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A Craft for Generations, a Family Business,
All Wrapped Up in Leather
Handmade Is Our Heritage — and that’s the Handmade Is“Riehl” Our difference! Heritage — and that’s the Handmade Is“Riehl” Our difference! Heritage
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HOURS HOURS dried fruits, nuts, candies, cookies, whoopie pies, and more. Monday - SSaturday rda 8am - 5pm 5pm - Saturday 8am - 5pm Monday HOURS Closed Sundays Closed Sundays Monday - Saturday HOURS 8am - 5pm Evenings appointment Evenings by Evenings appointment ororby chance. by appointment or by chance. Sundays Kids love feeding MondayClosed - Saturday 8am - 5pm ForEvenings catalog ora inf catalog call aFor or information or information call and them by appointment or by chance. Closed Sundays Kids petting love feeding 800-957-7105 800-957-7105 or 717-656-0697 or 717-656-0697 — a petting simple joy for ForEvenings a catalog or information call and them by appointment or by chance. Kids love feeding the whole family. We accept We accept 800-957-7105 717-656-0697 — simple joy for For a catalog oror information call anda petting them the Weor accept 800-957-7105 717-656-0697 — awhole simplefamily. joy for 247 Eby Road, Le , PA 247 East247 Leola, East Eby Road, Leola, PA the whole family. We accept From Route 340 340take takeRoute Route 772 772West. est. Right From 247 East Eby Road, Leola, PA340 take Route 772 West. Right on Stumptown Road, then right on Eby Road. Road, then right on Eby Road. on Stumptown Stumptown From Route 340Eby takeRoad, Route 772 West.PA Right 247 East We're thefirst firstWe're ffarm onLeola, FT the first farm on the LEFT the the LEFT on Stumptown Road, then right on Eby Road. From RouteLook 340 take 772 West. Right ffor Route our sign! Look for our sign! We're the first farm on the LEFT on Stumptown Road, then right on Eby Road. Look for our sign! rie rathe s.com riehlsquiltsandcrafts.com riehlsquiltsandcrafts.com We're the first farm on LEFT Look for our sign! riehlsquiltsandcrafts.com
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AN AMISH COUNTRY
LANDMARK
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ravelers have been traversing Lancaster County along Route 30 for well over two centuries. And for over 70 years, a very special building has signaled their arrival in Amish Country. It has a legitimate claim on being the area’s oldest visitor landmark. Most importantly, it’s the “place that made shoo–fly pie famous.” That iconic structure is the Dutch Haven windmill. With a history dating back to the beginnings of tourism here, the building is rich in memories. From the time it started as a luncheonette in 1920 right up to the present, it has remained most famous for shoo–fly pie, served warm with whipped cream. The Dutch Haven shoo–fly pie has even been mentioned in a TIME magazine article.
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Today, as soon as you walk in, you’ll be offered a free sample of that same delicious, gooey pie. Some 40,000 pies are baked annually, using the original (secret) recipe. Visitors are still encouraged to “Take one for yourself or send one to someone nice.” You can buy and ship pies home at the store or at their “online shop,” where you’ll find other local crafts as well. Yes, Dutch Haven is much more than pies, with over 10,000 unique gift items, foods, and collectibles. Some of the most popular are jams, jellies, and canned goods, noodles, hex signs, quilted spice mats, Amish straw hats, jewelry and gemstones, Amish dolls, onyx and soapstone animals, trivets, Tiffany lamps, framed prints, plenty of T–shirts and postcards, and a tremendous selection of
Souvenirs
Amish–made outdoor furniture. It’s an eclectic mix, to say the least. As you explore, you’ll discover lots of other “surprises” around every corner. Expect the unexpected! And don’t forget the Amish–style root beer in the barrel. Dutch Haven is now open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., and closed Wednesday. Hours are subject to change. Visit our website for information. For more info about this Lancaster County landmark, call 717.687.0111. Look forward to your free sample when you walk in under the welcoming arms of the windmill for this truly is the place that made shoo–fly pie famous.
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A Craft for Generations, a Family Business,
All Wrapped Up in Leather By Ed Blanchette
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have had the privilege of meeting dozens, maybe even hundreds, of Amish craftsmen over the last decade or so. As the Amish population grows, farmland does not, and out of necessity, Amish people have forayed into various “cottage industries” that they can develop on a small homestead. What may have been borne out of necessity, has in some cases become a treasured pursuit. The Amish way of life requires leather goods, that we “English” don’t use anymore. You can’t just walk into a Walmart to buy these things, so where do the Amish go? You guessed it, among the Amish there are leather craftsmen who, for generations, have made the things that their community needs. A trusted, valuable, local business with a strong work ethic, that continues to perfect a time-honored craft within the Amish community and culture for what may truly be generations. However, at some Amish workshops, it isn’t all about harness and tack. Such is the case at Forest Hill Leather Craft. Unlike the lesser-quality strips of hide,
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bonded together with adhesives, or synthetic knockoffs, that you might find at big box stores. This is a full-service leather “cottage industry” that uses only the finest leather hides, real 100% pure leather of unmatched quality. Forest Hill Leather Craft offers an array of items, such as briefcases, business planners, women’s handbags & carryalls, coasters, unique gift items, and much more. The main thrust of the business may be belts in almost unlimited lengths, (in stock ranging from 22 inches to 58 inches), and of course these leather belts come available in numerous styles and colors. Resident craftsman Isaac Stoltzfus opened the doors of Forest Hill Leather Craft after gaining 14 years of experience in working for others. This isn’t just a grumbling job for Ike and his family. No, this is obviously a passion-project for them, as they create wonderfully unique
pieces that last a lifetime. Just out of curiosity, I asked Ike, “Just how big a belt can you make for a custom order?” He said he’s made them up to at least 70 inches in length, but essentially, he can make a belt with almost limitless length. Forest Hill Leather Craft belts
“You can’t just walk into a Walmart to buy leather goods, so where do the Amish go?” are guaranteed to “last your lifetime” so unlike cheaply mass-produced belts at impersonal big-box retailers (which are often just veneers glued together with very little actual leather involved), an expertly hand-crafted belt from Forest Hills Leather Craft will not need to be SEPTEMBER 2026
replaced every year or two. A cheap belt becomes a bit more expensive when you think how many times it will need to be replaced, when compared to a lifelong purchase like a belt from Forest Hills. The entire family is involved in one way or another, but Ike, patriarch, and founder of the business, oversees all aspects of production. Assisted by his apprenticing sons, Isaac thoroughly enjoys his work and is very happy to share the finished products with the many people who come through his doors. No matter how young his family members are, all are involved in the business, with the tiniest tots able to at least sweep the floor of the shop. Truly, the epitome of a family business. The leather shop sits in a renovated half of the barn, so while you shop, you often hear the whinnying and nickering of the horses on the other side of the barn, or maybe the crow of a rooster just outside (on my most recent visit I saw the family had a sign proclaiming all-natural, freerange brown eggs for sale.) But the shop is clean, nicely appointed, and spacious, even sporting a mirror to see how the merchandise might look on you before buying.
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In early August of 2022, Ike took a three-day trip with his family, which included a tour of the leather tannery im Curwensville Pennsylvania, and a two-day leather workers Auction & Expo in Ohio. This gave Ike the opportunity to meet with suppliers of leather, hardware, and machinery, as well as present his questions and concerns. Ike closed his business for three days to go see, touch, experience, and source the best leathers and supplies available. That’s Ike’s commitment to his craft and to the quality of the product he creates. And that’s the kind of work ethic and quality that you’ll see and find when you look around the Forest Hill Leather Craft shop and feel in your hands when you inspect the wares at this off-thebeaten-path “cottage industry.” Finally, after lots of customer requests, Forest Hill Leather Craft redesigned their popular saddlebag-hoofpick purses into a backpack version. The new design Features the same inside pockets plus a zipper on top to keep everything safe and secure. So, when you head out, getting there couldn’t be easier, but a
word to the wise, his physical address is listed as “Bird-in-Hand” but that is indicative of a quirk of the US Postal system. His property is actually six miles north of the center of Bird-in-Hand, just a short jog north of Route 23 near the town of Leola. Easiest way to get there? Plug 225 Forest Hill Road, Bird-in-Hand, PA 17505 into your GPS. Heading there without a GPS, take Quarry Road north off Route 23 in Leola, and then make a right on Forest Hill Road. The farm is on the right (look for their sign) and is just a short distance after you pass by the Amish one-room school.
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Antiquing in Amish Country
By Ed Blanchette o you enjoy searching for antiques? Perhaps you are looking for that special something, or you just enjoy searching for a surprise to add to your home decor. Maybe you hope to find an item worthy of an “Antique Roadshow.” Whatever you discover, once you find it, it becomes your personal treasure. What makes Lancaster County such a great place to go antiquing?
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One obvious answer would be that this area has a rich history going back hundreds of years to the first settlers in the early 1700s. Many of us have stuff in our attics that we have forgotten about, or inherited. Who knows what may be out there either at a yard sale or an antique shop? Here in Lancaster County we boast thousands of antique shops and dealers. The Adamstown area alone has over 3,000 antiques dealers, and is known as Antiques
Capital, U.S.A. The many locations stretch out along Route 272, just off Pennsylvania Turnpike, Exit 286. Whether you are after a rarity, or just something old that intrigues you, you’ll find everything from sheet music to music boxes, pocket watches to kitchen sinks, nostalgic clothes to beautiful wardrobes to hang them in. Glassware, crafts, toys, clothes, artwork, china, quilts and fabrics, memorabilia...the list is endless!
Indoor & Outdoor Market Open Every Sunday 7:30 AM to 4 PM Located on Rte. 272 in Adamstown 2500 N. Reading Rd.
717.336.2177 www.renningers.net 6 •
Amish Country News
SEPTEMBER 2026
Amish Farms Stats & Numbers Tell the Story
By Clinton Martin arming and Agricultural practices among the Amish – as illustrated by statistics and numbers:
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1. Farming Properties and Farm Related Professions The U. S. Department of Agriculture says that statistically, Lancaster County has the most productive, non-irrigated farmland of any place in the world. There are places in California that produce more per acre than Lancaster County, but they are using irrigation and are growing for 12 months of the year. Lancaster County farmers generally do not use irrigation, and they are growing crops, typically, between April and October. Only 30% (possibly less than 30%) of the Amish are farming.
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Amish farmers can have a tractor, but it is generally used as a mobile engine and transmission that is moved around the barnyard to operate other pieces of equipment (usually through a drive shaft attached to the power takeoff on the transmission on the tractor). Tractors are supposed to have steel wheels (discourages the owner from taking it on the road to use like the “family car”). Amish cultural rules suggest that they use horses or mules for pulling farm equipment in the fields. Some people prefer horses and some prefer mules (same reason why some English people like Fords and some like Chevys). When working in the fields, the team (horses or mules) is hitched to a piece of equipment called a “forecart” (goes before the farm equipment). The farm equipment is
attached to the forecart and the team can then pull the equipment. If the Amish farmer uses horses, they are generally very large draft horses that are Belgians or Percherons. A mule is a hybrid between a male donkey and a female horse. You cannot breed a mule to get a mule. Mules are sterile. The average Amish farm size in the Lancaster Settlement is about 50 acres. In 1960 the average was about 70 acres. The 50-acre farms are not big enough to make a full-time living raising “cash crops” to sell. Most of the Amish farms are dairy farms, but we have lost around 60 dairy farms in the last 21/2 years primarily due to the price the farmers are being paid for the milk they produce. Many of the farmers who quit dairy farming became produce farmers (vegetables) and have found a ready market for their fresh produce. In recent years, there have been a few greenhouse operations that have sprung up among the Amish. We started seeing more greenhouse operations with the downturn in the dairy business. Generally,
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greenhouse operations are growing vegetable seedlings to be sold to produce farmers. There are a few flower growers among the Amish in the local area. There are a few Amish in the Lancaster Settlement who make either a part-time or full-time living training or breeding, raising and training horses as “Drive Horses”. A Drive Horse is a horse that pulls a carriage. Many of the Drive Horses that pull carriages are retired race horses (trotters and pacers) that had a career at the race course pulling sulkies. They frequently retire at age 5 – 6 and a horse can generally live beyond 25 years of age. There are a lot of young Amish men (and a few women) who will train retired race horses to not be afraid of distractions on the road. You frequently see them in the evening pulling a sulky down the road an hour or two before sunset.
Facts and Key Words • Department of Agriculture – most productive, non-irrigated farm land in the world. • Less than 30 % of the Amish are farmers.
• Amish farmers can have tractors. Only used in barnyard. Steel wheels. • Field work is done with horses or mules. • Team hitched to forecart. Farm equipment hitched to forecart.
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Amish Country News
• Average farm size is 50 acres. • Most Amish farms are dairy farms. • Some vegetables/produce farms. • Some greenhouse operations produce vegetable seedlings and a few flower operations. • A few horse trainers and horse breeders and trainers. 2. Conventional versus Organic Farming Techniques. Among the Amish, there are farmers who use conventional farming techniques (pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, etc.). Then there are a few Amish farmers who use organic practices for their farming techniques. Some are even “Certified Organic” (meaning they do not use pesticides, herbicides, artificial fertilizers, etc.). Farmers who use organic farming practices generally do not produce as much of a crop (or milk, etc.) as a conventional farm, but because they use organic practices, they can often get paid more for their products than the products that were raised on a conventional farm. Facts and Key Words • Both conventional and organic farming techniques among the Amish. • Organic farmers get paid more but generally produce less of a crop. 3. Conventional versus No Till Farming Techniques Among the Amish, there are farmers who use conventional farming techniques. These techniques include things like plowing the field and then disking the field to get ready for planting. Some people argue that that approach leaves the soil vulnerable to erosion from wind or water. Other Amish farmers use “no-till” techniques for farming. Cover crops are planted to protect the soil over the winter. Then when spring planting is done, the fields are not plowed and disked. The cover crop (might be rye) is killed or harvested. A special seed drill is pulled over the ground, and a groove is cut into the soil and the seed (for whatever crop is being planted) is SEPTEMBER 2026
dropped into the groove and then the groove is covered up. That way, the soil is less vulnerable to erosion, and some farmers argue that in the long run it is less effort to plant the crop. Facts and Key Words • Conventional techniques – plow and disk the field. • No-till technique – cover crop protects the soil. Cut the groove and plant the seed. 4. Crops The Number One crop raised in the area is Field Corn. Over 200,000 acres of field corn are raised in Lancaster by both English and Amish farmers. The Number Two crop raised in Lancaster County is Alfalfa Hay. Normally, in the Lancaster County area a farmer (English or Amish) can expect to get four cutting of Alfalfa Hay. In the past 5 – 7 years, because of the weather, farmers are getting 5 – 7 cuttings of hay (without irrigation). Number three crop is soybeans. Generally, soybeans are grown by planting in April and harvesting in early September. For the Amish, they can plant soybeans using a team of horses or mules to pull a seed drill, but they have to hire an English, commercial harvester to harvest soybeans. The harvesting combine is too heavy for a team to pull. Farmers in Lancaster County can “two crop” with soybeans and wheat. This is a frequent practice with Amish farmers. They plant winter wheat in October. The wheat grows 4 – 6 inches high before it becomes dormant in November. In March, the wheat starts growing again and it is ripe for harvesting in late June. They hire an English commercial harvester to harvest the wheat in late-June. Then if the weather cooperates, and the farmer is diligent and plants soybeans by early July, he will harvest the soybeans in mid to late October. If he uses that approach, he has “two cropped” wheat and soybeans. Tobacco is a minor crop in Lancaster County, and it is what is considered a “cash crop”. Only 10,000 acres of tobacco are raised by both amishcountrynews.com
English and Amish farmers in the area (compared to 200,000 acres of corn). Tobacco is not raised for personal use (although some Amish do smoke). It is raised to be sold either through precontracted agreements with buyers or at auction for whatever price the market demands. Tobacco is a labor-intensive crop. It is planted by hand and cultivated
(weeded) by hand. You cut a flower stalk off by hand (so that all the nutrients go to the leaves). Then you harvest it by hand by cutting the tobacco stalk off close to the ground and then spear 5 or 6 stalks of tobacco onto a stick of wood called a “tobacco lath”. Then you hang the tobacco in the rafters of a barn to dry. Then around late-December, the leaves are stripped off of the tobacco stalks, and the leaves are baled and shipped. In the mid-1950’s, tobacco was the number one crop raised in Lancaster
County, but because of health concerns, there is less demand for tobacco products. Therefore, tobacco is a minor crop raised on farms in Lancaster County today. In the winter on Amish farms, you will often see what appears to be very green grass growing in a harvested corn field or soybean field. At that stage of growth, it is impossible to tell the difference between rye and wheat, but it is generally rye. Rye is a cover crop that is planted to protect the soil over the winter. In the spring, rye can be used in several ways. For a conventional farmer (plows the ground) it can be plowed under to fertilize the ground. For a no-till farmer, it can be killed with roundup, then a crop like corn is planted by a piece of equipment that cuts a groove in the ground, and the seeds are planted in the groove. Some farmers will let the rye grow until it is close to three feet high. Then it is cut and harvested like Alfalfa. Almost every Amish family has a family garden where Mom and the sisters raise vegetables to feed the family in the summer. The extra is “canned or preserved” to help feed the family in the winter. Vegetables like corn, peppers, carrots, celery, potatoes, strawberries, green beans, etc. are grown in family gardens.
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Amish Health Share Plan Pools Resources By Clinton Martin he Amish are “4029 exempt.” This means as a member of a recognized religious group described by the IRS using form 4029 they do not pay Social Security or Medicare taxes. In exchange, they waive all rights to receive Social Security or Medicare retirement and disability benefits. This exemption was established through a drawn-out legal struggle that eventually saw the US Congress codify the rule as part of the Social Security Amendments of 1965. While this was a victory for the Amish, who resisted government intervention and regulation of how they care for each other and pay for “old age and survivors” – as Social Security was originally named, they nevertheless recognized how much healthcare costs were rising, and how much of a burden they were on some families. In 1969, a group of Amish men (comprising both men in church leadership positions and regular laymen) formed a committee to address
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these healthcare costs. What resulted was Old Order Amish Hospital Aid. Not truly an “insurance policy” it does act as a social safety net for healthcare costs. Amish people choose to join the network. They pay monthly dues (collected by a committee man in their church district.) The dues are pooled and saved in an account, which is then used to pay members’ high and burdensome healthcare costs. There are currently approximately 11,500 members participating in the plan. In an article from 2025 about a similar subject, I quoted a real-world example of an Amish family’s medical bill: $1,064,164.98 paid due to baby born with an immediate need for open-heart surgery. One family facing a one million dollar bill would be daunting, but that same bill divided out equally between 11,500 people in the sharing plan comes to only $92.54 per participant. That’s essentially how the sharing plan works. The Amish collectively share each other’s large healthcare cost burdens. SEPTEMBER 2026
Greystone Manor
Community
Spotlight
Therapeutic Riding Center
By Edward Blanchette
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ecently, I was able to visit and tour a very special place with some very special people, with a special thanks to Board President – Judith Davis R.N. and Program Director – Stephanie Fleck. A place where maybe not very many people have the privilege of receiving a particular insight into a very special cause. That place, located in a beautiful, tucked away place, in scenic Lancaster Pennsylvania, is the home of Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center. A place I found empowering student growth, confidence, and joy through the transformative connections with horses. Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center (GMTRC), currently celebrating their 45th year in serving the community, has provided equineassisted therapeutic activities to children and adults with special needs since 1981. They are a 501(c)(3) organization, meaning they are non-profit and are supported entirely by the community that they serve. This is where their team of volunteer professionals has developed and helped them grow a farm that continues to dedicate itself to changing lives of their students. Positive experiences are found every day and over time, as those moments have added up in powerful ways: a
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nonverbal student finding their voice, a student stepping out of isolation into a community, and individuals finding strength and freedoms beyond physical limitations. These are just a few of the abundant notables and success that students have been able to achieve over the years. This is the magic that Horses… and the volunteers, bring to the students of GMTRC. As I toured the indoor arena with Stephanie Fleck – Program Director of Greystone Manor TRC, she informed me just how important this facility is, which gives the volunteers and staff the opportunity to operate year-round. A lot of programs have to close over the coldest winter months or like the past weeks when it has been really hot, they might not have a good space to work and so this facility (GMTRC) allows us to be open year-round. Being able to continue the program for the students continued success without interruption is a big plus for all involved, especially those students. Stephanie also pointed out some of the traditional equestrian equipment, like obstacles or mountain blocks. But they also have some adaptive equipment like the ramp which helps students with ambulatory balance issues get. They also have a mechanical lift apparatus, so if
there’s any student who requires even more assistance to get on their horse, they have that option available to them. The Tack Room was very interesting and well organized. I got to view all of the saddles, helmets and gear necessary for the safety and interaction between
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Echo
Geym
Marcus
the students and horses. Equipment is necessary for the student training or for programs. So, they provide helmets for any student who doesn’t have their own and then a variety of tasks introduced to meet the needs of the students. So, English versus Western and some even bareback, along with different adaptive stirrups, different adaptive reins, just all the normal things needed. We try and keep it all as organized as we can. It’s wonderful the students and volunteers help with getting things ready, putting things away, so everyone tries to keep it all organized. Different disciplines of riding are represented. It’s important to do so, as they have to work with populations of individuals ranging from 4-years of age to 80-years of age, who have physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral and are an at-risk population. So, the scope of individuals that they serve are varied. So, you’ll also see that reflected in the equipment that we have and also the herd for that training. There could be a very obvious need for the services of GMTRC. The individual could be in a wheelchair. It might be very obvious or visible that the individual may have a special need, but there’s a lot of students who come here, and might not ever realize that there might be a limitation within that range of population. We have a lot of volunteers who help us. So, the highest level of support that we have would be a 4-to1 ratio. It’s the instructor, someone leading the horse, and two side walkers per student and everything all the way up, to fully independent with just one student working one-on-one with the instructor and then everything in between. 12 •
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Makeda
Nando
The Jumper Room houses additional grooming supplies and lesson supplies, things that they might use to support whatever objectives they’re working on that day. Every horse has its own horse box. It’s something, if the students are participating in that this might become part of their routine. They come in, they get their horses tote and they bring them out. It’ll get the horse ready for the lesson of the day. You don’t see many block bars any more. They are in great shape and are a little bit unique. Twenty stalls, several of which were converted for the other purpose of storage. The
horses live outside, as close to 24/7 as possible. So, the horses are only really coming in when they have programs, lessons or severe weather issues. For more safety you prefer outside. So, it kind of makes perfect sense to me. But the horses don’t mind being inside. Especially on days like today’s weather-related heat and humidity. Speaking of horses! I had the opportunity to meet the majority of the herd: Echo, Geym, Marcus, Makeda, Nando, Opi, Oreo, Remmy, and Shadow just to name a few. From miniature horses to horses 16-hands high there are no bounds for these hero-horses that are involved every day, that make GMTRC programs possible – each with a unique
personality, story, and special role in helping their students grow through connection, confidence, and joy! From trauma survivors to those with special needs, their horses and instructors ensure a welcoming and comfortable environment for learning and developing horsemanship confidence. During the touring process I had the opportunity to observe and meet a couple of the students and their accompanying family members, during one of their riding lessons. John and Cordell looked like absolute pro’s out in the indoor arena, as they rode upon Remmy and Geym, accompanied by some of the dedicated instructors & volunteers of GMTRC. It was a positive session to witness and looked like everyone was having a bit of fun during the learning process. At one point during my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting up with Judy Davis R.N. who is the current Board of Directors President. Judy was gracious in giving me a bit of her time. Judy informed me that she came to Greystone after retiring a couple of times as a nurse, but found that she still had much to give back. She didn’t know much about horses when she started, but Greystone provides individual and group training for all volunteers. Katie Hale, our barn manager, is always available to help and answer any questions you might have. Getting to know the students along with their family or caregivers is very special. Especially when the students that have been with us for a decade or more! Students thrive as they continuously improve their horsemanship skills. This is joy to watch and be a part of. Serving others is her passion, especially the special-needs community program. It feels like home and it’s where she should SEPTEMBER 2026
Opi
and wants to be, this is what drew Judy in, in the first place. We have over 100 Volunteers who provide More than 11,000 hours of service each year. If we had to pay for this labor, we could not stay in business. The passion our volunteers have for this
program is vitally important when you’re doing something of this magnitude. In Winter the barn temperature might be 25 and in the summer 95! The love of our mission keeps everyone coming back 365 days a year! Two of our students have parents on the Board of Directors. Who better to serve on the Board. I received information regarding the event happening on October 17, 2026, called The Mane Event. Judy, can you fill me in on that? Yes, the Mane Event is our largest fundraiser of the year. The money raised provides scholarships for children in need of financial aid, the care and well-being of our horses, and aids in the expansion of our program. We have four programs. Our weekly students, Heroes and Horses, a program for the Frontline workers who have been affected by the trauma of Covid, A six week summer program for Aarons Acres, and lastly Silver Saddles for people over 55. In this program we teach unmounted horsemanship skills. Last year more than 150 participated these programs. My amishcountrynews.com
Oreo
personal opinion, and the opinion of many others, is that Greystone is one of the finest programs in the state! The Mane Event is critical to our growth. It is held at the Lancaster Country Club. Individual tickets are $150 each. A “Friends Table of 10” is $1300. If you’re interested in becoming a sponsor visit our website for more details! greystonemanortrc.org. If you would like to attend and need an invitation… please contact Judy at: President@ greystonemanortrc.org. We also have a Bingo fundraiser in March which is a lot of fun! Our students attend free of charge. When you come, you will get to meet some of our instructors and many volunteers with their families. If you are interested in being a volunteer, we’d be HAPPY to tell you more about our program! The money we raise during Bingo is targeted to provide scholarships for students in need of
Remmy
Shadow
financial support. Currently have over 50 applicants awaiting placement in our program. Check us out on Facebook! You will get to meet some of our students, their instructors and volunteers. In nearly EVERY post there will be a horse “of course”! I finished up my tour with Stephanie Fleck seeing the outside areas for the horses and training and got an even better appreciation for what Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center is all about, all it represents and has to offer. Definitely a special place!
Amish Country News
• 13
Are the Amish Observing
“America 250?” By Clinton Martin n a word, yes. America celebrating its 250th birthday has also touched the Amish community, with many Plain People considering how their history intertwines with the American story. A group of Amish families have decided
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to commemorate and honor the journey of the first Amish to arrive in America through a Wagon Train. The trip will take place from September 29 through October 3, 2026. Essentially, when the first wave of Amish immigrants arrived in America, they stepped off the ship in Philadelphia, but soon moved to current-day Berks
County, considered the “frontier” at the time. The families are retracing these steps, with a horse-drawn wagon group traveling 12 to 24 miles a day, starting from Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia, ending at the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead (historical site dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of the Amish.)
ADVERTISE WITH US. Inside the pages of ACN and on our website at AmishCountryNews.com Visit our website or call Ed Blanchette, Director of Amish Country News and Business Development at: ed@amishnews.com or
717.344.0871 14 •
Amish Country News
SEPTEMBER 2026
Pass the Gemeinde Brief (Postage Required)
By Clinton Martin mish “social media” is typically black and white text on newsprint. There are numerous widely distributed magazines, newspapers, and other print media circulating among Amish, Mennonite, and other Plain people groups in the US and Canada.
A
their home next time, and the time after? Who just got baptized? Birth announcements? Yup, all “in the brief.”
What you won’t find in the Gemeinde Brief is politics, world news, or mainstream news.
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The Carole King Musical For hyper-local news among the Amish, however, they rely not on these nationwide periodicals but instead reference their “Gemeinde Brief.” Roughly translated, this is a circle-letter, written and added to, and expounded upon from household to household within an Amish person’s own region (or “congregation.”) Lancaster County has its own Gemeinde Brief that is circulated among the local Amish people, and it contains lots of great details about the local social life Who is getting married this fall in Lancaster County? Read the Gemeinde Brief. Who is having a benefit auction to address medical bills? What schools are doing their picnics this week? Where are the big youth gatherings? Whose turn is it to host church at amishcountrynews.com
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Amish Country News
• 15
The Amish Experience 250 Years of Teachable Moments in History
The Under Ground Rail Road—Part 5 By Ed Blanchette n December of 2016 to March of 2020 the Amish Experience at Plain & Fancy Farm looked to create a bit of tangible and visual history for teachers and students through the wonders of the Magic Lantern Shows at Plain & Fancy Theater. Due to Covid in 2020, the Magic Lantern Shows were discontinued, but those teachable elements from history that were put together by Lancaster County historians Randolph J. Harris and Leroy T. Hopkins, Jr., Ph.D., as a study guide for the Magic Lantern Show at the Amish Experience still remains mostly intact. As we celebrate the 250th year of the constitution “1776-2026”, we here at Amish Country News feel the contributions of this valuable information would be right in line to share with you, our readership. In doing so, we will be sharing multiple parts over multiple issues. In the last issue we visited an Introduction in Part 4 – Now the Under Ground Rail Road Part 5, enjoy.
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Amish Country News
The Anabaptists:
A Heritage Guarded, Amish, Mennonite Families, Civil War & Aid for Freedom Seekers Understanding and documenting activity associated with the Underground Railroad has always been difficult due to the nature of the care provided and need for secrecy. Although more than about three-fourths of the activity in the
In Lancaster County, PA—1780-1883 Southeastern Pennsylvania area was provided by free people of color and members of the progressive wing of the Quaker, or Friends religious group, how do we account for participation by persons of other political persuasions or faiths? Underground Railroad and antislavery activity by Anabaptists has
not been well known and very little documented through publications. But this work took place and was an essential expression of their faith in action. The Amish and Mennonites perceived themselves to be in the same marginal status as Black people in the larger society. Their world view was shaped by a heritage of persecution and intolerance in Europe and remains a strong element in their present status in the larger society. Most of the Underground Railroad activity in Lancaster County was driven by family relationships. These binding family interactions facilitated care for formerly enslaved travelers who came to these communities — sent family to family — often without need for interaction with persons SEPTEMBER 2026
Photo by Randolph Harris
The home of Dr. John Kendig (1810-1897) and Fanny (Edge) Eshleman (1815-1840), Rt. 741, east of Strasburg Borough in Strasburg Township was an often-used safe house of the Underground Railroad, according to published accounts and family oral traditions. John was born into a Mennonite home, but joined the Quakers when he married. He was active in receiving and transferring many freedom seekers from 1840 to 1848, most often from Quakers Daniel and Hannah Gibbons at Bird-In-Hand. The family moved to Chester County and they continued involvement in the movement there. Photo by Randolph Harris
Mennonites Christian (1805-1890) and Barbara (Rutt) Franz (1809-1860), owned this farm on Eastbrook Road, Smoketown, East Lampeter Township. According to several published accounts they kept freedom seekers in a cave accessible from Mill Creek near the farm.
Photo by Randolph Harris
Photo by Leonard Groff
The farm of Jacob (1808-1892) and Barbara Stoltzfus (1813-1855) shown above provided refuge for freedom seekers before the Civil War and they assisted those who fled Gettysburg in 1863, according to oral tradition. So too did Jacob’s Amish cousins, Christian (1811-1888) and Samuel (1825-1893) Belier, sharing similar help at their nearby farms on Harvest Road, Ronks, and Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-In-Hand, respectively.
amishcountrynews.com
New York Public Library-Schomberg Center
Amish Families & Civil War’s Black Exodus Imagine being an Amish or Mennonite farmer in eastern Lancaster County in 1863. In the heat of summer, you see more and more people of color walking along the King’s Highway that fronts your farm—individuals, families—heading east, apparently to Philadelphia. Black people are not normally seen in large numbers here. They look tired and hungry, carrying heavy loads. What is causing this migration? You learn these people of African descent—some free, some recently escaped from bondage—have been reacting to the Confederate army crossing into Pennsylvania, and they grew in numbers around the time of the massive Battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 2 and 3, not more than 50 miles away. Before and during the war, they sought safer places, taking no chances of being kidnapped by the Southern army and sold back into slavery. According to several family oral traditions in this area, some Plain Sect families not only helped the people fleeing the war and invading Confederates during Gettysburg, but in the years before the Civil War, placed themselves in clear danger by aiding freedom seekers traveling through along the Underground Railroad.
Stoltzfus B&B built in 1845 on the 18th century HersheyHenderson property, Old Philadelphia Pike west of Cains, includes this trap door in the floor of an upstairs bedroom closet. Leads to a concealed space 4 feet high, above the ceiling of room below. outside of their relatives or other religious groups. On these pages are photos and descriptions of some of the many existing properties that were or are now owned or occupied by members of Amish or Mennonite communities in areas east of the City of Lancaster. Many of the properties of Mennonite and Amish families that have connections to this movement are located along the road originally known as “The King’s Highway,” today’s Old Philadelphia Pike (PA Rt. 340). Some can be found along Route 741 within the beautiful
Amish Country News
• 17
Authentic Sites and Program in Lancaster County National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom— A Program of the national Park Service Park Service Home & Office of Thaddeus Stevens
45-47 South Queen Street, Lancaster, PA—View partially restored buildings and signage in The Commons at Convention Center The proposed Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Historic Site includes historic buildings incorporated into the Lancaster County Convention Center. These buildings will become an historical museum and education center to tell the stories of U.S. Congressman Stevens and Mrs. Smith, a free woman of color who acted as Stevens’ housekeeper and confidante here and in Washington D.C. Both Stevens and Smith supported freedom seekers at their Lancaster properties.*
Fulton Opera House, built on the Foundations of Old County Jail & Workhouse 12 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA—Lobby open during regular box office hours Lancaster County Sheriff “Dare Devil Jail and Workhouse, 1835 Dave” Miller was an abolitionist and humanitarian. He secretly released two African-American women from their cell in 1835, rather than allow them to be taken back into slavery by bounty hunters who had seized them from a farm in Eden Township, Lancaster County. Miller’s secret was not revealed until after his death when details were published in 1883. In 2008, this episode earned the present-day Fulton Theater, built on the workhouse foundation, the designation as a site in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom. *Editor’s Note: The Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy is currently open.
Original Right of Way of Philadelphia & Columbia Railroad
Stork Corridor Park, Lancaster and Amtrak’s Keystone Corridor Between Lancaster & Philadelphia This original 80-mile long railroad from Philadelphia to Columbia on the Susquehanna River served as a pathway for freedom seekers. By 1838 the growing number of people fleeing bondage entering Columbia prompted creation of an ingenious method of transport: secret compartments in freight cars where people were concealed. Destination: Philadelphia in a remarkably fast 8 hours. Illustration by Michael Abel
farmland of the Pequea Valley, and in the Strasburg area. More than two dozen extended Anabaptist families and locations have been identified 18 •
Amish Country News
countywide. These buildings — homes, inns, taverns — are documented as having been Underground Railroad safe houses, or they are believed
through oral tradition to have had those associations. Information about these properties and their inhabitants was compiled SEPTEMBER 2026
Bethel AME Church: A UGGRR Program Magnet for Underground Railroad activity at East Andrew & East Strawberry Streets
Underground Railroad Visitors Center 11 Green Street, Christiana By Appointment
Founded 1817 by African Americans who split from mainline Protestant churches, Bethel and its members supported the Underground Railroad in a number of ways.
Thaddeus Stevens Grave & Monument Shreiner-Concord Cemetery W. Chestnut & N. Mulberry Streets, Lancaster Open daily from dawn to dusk
Graves of Abolitionist Congressman and many Civil War veterans link this site to nation’s anti-slavery and Underground Railroad movements. Area volunteers and students help maintain this historic site.
Columbia National Bank Museum
River Park, Columbia
Bridge landing and canal ruins help show how Columbia was a major transportation center, not only for this burgeoning community at the peak of the Industrial Revolution, but also a key location in the secretive transportation pathways of the Underground Railroad.
amishcountrynews.com
Located in a room of the office of the oldest continually operating machine shop in Lancaster County, this unique educational facility explains community’s Underground Railroad heritage and a specific episode considered to have been one of the major flashpoints in the nation in the run up to the Civil War: The Resistance at Christiana, September 11, 1851.
Locust & 2nd Streets, Columbia—By appointment
Ruins of Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge & Pennsylvania Canal
over many years by Lancaster area historian Daniel K. Ness, whose complete work on this Dr. John Kendig Eshleman house Heritage guarded Amish, Mennonite families, Civil War & aid for freedom seekers subject is published in Pennsylvania Mennonite Heritage, the quarterly Journal of
Illustration by Michael Abel
First National Bank Museum is one of the few in the US preserved within its original setting. Among its original records are books of accounts from the antebellum period providing a rare view of the degree of wealth of two prominent AfricanAmerican businessmen who also acted as Underground Railroad conductors: Stephen Smith and William Whipper. The anti-slavery pioneers used their own financial resources and the actual railroad cars in which they shipped lumber to Philadelphia to secretly forwarded freedom seekers onto the next station in their hazardous journey.
the Lancaster Mennonite Historical Society, Lancaster, PA. Acknowledging the various degrees of evidence strength and of open conjecture about some of the sites, Ness explains: “The more uncertain the record, the more questioning we must be in assessing the value of including it.” But he adds:
“It is hoped that like all myths and legends, there is often a grain of truth at its start. These stories can also be a beginning place for anyone interested in this rich history, to dig deeper and to either find solid evidence to verify the stories or to discard a site from this record.”
Amish Country News
• 19
Country Lane
To Hershey
Store Good’s Schaefferstown
72
422
419
322
Furniture
Mount Gretna
PA Turnpike
117
Brickerville
Exit 266
322
501 743
Hershey’s Chocolate
72
World
Julius Sturgis
Pretzel
To Harrisburg
L z
Manheim
283
772
772 230
441
501
im Pike
go Ore
222
23 30
Hill Turkey Experience
Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre
30
rville
Rd.
Marietta
Cent e
To York and Gettysburg
Rohrerstown Road
Manhe
230
272
Airport Rd.
772 743
ike
nP
Lititz Pike
Mount Joy
Lancaster Airport
Fruitville Pike
72
772
d
dR
iel Mr. Sticky’s enf Sticky Buns Gre
30
30
462
Wrightsville
Columbia
441
Lancaster City Ghost Tour
462
462
Old Tree Dr. Noll Dr.
sq
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nn ha 272
ive r
462
Drive Hans Herr
Bird–in–Hand Pg 33 Intercourse Pg 24 Paradise Pg 40 Strasburg Pg 26 New Holland | Blue Ball Pg 22 Lititz Pg 45 Ephrata Pg 43
ue
TOWN KEY
222 741
Willow Street 272
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Amish Country News
SEPTEMBER 2026
Adamstown
Renninger’s
To Reading & Sinking Spring
Exit 286
10
23
272 222
322
N.
er M
Exit 298
ill Rd
. 897
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Good’s Store St. te Ephrata Sta S.
Blue Ball
Ephrata New Holland
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30
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N. De
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741
St.
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rasburg Ghost Tour
897
Paradise
Jake’s Country Trading Post
Paradise Lane
N. Star Rd.
Country Knives
772
ve. er A Sing
896
Strasb
.
st Dr
Harve
ike
hila. P
Old P
Zook’s Chicken Pies
elp Philad
Gish’s Furniture
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Iris Flory Cottages & Camping
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Old
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340
Old Candle Barn
Intercourse
RBird -in-Hand d. Gib
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Lincoln Highway East
To Philadelphia 30
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Cherry Hill Rd.
oe
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s Hor
Bird–in–Hand Bake Shop
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lan der Rd. Newport Rd. Plain & Fancy Farm: Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm Amish Experience Theater Amish Country Homestead Amish Country Tours Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides
772
Smoketown Airport
Rd
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Freedom Thrift Dutch Haven
idney
d.
E. Eby Rd Countryside Road-Stand
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b W. E
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Ronks Rd . Miller’s Smorgasbord Anna’s Gifts & Sundries/ Locally Made Food Shop/ The Quilt Shop at Miller’s
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ale Rd.
Forest Hill Leather
Riehl’s Quilts and Crafts Pike
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272
897
Freedom Thrift
cock Rd
222
Akron To Lititz
To Philadelphia
Furniture Gish’s Maple Shady Smorgasbord Morgantown Maple Shady Farm Market Store Good’s Goodville East Earl
Old Lea
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741
41
Choo Choo Barn
S. D tur
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222
May
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Amish Country News
• 21
East Eby Road
MAIN STREET
Freedom Thrift
Lantz Homestead Quilt Barn
N
Hill Road / Wallace Road
ew Holland, settled in 1728 by John Diffenderfer of Heidelberg, Germany, is located in the fertile farmlands of Lancaster County. It is a charming small town similar to many towns in rural America, but its story goes back to well before the founding of our nation. The unstable situation in Europe in the late 1600s spawned and nurtured the pioneer interest in the deep forest
TO EPHRATA
23
Blue Ball 897 Shady Maple Shady Maple Smorgasbord
Farm Market
Good's Store Gish's Furniture 322
Springville Road
Riehl's Quilts & Crafts
S Groffdale Road
23
New Holland Ranck Avenue
ille Ro Vogan v
Forest Hill Leather Craft
ad
N Groffdale Road
N
Leola
Railroad Avenue
New Holland & Blue Ball lands of Pennsylvania—60 miles inland from Philadelphia. In 1681 William Penn received his 40,000 square-mile land grant to settle King Charles’ debt to his father. The area now called New Holland was practically covered by virgin forests—sturdy timber of oak, ash, chestnut, and walnut. By 1728, William Penn, had been dead for 10 years and his American colony, called Pennsylvania and was
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being administered by a proprietary governor while the sale of land was formalized by patent deeds. In the case of one of the town’s early settlers, John Diffenderfer, the record shows that he applied for land to live on in 1728. It was surveyed and placed on the county map in 1735. The deed was finally issued to him on March 22, 1758 after 30 years! The village founders were German, not Dutch. They were surrounded by English and Welsh Quakers, Episcopalians, a few Swiss-German Mennonites and some Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. The Amish arrived later. The town was once known as New Design, a name given by Michael Diffendefer for his real estate development in 1750. But in 1802, when a post office was established and an official name was necessary, there was no dissension to naming the town New Holland. These grateful people remembered how extremely kind the inhabitants of Holland were to them when they fled persecution and sought religious freedom in the New World. New Holland was laid out as a “street town” in the typical European style of having the villagers live in a central location along both sides of the street, but each having an outlying plot of land to cultivate as an adjunct to his trade as a craftsman. Even today, the main street of New Holland has major “kinks” or bends in it. Unsympathetic visitors claim it looks as if the town were built along a “cow New Holland cont’d on page 44
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Amish Country News
SEPTEMBER 2026
REMINDERS
for Visitors to Amish Country
Although thousands of visitors come to Lancaster County to experience a bit of the Amish lifestyle, the Amish are a private people and find the attention somewhat disconcerting. It is important to respect their feelings while you’re visiting. With that in mind, here are a few tips for fostering good relations between the Amish and non–Amish. NO PICTURES Please! Don’t ask an Amish person to pose for a picture. Most will politely refuse. It is against our Amish neighbors convictions to have their pictures taken, except in very special situations. Please respect this belief and do not take photos without permission, just as you would like to have your beliefs respected. HOLD YOUR HORSES Driving along area roads, you will no doubt encounter numerous Amish carriages, or “buggies,” as visitors like to call them. Do not honk your horn, because the sound may frighten the horse and cause an accident. Instead, wait until it is safe to pass and then give the buggy plenty of room. Be sure not to cut back in the lane too sharply in front of the horse. The county’s roads are generally wide enough that you should be able to pass most buggies without much of a problem. NO TRESPASSING Do not trespass onto private Amish property for a closer look. Amish homes are not museums, and Amish people are not exhibits. Respect their property and privacy as you would like others to respect your own. You can get a good sense of Amish life at many area visitor attractions and on guided tours. WAVING Do not be offended if the Amish do not wave back to your friendly gesture. With all the people who wave to them throughout a day, they would be waving back all day if they did! A FINAL WORD Remember the Amish are not on vacation and are not costumed actors. They are real people going about their daily lives. They are not here to serve as tour guides or attractions for visitors. This, after all, is their home, so please respect their beliefs and lifestyle.
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Amish Country News
• 23
Intercourse N
772
To Countryside Road–Stand To Lantz Homestead Quilt Barn
To Country Knives Old Candle Barn
OLD PHILADELPHIA PIKE
Queen Road
Center Street
340
Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm To Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides To Amish Experience
340
772
TO GA P
41 30
P
robably no other town in Amish Country can claim its fame is owed largely to one simple thing—its name. For years people have sent letters home with the name stamped boldly on the envelope… Intercourse, PA. There are several explanations for the name, and they are woven into the brief history that follows. In the beginning, of course, there was very little here, just settlers arriving in the New World from Europe. Back around 1730, the Old Provincial Highway (or Old Philadelphia Pike, Route 340) was laid out to connect Philadelphia with the inland town of Lancaster. Conestoga wagons, pulled by six to eight horses, hauled supplies and freight back and forth between the
24 •
Amish Country News
two cities. Providing rest for travelers and horses, taverns sprouted along the way, becoming centers for news, gossip, and business transactions. And that is how the town got started when the first building, a log tavern, was constructed in 1754. The Newport Road, a former Indian trail, came from Newport, Delaware to the south, and it is believed that because of these intersecting roads the tavern took “Cross Keys” as its name. That was true at least until 1814, when it was named Intercourse in a real estate scheme to establish a more sizable town. George Brungard had acquired 48 acres of land north of the roads in 1813. He attempted to lay out a town site and divide it into sections
Homestead Days at Plain & Fancy Farm September 19, 2026 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Looking for the perfect way to spend a Saturday in Lancaster County? Homestead Days at Plain & Fancy Farm are a great way to experience history, fun and PA Dutch traditions! The event features different activities and vendors based on a theme. Join us for fun activities, great food and more. For more information visit https:// plainandfancyfarm.com/happenings/ homestead-days/. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
for sale by a lottery, advertising “151 handsome building lots of $250 each to be drawn for by number.” The newspaper advertisement stressed “the great importance of so many turnpikes and great leading roads intersecting at and near this place.” As one writer has noted, in those days “intercourse had a common usage referring to the pleasant mutual fellowship and frequent intermingling which was so much more common in the informal atmosphere of the quiet country village of that day.” There was no hesitancy on the part of the United States Post office Department to accept the name ‘Intercourse’ since it meant a commercial or trading site. But back to our story and Brungard’s scheme. Although lotteries had been used for many years to sell various things, his real estate lottery failed, and most of the land was combined into one tract. More recently, in 1971, another person tried to take advantage of the town’s name and sell one-inch square plots of property to visitors. This plan proved to be a flop as well. In the old days, there were only five houses, counting the inn, and the town grew slowly. But by 1880, Intercourse had 54 homes and a population of 280. Communications improved with the arrival of the post office, and later the telephone. SEPTEMBER 2026
Getting the first post office up and running was a difficult matter. The main problem was finding a building and someone willing to perform the duties of a postmaster. The first, Benjamin Fraim, performed his duties from the Cross Keys Tavern, and may have had a job working there, since “his income, based on a percentage of the postal transactions for the year ending 1829 was only $8.21.” Over the years the post office moved among stores or restaurants whose owners hoped visits by residents would increase their business. The local stagecoach service apparently started around 1898. It was “a single horse conveyance similar to a market wagon, with a rollup curtain and double set of seats.” The stagecoach brought items from Lancaster City for local Intercourse businesses, and even picked up
milk, butter, and eggs for delivery to Lancaster restaurants and industries, including an ice cream plant. One history of Intercourse notes that when it snowed, a bobsled was used instead. “When the driver knew of passengers beforehand, their comfort was added to by many a hot brick heated the night before in the oven, and wrapped in newspaper to preserve its warmth.” As the days of the dirt road drew to a close, so too did the stagecoach days with the Rowe Motor Truck service started by Coleman Diller in 1910. In 1923 the Penn Highway Transit Company was organized and initiated bus service to Lancaster. It is noted that “many of the Amish residents of the area were anxious to see the line started, but did not care to subscribe to stock. Instead they liberally bought books of tickets which were really prepaid bus fares.” By 1924 enough
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money was raised to buy a Mack Auto Bus for $6,800. It held 25 passengers and even had solid rubber tires! Since the town never really got to be “too large,” it has retained much of its sense of community, from the little public library in a former one-room school to the volunteer fire company. Surrounded by farms, the town has grown little and retains much of its former charm, even when thousands of visitors descend upon it during the tourist season. Many residents and visitors enjoy the atmosphere of this small town, a place where family, community, religion, and hard work are still important values. The village of Intercourse has certainly changed over the years, but it has changed slowly, and “sometimes the things that grow the slowest are the ones that endure the longest.”
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Strasburg
Ronks Road
Herr Road
West Lampeter Fair
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he area we know today as Strasburg was first settled by Germanspeaking Swiss Mennonites. After bargaining with William Penn in London, they came directly to Philadelphia from the Rhineland, arriving in September of 1710, on board the ship Maria Hope— with a combined passenger and crew list of 94 persons. Thirty-six of the leaders were granted patent deeds from Penn’s property commissioners for 14,000 acres
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Choo Choo Barn
Paradise Lane
Decatur Street
Ghost Tour 741
741
of land surrounding Strasburg. Some of the family names are familiar to locals today, including John (Hans) Herr, whose house in Lancaster County is open to visitors and remains as the county’s oldest surviving dwelling (1719). French fur traders opened up the first path through this area from Philadelphia to the Susquehanna River—known as “Minqua’s Path.” As early as 1716, when the first Conestoga wagon was used for hauling goods between Philadelphia and Lancaster County, it became known as the Conestoga Road. During the next half century, traffic on this road increased considerably—and
September 23 – 25, 2026 The 3-day event provides friendly competition among neighbors and a wholesome, educational atmosphere for all ages. Farmers and small gardeners can compare their produce at one central location. Children can learn to appreciate quality food products and farm animals. Our Youth Program is especially designed to encourage both boys and girls to exhibit in all categories of baking, canning, cooking, art, sewing, fruits, and more. For more information visit https:// westlampeterfair.com/. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
Main Street Strasburg was developed. The first buildings appeared in the village about 1733. Strasburg flourished in the 18th century primarily because of its location along the major wagon routes between Philadelphia, Lancaster and the Susquehanna River. Strasburg was one of the principal stopping stations and, with the heavy wagon traffic, there were as many as ten taverns here. No doubt the religious nature of the first settlers was responsible for the Strasburg cont’d on page 28
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Amish Country News
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Strasburg cont’d from page 26
village becoming a center for worship and education. In 1816, when the village was incorporated into a Borough, the name Strasburg was selected, undoubtedly named for the Cathedral City from which the Swiss Mennonites came, the Alsatian city of Strasbourg. Wealthy doctors and clergy, and an interest in worship and education, made Strasburg a cultural and educational center for the region. The first formal school opened in 1790, a classical academy where Greek and Latin were taught. These academic enterprises were followed during the 19th century by a flood of schools. In 1823, by an act of the
Legislature of Pennsylvania, an Academy was established in which “the languages, arts, and sciences will be taught.” The year 1839 marked the founding of the Strasburg Academy at 37 East Main (the present day Limestone Inn Bed & Breakfast was the headmaster’s home and housed boarding students). The Academy gained the reputation of being one of the best academies in the country for both boarding and day students, and its students came from all over the East Coast and as far away as Cuba and Puerto Rico. In 1841, a classical school for girls, the “Strasburg Female Seminary,” opened at 17 East Main. Such a school for girls was quite unusual at that time.
As Strasburg flourished, so did its neighbor to the east, Philadelphia. The commercial interests of Philadelphia pressured the State Legislature to improve the transportation network into their city. As a result, an internal improvements bill passed in 1826 to construct a series of canals. The Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road was also incorporated with financing provided by the state. With these undertakings, Strasburg residents became alarmed at the possibility of losing their commercial Strasburg cont’d on page 44
In this Issue September 2026
Cover Story
A Gigantic Model Train Layout at
A Craft for Generations, a Family Business, All Wrapped Up in Leather...................................4-5
Feature Articles
Traintown, U.S.A. ®
For 60+ years, visitors have enjoyed the detail and creativity of our layout. • New Layout with Animations, • Traveling layout for events • Scavenger hunts for trains, scenery & surprises! • Wooden tokens to get adults & kids • New inventory in our gift shop $1 off admissions • Free admissions for birthdays
Route 741 East, 226 Gap Rd, Strasburg, PA • ChooChooBarn.com • 717-687-7911
Choose From Four Rides! Amish Paradise Trail - 3.2 mile ride through
Lancaster county’s scenic back roads, past Strasburg Railroad, Amish farms and businesses.
Amish Roads - 5 mile ride through Lancaster county’s breathtaking landscapes, Amish farms, one room schoolhouses and Amish businesses. Amish Grocery Run - 75 minute tour, includes 20 minute stop at a traditional Amish grocery store powered by propane lights and generators. Sunday Ride - 30 minute Sunday tour through
Lancaster County. Observe the beauty of Amish life on their day of faith and community.
AmishBuggyRidesLancaster.com 717-875-8304 At The Red Caboose at Paradise Station, 312 Paradise Lane, Ronks Open year round | Weather permitting Hours subject to change | Competitor coupons accepted
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250 Years of Teachable Moments in History: The Under Ground Rail Road—Part 5........................ 16 Amish Country News Recipe Favorites Repurposed......................................................46 Amish Farms: Stats & Numbers Tell the Story....................................................... 7 Amish Health Share Plan Pools Resources.......10 Are the Amish Observing “America 250?”........14 Community Events......22, 24, 26, 33, 40, 43, 45 Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre Celebrates 40 Years of Entertainment with a Star-Studded 2027 Season................... 49 Dutch Haven: An Amish Country Landmark...... 3 Education, Life Lessons, and a Learning of Experience.................................................... 42 Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center........11 Jake’s Country Trading Post Celebrates 30 Years....................................................... 38 Lantz Homestead: A Generation of Amish Quality............................................... 32 Pass the Gemeinde Brief (Postage Required) ....15 Two Stories: Revisited...................................... 30
Regular Features
After 5 P.M. in Amish Country.......................... 44 Antiquing in Amish Country............................... 6 Calling All Photographers.................................. 8 Open Sundays in Amish Country..................... 44 Reminder’s for Visitors..................................... 23
Area Map & Guides
Our Advertisers Index...................................... 31 Amish Country Map.....................................20-21 Bird–In–Hand................................................... 33 Ephrata............................................................. 43 Intercourse....................................................... 24 Lititz.................................................................. 45 New Holland / Blue Ball.................................... 22 Paradise............................................................40 Strasburg.......................................................... 26
SEPTEMBER 2026
a n s c Lancaster’s t ae st Original r er ’s Buffet ’s O O
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OFF
Traditional Adult Smorgasbord Dinner
Valid for up to four adults on our Traditional Adult Smorgasbord Dinner. Not valid Saturdays, Easter, Mother’s n ’s cooking has Since 1929, been Miller’s has been cooking cooking fromfrom scratch, serving Lancaster from scratch, County scratch, se Day, or Thanksgiving. Not valid with se any other offer, special, discount, pi dishes h heritage PA Dutch heritage like dishes dishes like chicken chicken pot pie,like ham balls, chicken pot pot pie birthday offer, or group rate. Appliesde hicken affles & chicken and waffles & waffles and fresh baked fresh and desserts. fresh baked baked de to Traditional Adult Smorgasbord Dinner only. Not valid on any other ng s: O Lancaster Buffet ptiOns Dining OptiOns: Lancaster’s : Lancaster’ Traditional ’ Smorgasbord s T OR raditional s T raditional S dining option. Must show coupon to ead asbord. Soup, Smorgasbord. Salad & Bread Smorgasbord. Plus, Plus, wine, beer and cocktails Plus, wine, available. wine, beer beer a a server prior to dining. Not valid on prior purchases oreek vouchers. en pen pen a ays y eek s ays eek
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Expires 10/30/26. PLU BACN26 ngly ations Reservations Strongly Encouraged|W Strongly Encouraged|Walk-ins Encouraged|W Welcome alk-in alk-in
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n ere find you Shop local here can locally you can findfind locally made items locally including made hand-stitchedmade quilts from Amish items and Mennonite items i ncaster ns, tasty artisans, Lancaster tasty Lancaster Count County baked goods, County handcrafted y baked jewelry, and specialty baked gift items. go goo o ute miles 30,Route two 30, two east milesmiles east of Rt. 896 •of 281 east 1 Lincoln Rt. Highway of East, Ronks, Rt. 896 PA 17572 896• • amishcountrynews.com
MILLERS1929.comMILLER AMILLER mish Country News • 29
TWO STORIES
REVISITED
By Brad Igou want to share two stories with you. The first concerns some Amish boys and their father. The story was told to me by an Amishman, who says he heard it directly from the father. It seems Dad was going away for a while. He told the boys, “If you need to use a horse to go somewhere, don’t use the one that balks!” It seems one of the horses had a habit of getting somewhere out on the road, stopping dead in his tracks, and refusing to take another step. After Dad left, the boys felt a need to go somewhere, so they hitched up a horse to the carriage and were off. As you might have guessed, the horse they chose was the one that balked. Sure enough, they got out in the countryside, and the horse came to a halt. They pushed and pulled but could not get that horse to move. He probably just became more stubborn and determined to hold his ground. Not knowing what to do, the boys came up with a “bright” idea. They built a small fire
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Amish Country News
right under the horse. As expected, the horse moved... a few feet, thus leaving the wooden carriage over the fire! Although the carriage wasn’t severely burned, the boys had to “fess up” when Dad came home and wondered why the carriage was scorched. Is it just me, or does this sound a little like non-Amish kids, perhaps even yours, who get into trouble by not following directions when you’re away from home? The second story happened to me in August. I stopped by an Amish roadside stand to buy some sweet corn, a true Lancaster County summer delicacy. The stand was manned by some young Amish boys and their sister. After making my selection of three ears of corn and a green pepper, the older boy, about 12 years old, calculated that I owed him 65 cents. I was fishing out the change, and thought I dropped a coin. But when I looked down, I was standing on a wooden grate, and figured it had fallen through. No matter... it was probably only a nickel or a dime, I thought.
As I started to drive away, I noticed the older boy grabbing his younger brother’s hand and shaking it. I thought they were just having some boisterous fun now that I was leaving. But when I looked one more time in my rearview mirror as I drove toward the road, I noticed the older boy running after me, waving his hand. I hit the brakes, rolled down the window, and waited to see what was wrong. When he arrived, he held out his hand and said, “You dropped this.” What he had managed to get from his brother and had run to return to me was a penny. Almost embarrassed, I thanked him. As I headed home, I remembered that old story about “Honest Abe” Lincoln walking several miles to return some change to a customer. I reflected on the fact that although young people often make mistakes and get into trouble, there are also a lot of good kids out there. For some reason, my corn tasted extra good that night. SEPTEMBER 2026
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*Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides (s)....................... 52 *A is for Amish Buggy Rides (s)............................. 28 Amish Country Homestead & Fisher Amish Schoolroom (s)............................... 36 Amish Country Tours (s).................................. 34-37 Amish Experience Theater (s)......................... 34-37 Amish Visit–In–Person Tour (s).............................51 Choo Choo Barn (s).............................................. 28 Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre (s)............................15 Ghost Tour: Lancaster & Strasburg (s)................. 26 Hershey’s Chocolate World (s)............................. 26 Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery (s)........................... 45 Plain & Fancy Farm (s).................................... 34-37 Turkey Hill Experience (s)...................................... 9
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LET’S EAT
Bird–In–Hand Bake Shop.................................... 33 Countryside Road–Stand Home–Made............... 24 Dutch Apple Dinner Theater (s)............................15 Dutch Haven (s)...................................................... 3 Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery (s)........................... 45 Locally Made Food Shop..................................... 29 *Miller’s Smorgasbord (s)...................................... 29 Mr. Sticky’s Homemade Sticky Buns.................... 24 Shady Maple........................................................ 22 *Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm (s)............... 37 Turkey Hill Experience (s)...................................... 9 Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies Dutch Town & Country Market.............................. 41
LODGING
Amish View Inn & Suites...................................... 37 Flory’s Cottages & Camping................................. 41
SHOPPING
Amish Voices / Herald Press.....................................6 Anna’s Gifts & Sundries...........................................29 *Country Knives..................................................... 25 Country Lane Furniture.........................................47 Countryside Road–Stand Home–Made............... 24 Forest Hill Leather Craft............................. 1, 4-5, 31 Freedom Thrift...................................................... 41 *Gish’s Furniture.................................................... 23 Good’s Store........................................................ 43 Jake’s Country Trading Post (s)........................... 39 Lantz Homestead Quilt Barn................................ 32 Locally Made Food Shop (s)................................. 29 The Old Candle Barn............................................ 25 The Quilt Shop at Miller’s (s)................................ 29 Renninger’s Antique & Farmer’s Market (s)..............6 Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts............................................ 2 Shady Maple........................................................ 22 Zook’s Homemade Chicken Pies Dutch Town & Country Market.............................. 41
SPECIAL SERVICES
LancasterPA.com.......................................................8 Nutrition Wellness Center....................................... 27 UPMC.......................................................................40
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Amish Country News
• 31
Small Business
Spotlight
Lantz Homestead
A Generation of Amish Quality By Edward Blanchette s most of you know, the quality and craftmanship of Amish goods and products has always been, in my opinion, a step above most other goods available out there on the market today. Not only regarding the past but continues to earn that A1 reputation continually now and for the future. The work ethic and commitment to the quality of the Amish Communities have always stood out to me as a positive go-to for the products they create for their community and patrons. As you drive through some of the winding roads of the Amish Country, Central Pennsylvania, you can see that quality
A
everywhere you look, as you pass by the Homes, Farms, and Businesses that dot the countryside. Somewhere in between Bird-In-Hand and Gordonville Pennsylvania, on one of those winding roads, you will come across Lantz Homestead Quilt Barn. A pristine Amish farm and shop, just off of Musser School Road. The quilt shop is one of the newer additions to the Lantz Homestead, but quilt making on this century-old farm has been an important staple for over thirty-plus years. John & Rachel and their family have handcrafted heirloom quilts for other shops for many years. R-S-L quilts have become a well
• • • In the Heart of Lancaster County’s
Amish Country 870 Musser School Rd. Gordonville, PA 17529 | Mon.-Sat. 8a-5p - 717.661.1265
LANTZHOMESTEAD.COM
32 •
Amish Country News
sought-after emblem of fine quality craftmanship and artistry. In 2020 the Lantz family decided to build their own quilt shop on the farm. Right where their corn crib that housed the food for their cows used to stand. This seemed like the best course of action, as the Lantz family were experiencing how difficult it was to compete with the
commercial craft world. The Lantz family wanted to create a store where they could sell local and handmade items directly to their local community and those visitors that traveled in for a visit. Quilts, gifts, and home decor items are what you will find nestled into this quaint little shop. In addition, they also have a great selection of floor and table lamps that have been converted to be powered by cordless tool batteries (DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita). And since 2021, they have been carrying the Sonrise Poly Rockers, Gliders, Gliding Ottomans, and Accent Tables, another quality product that is also proudly manufactured in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Lantz Homestead cont’d on page 44
SEPTEMBER 2026
Church Road Ronks Road
To Mr. Sticky's To Flory's Cottages & Camping
340
Irish tow n Ro ad
O
f the many unique village names that dot the Amish Country map, one of the more interesting is Bird-in-Hand. The story of the town of Bird-in-Hand is as colorful as the name itself. To be correct, the town is really a village since it has no governing body. When Bird-inHand celebrated its 250th Anniversary (1734 – 1984), a commemorative booklet was put together. It outlined a brief history of the town… William Penn, an English Quaker, had founded the colony of Penn’s Woods (Pennsylvania), and settlers began arriving from Europe in the early 1700s, moving westward from the port city of Philadelphia. English Quakers and Swiss Mennonites were the early settlers. The
PO Box 414 • Bird–in–Hand • PA 17505 717.768.8400, ext. 217 AmishCountryNews.com Published by Dutchland Tours Inc. Clinton Martin, Editor–in–Chief clinton@amishnews.com For advertising information contact Edward Blanchette
Plain & Fancy Farm Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides Amish Country Tours Amish Experience Theater Amish View Inn & Suites Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm
Leacock Road
340
To Forest Hill Leather Craft
Lantz Homestead Quilt Barn
North Harvest Drive
Countryside Road Stand
Monterey Road
Gibbons Road
Weavertown Road
Riehl's Quilts & Crafts
Bird–in–Hand Bake Shop
Ronks Road
Beechdale Road
Bird–in–Hand Quakers built a meetinghouse and twostory academy, which stands today, next to the fire company. But over the years, the Germans “made the greatest lasting impact.” A friendly relationship existed between the early settlers and the Shawnee and Conestoga Indians, who were the area’s first inhabitants. They taught settlers how to deaden trees, use deerskin, prepare corn as food, and use medicinal herbs. “When the Old Philadelphia Pike became a well-established route of transportation for those traveling west to the Alleghenies, Lancaster became known as the gateway to the west.” The trip by stagecoach for passengers, or Conestoga wagon with freight and
Bird-In-Hand Hot Air Balloon Festival September 25 & 26 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. We’re taking our favorite high-flying, family-friendly fun fall event to new heights! We’re thrilled to partner with Balloon Shows USA to bring you an allnew balloon festival. Enjoy a weekend of spectacular hot air balloon glows and laser light shows, music, family activities, food trucks, craft vendors and more. For full schedule and additional details visit https://bird-in-hand.com/event/bird-in-handhot-air-balloon-festival/. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
merchandise, lasted several days. Inns were built every few miles, identified with signs held by an iron pole or attached to the side of the building. The reason for these signs was twofold. First, they could be understood by all nationalities. Secondly, many teamsters or waggoneers were poorly educated and could not read. If they were given orders to stop at a certain inn, they could do so by recognizing the artwork on the signboard. The old legend of the naming of Bird-in-Hand concerns the time when this pike was being laid out. Legend Bird–in–Hand cont’d on page 44
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ed@amishnews.com • 717.344.0871 Tammy Johnson, Graphic Designer 290,000 copies distributed annually by subscription, and over 400 hotels, motels, information centers and businesses in PA Dutch Country. Copyright ©2026 All contents of this magazine are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior approval of the publisher.
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Calvin & Janell Groff and Family 542 Gibbons Road, Bird-in-Hand PA
717-656-7947 • bihbakeshop.com Amish Country News
• 33
PLAIN & FANCY FARM • 10 PRISTINE ACRES ON AAA SCENIC BYWAY
Experience COME FOR A TOUR
LEAVE WITH AN
VISIT AMISHEXPERIENCE.COM
WITNESS the emotional story of an Amish teenager's
struggle in Jacob's Choice, where he must choose between his faith and the modern world. 3–D sets, special effects, unique "ghost–like" characters, all on five screens.
EXPLORE the Amish Country Homestead, the region’s
only Officially Designated Heritage Site Amish home then sit at a desk in the Fisher Amish Schoolroom furnished authentically with desks and more from an actual Amish classroom.
TOUR the magnificent back roads through Amish
Farmlands with a certified tour guide in complete comfort onboard one of our 14 passenger busses.
SATISFY yourself that you’re making the most from your Amish Experience. Since 1959, the area’s first, and still foremost, interpretative source of Amish Culture.
FOR HOURS & INFO VISIT
AMISHEXPERIENCE.COM OR CALL 717.768.8400
COMPLETELY SURROUNDED BY AMISH FARMS
BOOK YOUR TICKETS ONLINE Amish Farmlands Tour
Visit–in–Person Tour
Journey along back country roads, deep into the Amish Farmlands to discover sights rarely seen. Under the watchful eye of your certified guide, you’ll gain insights into the “how” and “why”of an ever–changing culture, and see at–the–moment activities of the Amish. If you’ve seen the Amish portrayed on the various “Reality” TV shows, and you wonder what really is true and not true about the Amish, this is the tour you won’t want to miss! We’ll debunk myths about the Amish and provide accurate, respectful, and authentic information, just like we have done for over 60 years.
Rare is the opportunity to meet with Amish families willing to share their traditions and beliefs with you. In a group whose size is never more than 14, this is the only Amish Tour to be designated an official “Heritage Tour” by the County of Lancaster. Visit an Amish farm at milking time, stop at a Cottage Industry, and finally enjoy a visit and chat with one of our Amish friends in their home.
SuperSaver Package
YOUR TOTAL
AMISH EXPERIENCE The SuperSaver Package includes the Amish Farmlands Tour, the acclaimed “Jacob’s Choice” at the Amish Experience F/X Theater, and a tour of the Amish House & One–Room School.
Current Hours Open 7 Days a Week 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Monday through Saturday at 5 p.m.
Monday through Saturday
Duration: 11/2 hours Mon–Sat 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m. Sun 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m.
11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sundays
Find us on Route 340 Between Bird–in–Hand & Intercourse 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird–in–Hand, PA From Historic Downtown Lancaster Rte. 30
The Amish Experience
Bird–in–Hand
Intercourse
Rte. 340
s Ronk
at Plain & Fancy Farm
Rd.
717.768.8400 or visit
www.AmishExperience.com
Rte. 30
From Philadelphia
PLAIN & FANCY The Only Place Where You Can Do It All... Drive along the area’s only AAA Scenic Cultural Byway, and when you’re mid–way between Bird–in–Hand and Intercourse, you’ll discover the ten pristine acres known as Plain & Fancy Farm, and home of the Amish Experience Theater, Country Homestead, farmlands & VIP tours, buggy rides, shopping, restaurant and hotel.
Amish Country Homestead & Schoolroom
Visit the only officially designated “Heritage Site” Amish house. As you walk through the nine rooms with your guide, unravel the riddle of Amish clothing, life without electricity, and eight–grades–in–a–room education as you sit at authentic Amish school desks.
Visit–in–Person Tour
This officially designated “Heritage Tour” is a rare opportunity to meet and talk to the Amish personally. On this exclusive tour you will go right into the barn on an Amish farm at milking time, visit with an Amish artisan at his workplace, and then enjoy a personal visit and conversation right in an Amish home.
AMISHVIEW INN & SUITES SMOKEHOUSE AT PLAIN & FANCY FARM THE BARN & HEARTH SHOP RESTROOMS & ATM
Jacob’s Choice at the Amish Experience Theater
Discover what it means to be Amish through an immersive film as you become part of the emotional struggle of the Fisher family to preserve more than 400 years of Amish traditions. Five viewing screens, a unique barnyard setting and special effects create a one–of–a–kind experience.
AMISH COUNTRY HOMESTEAD
AARON & JESSICA’S BUGGY RIDES
Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm
Amish Farmlands Tour
Journey down rarely traveled back country roads, deep into the farmlands, to discover the sights sought after by visitors. Gain insights into the hows and whys of an ever–changing culture from certified guides in mini–shuttles. Stops may include a roadside stand, quilt shop, country store or craft shop on an Amish farm.
PlainAndFancyFarm.com
AMISH EXPERIENCE THEATER BOX OFFICE VIP & FARMLAND TOUR
Please see right hand page.
Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides
The Barn & Hearth Shop
Aaron & Jessica’s drivers are happy to share life stories and answer questions.
AmishBuggyRides.com
Find home décor, home goods, and kitchenware. Plus, locally made foods and baked goods. You’ll also find Amish mementos from straw hats to Amish dolls.
AmishViewInn.com
AmishExperience.com
10 Acres of Fun & Food | PlainandFancyFarm.com
AmishView Inn SM& Suites O
IN’ D A Top Hotel in LancasterK County EAL The place for the perfect adult-only getaway SMOK IN’ D or family vacation with indoor pool and EAL hot tub, fitness center, and hot hearty SMO KIN’ breakfast. Our rooms and suites all feature DEAL kitchenettes, and many rooms feature SMK clawfoot soaking tubs, and farmland views. IN’ D EA Adult-Only AND Kid-Friendly Buildings SMO KIN’ The family-friendly East Building includes DE a wide array of beautiful, award-winning rooms, suites that are newly renovated as well as a pool and arcade that will satisfy IN the requirements of any family. The adultsMOK S only West Building features elegant Grand King rooms with clawfoot soaking tubs and EAL N’ D I guaranteed farmland views - fulfilling the K SMO needs of adults seeking a tranquil escape. L A E Complimentary Hot Hearty Breakfast Buffet IN’ D K O M Lancaster’s best complimentary hot L S A breakfast buffet includes made-to-order E D omelets, eggs, and waffles along with KIN’ SMO endless helpings of bacon, sausage, country EAL potatoes and much more. Plus, don’t ’ Dforget N I K tasty bakery items from our own Miller’s SMOto change. Bakery. Menu items subject Other Amenities Every room or suite includes a kitchenette Any Sandwich, Entrée, or Platter with refrigerator, microwave, sink, and coffee Valid for up to 4 adult sandwiches, entrees or platters for maker. Bathrooms feature lighted make-up dine-in only. Not valid on daily or other specials, Family mirrors, hair dryers, and the Tarocco line of Feast, Prime Rib, takeout, holidays, family feast or with shampoos and soaps. Plus, complimentary any other offers, specials or group rates. Wi-Fi. Book today as there are so many Expires 10/31/26. PLU BACN26 things to do on Plain & Fancy Farm. Get the Whole Story at: AmishViewInn.com • 1-866-735-1600
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Fun, relaxed dining in the heart of Lancaster County at Plain & Fancy Farm. Enjoy smoked meats, specialty entrées, mouthwatering appetizers, and more. Pair your meal with local beer, wine, or handcrafted cocktails. Locally owned.
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike • Bird-in-Hand, PA 17572 Walk-Ins Welcome | Reservations Accepted | Takeout Available SmokehouseBBQandBrews.com | (717) 768-4400 SmokehouseBBQandBrews.com
Plain & Fancy Farm • 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike (Rt 340) • Bird–in–Hand, PA SH-ACN-August-8-11-26.indd 1
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Small Business
Spotlight
JAKE’S COUNTRY TRADING POST
Celebrates 30 Years
F
or 30 years, Jake’s Country Trading Post has welcomed locals and visitors alike through its doors in the heart of Lancaster County. What began as a small family business in 1996 has grown into a longtime shopping destination—but the family and values behind Jake’s have remained at the heart of it all. The story actually begins years before Jake’s opened. Starting in 1973, Edward and Melissa Jackson operated Jackson’s Leather, selling handmade leather bags, belts, accessories and other goods from a small store in Steelton, Pennsylvania, as well as at fairs and markets. With their son, Jeremy, growing up alongside the family business, entrepreneurship became a way of life for the Jacksons. In 1996, Ed and Melissa saw an opportunity in the growing Lancaster County tourism community and opened Jake’s Country Trading Post in the original two-story building that still stands on the property today. Leather remained an important part of the early business, but Jake’s soon expanded to offer home décor, gifts, locally made products and unique finds for both Lancaster County residents and visitors.
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Ed’s mother, Mary Goldberg, also played an important role in shaping the character of Jake’s. A talented painter and artist, Mary created beautiful scenes of farmland, local architecture and country life. Her creative influence became part of Jake’s identity, and pieces of her artwork can still be found throughout the store today, including on original signage and Jake’s-branded products. As Jake’s reputation grew, so did the store. In 2005, the family constructed the 8,000-square-foot main building and expanded the property to accommodate the many shoppers, buses and tour groups visiting each year. Both buildings remain in use today, filled with home and seasonal décor, garden and outdoor items, locally made goods, gifts and countless other treasures. Today, Jake’s remains a true family business. Jeremy Jackson now runs the store, while a third generation has joined them, with Jeremy’s son, Andrew, helping manage the business. But over 30 years, the Jake’s family has grown far beyond just the Jackson name. Longtime managers and employees Will Blaha, Zachary Trainer, Jackie Snyder,
Floretta Huffer, Lauren Robinson, and Shondell Guerrieri have become like family themselves, each playing an important role in Jake’s story. Will’s history with the family even predates Jake’s, stretching back to the Jackson’s Leather days and years spent traveling to fairs and markets. Perhaps the greatest privilege of the past 30 years has been watching customers become part of that tradition, too. Visitors return to Jake’s year after year during trips to Amish Country, locals bring visiting friends and family, and customers who first walked through the doors decades ago now return with children and grandchildren of their own. As Jake’s celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Jackson family would simply like to say Thank You. Thank You to every customer, employee, local maker, tour group and friend who has supported Jake’s since 1996. What started with a small gravel parking lot and one two-story building has become something greater than the family could have imagined—and none of it would have been possible without you. Here’s to 30 wonderful years, and to the memories still to come. SEPTEMBER 2026
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or over 250 years, visitors coming into Lancaster County from the east on Route 30 have traveled through a small town known as Paradise, just one of the many intriguing town names in the area. Officially, Paradise Township adopted the name during its organization in 1843. Different sources credit different people with naming the area. Some say that the name Paradise was given by Joshua Scott, who later became
oad nt R mo Bel
LINCOLN HIGHWAY EAST
S Vintage Road
30 To Gish's Furniture
Hometown Heroes Festival
Zook's Chicken Pies
Dutch Haven
Freedom Thrift
Miller’s Smorgasbord Locally Made Food Shop/ Anna’s Gifts & Sundries/ The Quilt Shop at Millers
Ronks Road
Paradise known for his map of Lancaster County. Standing in the middle of a road admiring his surroundings one day in 1804, he remarked that the town should be called Paradise, because its beauty made it seem like one. The story of Paradise and its first settlers goes all the way back to Europe, to the area of the Palatinate in Germany. Here many Protestants had settled following the declaration of King Louis XIV that all Protestants in France would
September 19, 2026 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. Join us for a day filled with gratitude, celebration, and community spirit as we pay tribute to the courageous individuals who serve our hometowns. From firefighters and police officers to healthcare workers, our festival is a heartfelt salute to those who keep our communities safe and thriving– a portion of ticket sales for this day will be donated to our local volunteer Fire Departments. For more information visit https://lancaster pa.com/events-calendar/hometown-heroesfestival-cherry-crest-adventure-farm/ or call 866-546-1799. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
be persecuted. With fears of invasion by the army of France looming, many of these people decided to accept the invitation to settle in William Penn’s colony of Penn’s Woods in the New World. In 1708, Daniel Fierre (Ferree), along with his family and mother Mary, went to England to obtain citizenship papers before proceeding to New York.
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By 1712, these French Huguenot settlers had secured land in Pennsylvania, in Lancaster’s Pequea Valley. They were the first white people in the area and lived peaceably with chief Tanawa and the local Indians. Mary Fierre died four years later at the age of 63. Hers became the first grave in the family’s cemetery. If you ride the Strasburg Rail Road, you will pass her gravesite at Carpenter’s Cemetery, one of Lancaster’s oldest. The origins of Route 30, also known as the “Lincoln Highway,” go back to Lancaster’s colonial days when this frontier county needed a communication route between it and the provincial capital of Philadelphia. At that time, the first “planned” road between Philadelphia and Lancaster was what is now Route 340. It was called the “King’s Highway,” and today we still call it the “Old Philadelphia Pike.” As time went on, it became evident that the road could not accommodate the increasing traffic between Lancaster and Philadelphia. Since the cost of such a road was too much for the state to undertake, the company charged with building it was given the power to demand “reasonable” tolls from users. Investors received dividends earned from the tolls collected along the gates of the turnpike. The 1792 Act went on to describe the construction of the highway, which was to be a bed of small crushed stones
on top with larger stones underneath, rather than dirt, so as to prevent carriage wheels from cutting into the soil. Such a revolutionary system of road construction combined the ideas recently developed by a Frenchman and two Englishmen, one of whom was named John McAdam. We now take the term for paved roads or “macadam” from his last name. The
turnpike officially opened in 1795 and was the first long-distance, hardsurfaced road in the country. The backroads around Paradise remain beautiful to this day, as the lush greens of the summer give way to the fall colors of the harvest season. So, during your visit to Lancaster, be sure to spend a little time in Paradise. Freedom Thrift New Holland 114 Ranck Church Rd. New Holland, PA 17557 Freedom Thrift on 30 2853 Lincoln Hwy E. Ronks, PA 17572 Monday - Saturday 9:00am - 5:00pm
SHOP | DONATE | VOLUNTEER
All proceeds support recovery
Enjoy Chicken, Beef & Sausage Pies!
Where the Amish Are Our Neighbors.
FLORY’S Cottages & Camping
Hosts: Claudette, Lou & Shelly
717.687.6670
Level Shaded *Campsites E,W,S Cable TV & Wi-Fi Pet & Smoke Free *Cottages *Guest Rooms *Camp Store *Pavilion *Laundry *Bathhouses
And Apple Dumplings Too! Eat at home, your campsite, or in your RV. Plus, shop our bakery items, canned goods, local milk, and ice cream.
Come visit us in Paradise!
www.floryscamping.com
99 N. Ronks Rd. PO Box 308 Ronks PA 17572 Between US 30 & Rte. 340 amishcountrynews.com
717-768-0239 | 3427 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise, PA https://reallancastercounty.com/zooks-homemade-chicken-pies/
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Education, Life Lessons, and a Learning of Experience By Ed Blanchette wanted to take a moment and reflect a bit on education, as we wind down the summer and prepare our youth to go back to school, whether be it Elementary School, High School or College. I am sure most of you are anxious to get started again with your educational learning process. I remember when I was younger, things seemed to be much simpler than today. Back then we didn’t have computers, cell phones or CD’s. Don’t get me wrong, there were always challenges with each generation of students that we faced, we all had to endure and go through those challenges to get us where we are in our lives, as we have lived or are currently living in. If there is one thing that I have learned, Life doesn’t stop happening and with that, neither does the education. There will always be those special Teachers & Mentors throughout our learning process that have motivated, inspired, and pushed us to be successful or at the very least, to be a solvent
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member of our respective communities. That one or two individuals, other than your Parents, that created a fire or an interest to be better, to be more than just being, to make a difference. Somehow, they saw the potential of You, before you saw it yourself. I was fortunate to have a few of those individuals, that saw something that made them to want to reach out and make the difference to inspire someone. Education, in my mind, is not just about reading, writing and arithmetic, it is much more. As those aspects are important in gaining knowledge, as are the Life Lessons we learn every day. The lessons of compassion, empathy, responsibility, accountability, and at best… becoming humble, and hopefully confident in the process. The Teachers and Mentors in our lives teach us those qualities as well. In addition to how to overcome the objections that life will throw at us. Making the choices, both good & bad, and how to deal with those
proverbial forks in the road to get us through. These are what assist us in making those choices, as we move through our lives and hopefully meet the expectations of community to make a positive difference, in what seems to be, at times, a chaotic world. So, if you know a Teacher or a Mentor, thank them for the Education they were a part of, in your lives, both the academic and the Learning of Experience through Life Lessons. For they are and always will be essential to who you are. And with each passing day, we are always educated to learning a little something more that benefits all of us, in a positive way, one way or another. And if you can teach or mentor someone along the way, do so. For the rewards go to all involved. Remember, we are all in this together, this thing called Life. Be well, be kind, and most of all be Positive. God Bless and have a safe and bountiful school year. SEPTEMBER 2026
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phrata, a small yet influential town, derives its name from Genesis, meaning “fruitfulness.” With a population of 13,800, it’s strategically positioned between Lancaster and Reading, serving as the gateway to Northern Lancaster County’s lucrative manufacturing sector. Its history dates back to the 18th century Ephrata Cloister, founded by Conrad Beissel, which evolved into a thriving village. By 1871, Ephrata was described as “a well-built country town of about one hundred and twenty families, and very beautifully and healthily located.” In 1848, Senator Joseph Konigmacher established the Ephrata Mountain Springs Hotel, a luxurious resort frequented by notable figures like Presidents Lincoln, Buchanan, and Grant. A trolley system was built to connect the hotel with the town of Ephrata down the hill. At its peak, the hotel could accommodate up to 500 visitors who would stay throughout the summer. The Reading & Columbia Railroad was completed in 1883, and the town experienced economic booms through industries like cigar manufacturing, horse trade, silk, textiles, and shoes. Downtown Ephrata once catered to all needs, from groceries to hardware. Today, Ephrata retains its historical charm with landmarks standing as important reminders of the borough’s history. The community’s first bank, Ephrata National Bank, still serves customers today behind its Georgian style structure designed by renowned architect, C. Emlen Urban.
Spring Garden Street
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To PA Turnpike
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Good's Store
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Located near the town’s square sits the circa 1880’s railroad station, owned by the Ephrata Borough and serving as home to Mainspring of Ephrata, economic development corporation for the borough. The area surrounding the station has been beautifully landscaped and is known as the Whistle Stop Plaza. Many events, services and even weddings are held at this popular gathering place. The community’s Welcome Center is also located in this building. From here, visitors and residents alike can download a historic walking tour through the Uniquely Ephrata app. Recreation thrives with facilities like the Ephrata Rec Center, community pool, and the newly opened Ephrata Unleashed Dog Park. The WarwickEphrata Rail Trail and Heatherwood Bike Park offer outdoor activities, while quality education and healthcare are ensured through the Ephrata Area
107th Ephrata Fair September 22 – 26, 2026 Downtown Ephrata The Ephrata Fair, known as the largest street fair in PA, has been a cornerstone of local history for over a century. Spanning several blocks in downtown Ephrata, this late September tradition masterfully balances modern thrills with agricultural roots. The Ephrata Farmers Day association manages the event, placing a heavy emphasis on PA’s top industry. For more information and details visit https:// www.ephratafair.org/ or call 717-733-4451. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
School District and award-winning Wellspan Ephrata Community Hospital. Municipal services include police, code enforcement, and utility management, with the borough’s own electric company providing power. Ephrata is experiencing some significant revitalization that will secure a vibrant, healthy town for future generations. The borough, under the auspices of Mainspring of Ephrata, completed a walkability project in the downtown area that enhanced pedestrian safety, and launched a Façade Improvement Grant Program and Revolving Loan Fund Program to improve aesthetics and help businesses to expand. The borough continues to strengthen the economy by promoting available leased space within commercial properties, attracting specialty retailers, and preserving historic buildings. Ephrata cont’d on page 44
CLOTHING, SHOES, FABRICS, STATIONERY, HOME LIVING, KITCHENWARE, HARDWARE, GIFTWARE, TOYS SHOP THE HEART OF PA DUTCH COUNTRY TO FIND
UNIQUE GIFTS
ALSO NAME-BRAND APPAREL, FOOTWEAR, HOME FURNISHINGS, AND LAWN & GARDEN SUPPLIES.
STOP IN ANY OF OUR LOCAT LOCATIONS A IONS OR SHOP ONLINE AT goodsstores.com AT SHOP AT THESE GOOD’S STORE LOCATIONS FOR FRIENDLY, HELPFUL SERVICE, LOW PRICES AND UNIQUE MERCHANDISE.
EAST EARL
Rt. 23 717.354.4026 Next to Shady Maple Farm Market
EPHRATA
1127 S. State St. 717.733.7356 Rt. 272 & Rothsville Rd. Intersection
QUARRYVILLE 333 W. 4th St. 717.786.9028 Rt. 222 & Rt. 372 Intersection
SCHAEFFERSTOWN 2499 Stiegel Pike 717.949.2663 Rt. 501 N. in Dutchway Plaza
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AFTER 5 PM in
Amish Country Amish VIP (Visit–in–Person) Tour 717–768–8400 | AmishExperience.com Anna’s Gifts & Sundries 800-669-3568 | MillersSmorgasbord.com Country Lane Furniture (Tues & Thurs till 8pm) 717–867-5701 | CountryLaneFurniture.com Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 717–898–1900 | DutchApple.com Dutch Haven 717–687–0111 | DutchHaven.com Ghost Tour: Lancaster & Strasburg 717-687-6687 | GhostTour.com Gish’s Furniture 717–392–6080 | 717–354–2329 | Gishs.com Good’s Store “Weekdays Only” | GoodsStores.com Hershey’s Chocolate World 717–534–4900 | Hersheys.com Jake’s Country Trading Post 717–687–8980 | JakesHomeAccents.com Locally Made Food Shop 717–687–6621 | LocallyMadeFoodShop.com Miller’s Smorgasbord 800–669–3568 | MillersSmorgasbord.com Shady Maple Farm Market 717–354-4981 | Shady-Maple.com/farm-market/ Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm 717–768–4400 | SmokehouseBBQandBrews.com
OPEN SUNDAY in
Amish Country For Plain People, Sunday is a day of rest, but there are many things to do in Amish Country on Sundays. Save some of these for your Sunday sight–seeing. Aaron & Jessica’s Buggy Rides 717–768–8828 | www.AmishBuggyRides.com A is for Amish Buggy Rides 717–875–8304 | AmishBuggyRidesLancaster.com Amish Experience 717–768–8400 | AmishExperience.com Anna’s Gifts & Sundries 800–669–3568 | MillersSmorgasbord.com Choo Choo Barn 717–687–7911 | ChooChooBarn.com Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre 717–898–1900 | DutchApple.com Dutch Haven 717–687–0111 | DutchHaven.com Ghost Tour: Lancaster 717-687-6687 | GhostTour.com/Lancaster.html Hershey’s Chocolate World 717–534–4900 | Hersheys.com Jake’s Country Trading Post 717–687–8980 | JakesHomeAccents.com Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery 717–626–4354 | JuliusSturgis.com Locally Made Food Shop 717-687-6621 | LocallyMadeFoodShop.com Miller’s Smorgasbord 800–669–3568 | MillersSmorgasbord.com The Quilt Shop at Miller’s 717-687-8439 | QuiltShopAtMillers.com Renninger’s Antique Market 717–336–2177 | Renningers.net Shady Maple Farm Market 717–354–4981 | Shady-Maple.com/Farm-Market/ Smokehouse at Plain & Fancy Farm 717–768–4400 | SmokehouseBBQandBrews.com Turkey Hill Experience 844–847–4884 | TurkeyHillExperience.com
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New Holland cont’d from page 22
path.” But if one looks with a discerning eye, the street also follows the high ground. The land on the ridge was the driest, and in winter it would be blown clear of much of the snow. These settlers made the obvious facts of nature work for them rather than against them, offering a lesson for us all even today. Strasburg cont’d from page 28
position and from this concern emerged the Strasburg Rail Road. In 1832 a charter was secured from the Pennsylvania Legislature to construct a rail line connecting Strasburg with the Philadelphia and Columbia Rail Road main line near Paradise. Due to financial difficulties, the project was delayed until finally put in running order in 1852. But this shortline between Strasburg and Paradise was not financially successful for many reasons, until it was revived to provide rides to visitors on authentic steam locomotives, thus becoming the focal point for all of the town’s train attractions. Lantz Homestead cont’d from page 32
Finally, as you prepare for the beginning of fall to arrive, check out the large assortment of the pumpkins, gourds, and mums Lantz’s has to offer, for a limited time. So, as you pack up the family to make a visit to Amish Country, in Central Pennsylvania, remember to add this location, Lantz Homestead Quilt Barn, 870 Musser School Road, Gordonville, PA 17529 – (717-661-1265) to your GPS – www.LANTZHOMESTEAD.COM. Bird–in–Hand cont’d from page 33
says that two road surveyors were discussing whether they should stay at their present location or go to the town of Lancaster to spend the night. One of them said, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush,” and so they remained. The sign in front of the inn is known to have once “portrayed a man with a bird in his hand and a bush nearby, in which two birds were perched,” and soon was known as the Bird-in-Hand Inn. The original hotel was destroyed by fire about 1851. By the following year, a three-story hotel was built to
replace it. More recently, it was known as Bitzer’s Hotel before becoming the present Village Inn of Bird-in-Hand, now on the National Register of Historic Places. The Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County noted that it “may be one of the few 19th century inns in the context of a small town in Lancaster County, which survives with a high degree of architectural integrity.” The town post office was established in 1836 as the Enterprise Post Office. “Enterprise” was then the official name of the town, until the final change back to Bird-in-Hand in 1873. After a large fire in 1896, people discussed the need for a fire company. In the early days, hitting a circular saw alerted the men of a fire. The year 1916 saw the change from horse-drawn to motorized fire equipment. Today the Hand-in-Hand Fire Company remains a volunteer organization, famous for its delicious fund-raiser dinners. The town of Bird-in-Hand remained relatively unknown until a musical called PLAIN & FANCY opened in New York. The show Playbill noted that “The action takes place in and around Birdin-Hand, a town in the Amish country of Pennsylvania.” The cast was brought to Bird-in-Hand on January 17, 1955, prior to the official opening. Today, the town of Bird-in-Hand is still small, said to have a population of only about 300 people. On any given day, there may be more visitors than inhabitants. Many are city folks who have come to enjoy the country atmosphere, history, and shopping. It is said that visitors “can still expect friendly shopkeepers, homegrown Lancaster County foods, and restful lodging for weary travelers.” Ephrata cont’d from page 43
The borough’s commitment extends to preserving natural assets like the Ephrata Mountain, exploring plans for hiking trails and conservation easements to enhance community living. It is from this 200 acres of public wooded land that the healing waters flowed all those years ago to the Mountain Springs Hotel. Ephrata continues to thrive as a fruitful community, blending its rich history with modern amenities for residents and visitors alike. SEPTEMBER 2026
LITITZ SPRINGS PARK
E Main Street
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here really is no place quite like Lititz, and everyone should plan to spend some time there while in Amish Country. Lititz Springs Park is a popular spot for locals, and the site for many community activities. Indeed, the town’s 4th of July Celebration, begun in 1818, is reputedly the “oldest continuing community-wide observance in the United States.” The Lititz story is tied to that of the Moravian faith in Bohemia. It was in the presentday Czech Republic that John Hus and followers founded the Moravian Church in 1457. Historians note that since this was 60 years before Luther’s Reformation, the Moravians may lay claim to being the oldest organized Protestant Church. But over the course of the Thirty Years War, its 200,000 members nearly disappeared. In the 18th century, a renewal of the Moravian Church came through the patronage of Count Zinzendorf of Saxony. He invited all those persecuted for their faith to come to his lands in Saxony. As was the case with other persecuted religious groups in Europe, many Moravians sought freedom by taking the perilous journey to the New World, arriving in the early 1700s, with the main settlements becoming established in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Missionary work was integral to the faith, and preachers were sent from the Moravian community in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Zinzendorf himself arrived in America in 1742. A local resident, John Klein (Kline), was
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LITITZ HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
MORAVIAN CHURCH SQUARE
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FREE PARKING
WELCOME CENTER TRAIN STATION
FREE PARKING
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Julius Sturgis Pretzel Bakery
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so moved by hearing Zinzendorf’s preaching that he made arrangements to transfer his lands over to the Moravian community in 1755. It was in the following year that the town actually got the name of Lititz, the German spelling for Lidice, where European Moravian reformers had taken refuge in 15th century. For about a hundred years, Moravian church members were the only people permitted to live in the town. A Brothers’ House and Sisters’ House were erected for the unmarried men and women, although they did not live communally. It was not until 1855 that non-Moravians were allowed to own their own houses. The Brothers’ House played a role in the American Revolution. George
Capital Day 1777–2026 September 26, 2026 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. We are pleased to present the 1st Annual Lancaster Capital Day street festival. Meet us at the spot where the Continental Congress convened on September 27th, 1777, making Lancaster PA the Capital of the United States of America for one day. For more information and details visit https://lancastercapitalday.org/. Tell them, “Amish Country News sent you”!
Washington ordered it used as a military hospital between 1777-78. Some 1,000 soldiers were nursed here, about half of whom died and were buried nearby. One name is linked forever with the history of Lititz—Julius Sturgis. It was Sturgis who opened the first commercial pretzel bakery in the New World in Lititz. The year was 1861, and the site at 219 East Main Street is on the National Register of Historic Places. A tour of the bakery is unlike any other. Inside, you get to try your hand at pretzel twisting. It’s not as easy as it looks. Guests also may see the old brick bake ovens, as well as the more modern facilities. Schedule a tour by calling the bakery at 717-626-4354.
America’s First Pretzel Bakery
———————————
History Never Tasted So Good
——————————— Visit our store for family friendly bakery tours Open 7 days a week Reservations recommended
Scan to schedule your tour
219 E. Main Street Lititz, PA 17543 • (717) 626-4354 • www.juliussturgis.com
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Recipe Favorites
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By Ed Blanchette ith the purpose of celebrating what will soon be harvest time in Lancaster County. I thought it would be nice to share some of the many recipes “Amish Country News” has cultivated and shared over the years, along with some new additional oldies but goodies. I hope you enjoy them as much as we did…
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Barny’s Blue Crab & Corn Chowder Ingredients 2 Cups Butter 2 C ups AllPurpose Flo u r 1 Cup Red Peppers, diced 3/8” 3/4 Cup Old Bay Seasoning 46 •
Amish Country News
3 Bay Leaves 6 Cups Half & Half 2 Quarts 2% Milk 3 Cups Sweet White Corn 1 lb Claw Crabmeat Instructions Melt butter in stock pot. Add Old Bay and bay leaves. Stir in flour to make a roux, cook and stir till roux reaches a light caramel color. Add half & half and stir throughout. Add diced red peppers and allow to thicken, stirring frequently. Stir in 1 qt of the milk and allow to continue to thicken while adding the second 1 qt of milk. Stir in crabmeat and corn. Cook over med/high heat until hot throughout, approx. 20 minutes. Makes 4 quarts.
Strawberry Wheat Vinaigrette Ingredients 2 Cups Lancaster Strawberry Wheat Beer ½ Cup Honey 2 Tbsps Dijon Mustard 1 Cup Strawberries (cleaned and trimmed) 2 Cups Balsamic Vinegar 3 Each Shallots (sliced thin) 4 Each Garlic (cloves) 3 Cups Blended Oil Salt & Pepper to taste Instructions In a blender, mix all ingredients, except oil. When smooth, turn blender back on and slowly drizzle oil into mixture. Season to taste. SEPTEMBER 2026
“Gold Medal” Chili Ingredients 1½ Cups Fresh Seeded Tomatoes, pureed (canned tomato puree may be substituted) 1½ Cups Fresh Seeded Tomatoes, diced (canned diced tomatoes may be substituted) 1 lb Ground Beef 12 oz LBC Milk Stout (any full-bodied beer may be substituted) 1 lb Beef, diced (Roasted Prime Rib, Flank or Sirloin may be substituted) 32 oz Kidney beans, rinsed 12 oz Northern beans, rinsed 24 oz Baked Beans 2 Green Pepper, diced 3/8” 2 Red Peppers, diced 3/8” 2 Fresh Jalapeño Peppers, diced 3/8” 2 Chipotle Peppers, fine dice 4 Onions, 3/8” dice 2 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce 2 Tbsp Chili powder
amishcountrynews.com
1 Tsp Cumin 2 Tsp Oregano ½ Tsp Cayenne Salt to taste Instructions Combine ground beef, onions, bell peppers, garlic, jalapenos and chipotle, season with salt & pepper and cook over medium heat, making sure to break up ground beef. Add remaining ingredients except beans and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 90 minutes. Add beans and simmer for an additional 30 minutes. Garnish with shredded cheddar and a dollop of sour cream and serve. Makes one gallon. Grandma’s OldFashioned Apple Dumplings Ingredients 6 Medium Baking Apples 2 Cups Flour 2½ tsp Baking Powder ½ tsp salt
2/3 Cup Shortening ½ Cup Milk Sauce 2 Cups Brown Sugar 2 Cups Water ¼ tsp Cinnamon ¼ Cup Butter Instructions Peel and core apples. Leave whole. Mix flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in shortening until particles are the size of small peas. Sprinkle milk over mixture and press together lightly, working dough only enough to hold together. Roll out dough and cut into 6 squares. Place an apple on each square. Fill the cavity with apple with sugar and cinnamon. Pat dough around apple to cover it completely. Fasten edges securely on top of apple. Place dumplings 1 inch apart in a greased baking pan. Combine brown sugar, water, and cinnamon in saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes, remove from heat, and add butter. Pour sauce over dumplings. Bake
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at 375º for 35-40 minutes. Baste occasionally during baking. Serve hot with milk. Pumpkin Bread Ingredients 31/3 Cups flour 2 tsp Baking Soda 3 Cups Sugar 1 tsp Salt 1 tsp Nutmeg 1½ tsp Cinnamon ¼ tsp Cloves (Mix the above dry ingredients, then add the following) 1 Cup vegetable oil 4 Eggs 2/3 Cup Water 2 Cups Cooked or Canned Pumpkin Instructions Mix until well blended. Place in 2 large greased and floured loaf pans. Bake at 350º for 1 hour. Amish Hats Ingredients ½ Cup Butter ½ Cup Peanut Butter 1¼ Cup Sugar 2 Eggs 2 Cups Flour 1/3 Cup Milk 1½ tsp Vanilla 1½ tsp Salt ½ Cup Cocoa 2 tsp Baking Powder Large marshmallows Mocha Frosting: mix together 1/3 Cup Cocoa 1/3 Cup Brewed Coffee 1/3 Cup Margarine 1 tsp Vanilla Add 3 Cups Powder Sugar, beat well Instructions Mix in order given. Drop on cookie sheet and bake 8-10 minutes at 350º. When almost done, remove from oven and press half of a large marshmallow on each cookie and return to oven for one minute. After cookies are cooled, spread with mocha frosting. 48 •
Amish Country News
Three Bean Salad Ingredients 1 Can (1 lb) Cut Green Beans 1 Can (1 lb) Cut Yellow Beans 1 Can (1 lb) Red Kidney Beans 1 Cup Apple or Crabapple Jelly or Preserves 1 tsp Salt 1/3 Cup Vinegar 4 tsp Cornstarch 2 Cups Celery, sliced ½ Cup Green Onion, sliced Instructions Drain beans, combine jelly, vinegar, cornstarch, and salt. Cook until jelly melts and then until thickened toss with beans. Add celery and onions and let stand for several hours in a refrigerator overnight. Levi’s Favorite All Day Slow Cooker Roast Beef Ingredients 1 Beef Roast (5-12 lbs, any cut from Chuck to Sirloin will do) 1½ Cups Sesame Soy Marinade 8 Carrots, cut in half 2 Onions, cut in quarters 4 Potatoes, cut into chunks 2 Bay Leaves (optional) Instructions Spray a medium sized Slow Cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pierce roast beef thoroughly with a fork or steak knife to create deep cut for marinade and put into the slow cooker. Add 1½ cups Sesame Soy Marinade for roasts weighing 5-8 lbs. Use 2 cups Sesame Soy Marinade for roasts weighing 8-12 lbs. Add carrots then potatoes. Cover and cook small roast on low 5-8 hours; large roast cooks overnight for about 8-12 hours until fork tender. Slow cooker temperatures cooking times may vary. Make this recipe in the morning before going to work or at night before going to bed and come home to this ultimate treat.
Southwest Style Beefy Wraps Ingredients Large Tortillas (flour, corn, whole wheat, etc.) Sweet or Hot Red Pepper Jam Chopped lettuce (or mixed greens) Sliced Roast Beef (or ground taco beef or chicken) Sliced Cheese (your favorite) Sliced Tomatoes Barn Raisin’ Buffalo Sauce 1 Jar Corn Salsa Sliced Black Olives, Hot or Sweet Peppers, Chopped Onions, etc. (optional) Instructions Spread any Pepper Jam on flour tortilla. Thinly layer lettuce, sliced roast beef, cheese and tomatoes, sliced black olives, hot peppers, onions, etc. Top with Barn Raisin’ Buffalo Sauce. Roll wrap and cut in half for easy serving. Southwest Style Beefy Wraps can be made up ahead of time, wrapped and refrigerated for several hours. To serve as appetizers cut up into 1½” to 2” slices. Serve chilled Corn Salsa as a side dish. Baked Cabbage Casserole Ingredients 1 Small Head Cabbage 4 Cups Potatoes, diced 4 Slices Bread, cubed 2 Cups Sausage, sliced 2 Eggs 3 Tbsp butter 1 Cup Milk 1 tsp Salt ½ tsp Pepper Instructions Mix eggs, milk, and bread. Line a big casserole dish with cabbage leaves. Cut remaining cabbage into small pieces. Mix all together except butter. Put in cabbage lined casserole. Dot with butter. Bake in 350º oven till soft. SEPTEMBER 2026
Small Business
Spotlight
DUTCH APPLE DINNER THEATRE CELEBRATES
40 YEARS OF ENTERTAINMENT
D
utch Apple Dinner Theatre is excited to announce its 40th Anniversary Season, a yearlong celebration of four decades of unforgettable entertainment, exceptional dining, and cherished memories. Since opening its doors in 1987, Dutch Apple has welcomed millions of guests and presented hundreds of productions, becoming one of the nation’s longest running and most beloved dinner theatres.
The 2027 season tickets go on sale to the general public beginning July 1, 2026. Subscribers tickets are on sale now. The more shows you buy the more you save. The 40th anniversary season honors this milestone with a blockbuster lineup of Broadway favorites, cherished classics, family adventures, and crowd-pleasing musical hits. “Our 40th Anniversary Season is a celebration of the audience preferences based on our annual customer survey,” said Lauren Sobon, Artistic Producer. “We are ecstatic to share our 2027 season of celebration filled with laughter, nostalgia, spectacular music, and timeless stories that reflect the spirit of Dutch Apple and the generations of guests who have made us part of their traditions.” The 2027 Season Main Stage includes:
SHEAR MADNESS | Jan 15–Feb 20 America’s longest-running comedy whodunit returns with audience amishcountrynews.com
WITH A STAR-STUDDED 2027 SEASON participation, outrageous characters, and a different ending every night.
9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL | Feb 26–Apr 2 Based on the hit movie, this hilarious and empowering musical features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and follows three women determined to turn the tables on their overbearing boss.
GREASE | April 9–May 22 Slip on your leather jacket and head back to Rydell High for one of the most popular musicals of all time, featuring unforgettable songs and plenty of 1950s fun.
MILLION DOLLAR QUARTET | May 28–Jul 3 Relive the legendary night when Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins came together for an unforgettable jam session that made music history.
DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID | Jul 9–Aug 21 Dive under the sea with Ariel, Sebastian, and Flounder in Disney’s
beloved musical adventure featuring spectacular costumes, dazzling effects, and favorite songs from the animated classic.
THE CHER SHOW | Aug 27–Oct 2 Celebrate the life and career of the iconic superstar in this high-energy musical packed with glamour, humor, and chart-topping hits.
42ND STREET | Oct 8–Nov 6 The ultimate Broadway backstage musical arrives with dazzling tap numbers, stunning costumes, and timeless songs that capture the magic of show business.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL | Nov 12, 2027 –Jan 2, 2028 Ring in the holiday season with Charles Dickens’ beloved tale of redemption, family, and goodwill, brought to life in a heartwarming production perfect for all ages. In addition to its Main Stage productions, Dutch Apple will continue its popular Children’s Theatre Series with three familyfriendly favorites designed to delight
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young audiences and love of live theatre.
inspire
a
PINKALICIOUS | Apr 23–May 14 Based on the beloved children’s book, Pinkalicious about young girl who loves all things pink. When she wakes up with a case of “Pinkititis” a hilarious adventure begins filled with imagination, laughter, and valuable lessons. This colorful musical is perfect for the entire family.
DISNEY AND PIXAR’S FINDING NEMO JR | Jul 20–Aug 17 Join Nemo, Marlin, Dory, and friends on an unforgettable ocean adventure. Featuring memorable songs, lovable characters, and heartwarming themes of family and friendship, this musical adaptation of the beloved film is sure to make a splash with audiences of all ages.
SEUSSICAL JR | Nov 30 – Jan 2, 2028 The whimsical world of Dr. Seuss comes to life in this fantastical musical adventure featuring Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat, and other beloved characters. Filled with imagination, friendship, and fun, Seussical Jr. celebrates the power of being unique and believing in yourself. 50 •
Amish Country News
The celebration continues with Dutch Apple’s popular Tribute Concert Series, bringing legendary artists and timeless music to the stage throughout the 40th Anniversary Season.
REO, SURVIVOR & CO | Mar 22–23 MAT/EVE Rock fans won’t want to miss the electrifying music of REO Speedwagon, Loverboy, and Survivor. Relive the arena-rock era with chart-topping hits including “Keep On Loving You,” “Turn Me Loose,” “Working for the Weekend,” “Eye of the Tiger,” and more.
DECEMBER ’63 | Sep 13–14 MAT/EVE A high-energy concert experience recreating the songs of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. You’ll love the authentic sound, sharp jackets, and nostalgic atmosphere while listening to hits like “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, and “Walk Like A Man”.
ONE OF THESE NIGHTS | Oct 18 MAT/EVE Celebrate the music of the Eagles with this acclaimed tribute concert featuring the legendary band’s greatest hits. Audiences will enjoy classics including “Hotel California,” “Take It Easy,” “Desperado,” “Life in
the Fast Lane,” and, of course, “One of These Nights.” The popular 2027 New Years Concert is a perfect way to celebrate the year. Look no further for fun, food and entertainment all in one place with plenty of free parking.
DECADES OF COUNTRY | Dec 31, 2027 MAT/EVE Kick in to high gear for the new year with the greatest country hits from the ’80s to today. Nashville singer/songwriter JD Leonard plays all the big hits from Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Eric Church and many more.
Located in the heart of Lancaster County, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre continues its tradition of combining exceptional theatre with outstanding dining in an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. Consistently voted one of the top 3 dinner theatres in the US and Lancaster. Season subscriptions are available now, offering guests the best seats at discount pricing, exclusive benefits, and the opportunity to celebrate this landmark season all year long. All general admission tickets are on sale July 1—get tickets early for the best seats in the house! DutchApple.com 717-898-1900; in person 510 Centerville Road Lancaster, PA 17601. To arrange interviews, press engagements, or for photos, please contact: Nanci Jo Anderson, Marketing Manager 717-898-1900 NAnderson@dutchapple.com. SEPTEMBER 2026
Amish VISIT-IN-PERSON Tour EXCLUSIVE Amish Visit-In-Person Tour (3 Hrs.) 58.95 adult, $48.95 child (age 6-12*)
$
* Children under age 6 not permitted on VIP Tour
Stop 1: The Amish Farm Observe the milking process and discover “Amish electricity” as you learn that the Amish do not milk cows by hand. Stop 2: Amish Cottage Industry As the Amish population grows, more
Amish turn to home businesses rather than farming. Visit an Amish workshop to see what they make and how they make it.
Stop 3: The Amish Home We’ll go to the home of one of our Amish neighbors for friendly conversation…a chance to sit, chat, and visit the Amish way.
MEAL in an
HOME
Enjoy a 2.5–HOUR Experience featuring a traditional Amish Family-Style Meal, served in an Amish home. 67.95 adult, $65.95 child (12 and under)*
$
* Small children must be in a car seat you provide.
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK AT PLAIN & FANCY FARM 3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA | 717-768-8400 • AMISHEXPERIENCE.COM
Summer Hours May–September Open Sundays
Mon–Sat 9am–5pm 10am–4pm
Standard Rides Country & Cookie Tour Adults: $18.00 Child: $12.00 (age 3-12) 2 & under: Free A 30-35 minute tour passing a cluster of Amish homes and businesses in an all Amish area. Travel our country roads, the way we travel! Cookies, snacks and drinks are USUALLY available for purchase, depending on our Amish neighbors availability.
Amish Farm Tour (Monday-Saturday) Adults: $35.00 Child: $16.00 (age 3-12) 2 & under: Free A 50-60 min tour that stops at a local farm! Experience our way of life on a real local, working Amish farm. With our exclusive access, step inside the barn and meet a variety of farm animals, including beef cattle, goats, and horses. Discover how our neighbors continue to adapt to daily life without electrical wires.
The Sunday Ride Adults: $20.00 Child: $12.00 (age 3-12) 2 & under: Free A 30-35 minute tour passing numerous Amish farms. Our local drivers can answer your questions and talk to you about points of interest.
Private Journey Tours For a truly unique experience, book your own private tour, with your own driver, horse, and buggy. Our guests call it “ unforgettable”!
Aaron &
Online Booking Now Available!
J
3121 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird–in–Hand, PA 17505 www.AmishBuggyRides.com 717.768.8828
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BUGGY RIDES
1.00 OFF Country & Cookie Tour Or $2.00 OFF Amish Farm Tour
$
LIMIT FOUR ADULTS PER PARTY. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Not valid on Sunday or Private Rides. Cookie Tour: ACNCC26 Farm Tour: ACNFT26