom orders welcome.

4727 US 62, Berlin 330-893-3448 www.johnsfurnituregallery.com

EF Eastwood Amish Craft

Furniture Select from our large inventory of solid hardwood furniture or let us custom design a piece for your home. In the heart of Kidron, across from Lehman’s Hardware.

4722 Kidron Rd., Kidron 866-857-2009 www.eastwoodfurniture.com

KC Kids Collection Furniture

Specializing in youth furniture – from crib to college. Exclusive designs. Cribs, lofts, bunks, bedrooms that grow with your child. Solid oak and cherry. Bedding and accessories.

3141 SR 39, Walnut Creek 330-893-3144 www.kidscollectionfurniture.com

FF Farmerstown Furniture

The only complete furniture and hardware store. In stock or custom built to your design. Large selection of hardware for restoration or hobbyist at great prices.

3155 SR 557, Baltic 330-897-0406

GA Green Acres Furniture

Green Acres Furniture, near Mt. Eaton, designs, builds and retails high-quality, solid hardwood furniture manufactured from trees we choose ourselves.

“From Forest to Furniture.”

7412 Massillon Rd. SW, Navarre 800-807-0975

HT Homespun Treasures

Quality, primitive reproduction furniture as well as lighting, pictures and other accessories.

Also a great line of Amish-made, painted pine furniture – high quality, huge selection.

3147 SR 39, Walnut Creek 330-893-2134 www.homespunwalnutcreek.com

HF Homestead Furniture

Fine furniture available in many styles and options. Exclusive designs by our craftsmen. 13,000 sq. ft. showroom.

Delivery available.

4760 East Main St., Berlin 330-893-2242 www.schrocksheritagefurniture.com

SV Swiss Valley Furniture

DV Dutch Valley Gifts and Furniture

The highest quality furniture and accessories for every room. Creative displays featuring locally made furnishings with custom finishes.

Monthly design workshops. Artwork and window treatments.

SH Schrock’s Heritage Furniture

OM Ole Mill Furniture

Over 7,000 sq. ft. of quality furniture.

Exclusive designs. Quantity pricing on dining and bedroom sets. Gliders, upholstery and accessories. Nationwide delivery available.

4422 SR 557, Charm 330-893-2823 www.olemillfurniture.com

Complete line of locally handcrafted, solid hardwood furniture at family affordable prices.

24,000 sq. ft. showroom includes the area’s largest selection of in-stock tables and chairs.

2431 SR 39, Sugarcreek 330-852-7305 www.swissvalleyfurniture.com

TF Troyer Furniture, Inc.

Heirloom-quality, handcrafted furniture in various solid hardwoods. Showroom includes upholstered/leather furniture and fine accessories. Relaxed, pressure-free atmosphere. White-glove delivery service.

985 W. Main St., Sugarcreek 330-852-4752

WC Walnut Creek Furniture

Our more than 25,000 sq. ft. showroom is packed with endless possibilities for your entire home. We offer quality, locally handcrafted furniture as well as fabric/leather upholstered items, custom-designed pieces, mattresses and accessories.

3473 SR 39, Walnut Creek 330-893-3383 www.walnutcreekfurniture.com

WF Weaver’s Furniture of

With more than 7,000 sq. ft. of showroom on two floors, we showcase all locally made furniture: dining sets, entertainment centers, office pieces, bedroom sets and more.

Specializing in bedroom furniture.

Sugarcreek 14,000 sq. ft. of fully accessorized home décor. National and local manufacturers.

Handcrafted furniture with our 10-year warranty. Exceptional service. Worldwide delivery, free within 100 miles.

6782 TR 423, Dundee Voice Mail: 330-893-4322

7011 Old Rt. 39 NW, Sugarcreek 1-888-WEAVER1 www.weaverfurniture.com

PV Pleasant View Furniture

SF Schlabach Furniture

Featuring more than 10,000 sq. ft. of locally handcrafted, solid oak and cherry furniture: dining room, bedroom, living room, home, office and children’s. Family owned and operated.

11463 Harrison Rd., Apple Creek

Upscale, high-quality, hand-tooled, custom-designed, solid hardwood furniture.

27,000 sq. ft. showroom. On-site designers.

Short turnaround times. 100% customer satisfaction. Delivery available.

8233 SR 241, Mt. Hope 866-674-4902 www.HomesteadFurnitureOnline.com.

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Last Course

By Rose Kleidon

Mrs. Yoder’s Date Nut Pudding You cannot visit Amish Country without

having

Date

Nut

Pudding for dessert. It is often served

at

Amish

wedding

feasts. When Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen opened in 1994, Mrs. Yoder

merged

two

family

recipes for this ever-popular dessert that the restaurant is noted for. Use real cream or substitute your favorite whipped topping. Either way, the wonderful taste will remind you of your trip to Amish Country.

Cake

Bake the cake:

1 cup dates, chopped fine 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup hot water 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup flour 1 tablespoon butter 1 egg, beaten 1 /2 cup chopped nuts

Mix dates and baking soda. Pour in hot water and let cool. Add brown sugar, flour, butter,

Above: Mrs. Yoder’s Date Nut Pudding with whipped cream and drizzled sauce.

beaten egg and chopped nuts, mix well and pour into a greased sheet cake pan. Bake at

to medium-high heat and cook until thick,

350° for 20-30 minutes or until a toothpick

stirring constantly, about 5 minutes. Remove

comes out cleanly.

from heat, allow to cool, and add vanilla.

Cook the sauce:

Assemble:

Sauce

In a large saucepan, lightly brown butter

Tear or cut date cake into bite-sized pieces. In

1 cup butter 2 cups brown sugar 1 /2 teaspoon salt 6 cups water, divided 3 /4 cup cornstarch 1 tablespoon vanilla

(no substitutes). Stir in brown sugar, salt and

a glass bowl, layer cake, sauce and whipped

1 cup of water. Stir well, then reduce heat

cream. Repeat until bowl is full, reserving a

and cook without stirring 8-10 minutes. In

little sauce and ending with whipped cream.

a separate bowl, combine cornstarch and 5

Decorate with fresh sprigs of lemon mint,

cups of water; stir until cornstarch is dissolved.

if desired, and dot with reserved sauce.

Remove butter-sugar mixture from heat and Whipped cream

30

stir in cornstarch water. Add water carefully

Mrs. Yoder’s Kitchen

as sugar mixture will be very hot! Return sauce

For more information, see their ad on page 6.

www.furnitureheartland.com

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Modern looks.

Built the old-fashioned way.

In the heart of Holmes County Route 39 • Walnut Creek, Ohio • 330.893.3383 • Toll-free 866.893.WCF1 www.walnutcreekfurniture.com • Mon.-Thu. 10-5, Fri. 10-6 & Sat. 10-5

mhWCFad_5_22.indd 1

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