![]() ![]() They neither ask for nor receive any government assistance of any type. The sales of these articles helps to supplement their very meager incomes. We were later told that the Amish are no longer able to support themselves by farming, and must turn to carpentry, sawmills, or other types of work in addition to the labor intensive farming they already do. I found the shopping experience uncomfortable, since I rarely buy anything without planning far ahead ( I go for experiences, not possessions). Since I myself sew, I wasn't interested in the sewn articles, which did seem well made. The basketry was of very high quality and the variety was impressive. We were usually led into an outbuilding or a room that contained goods to buy, although we were told we were under no obligation to purchase anything. There were usually one or two horses grazing in a field, and there were also hitching posts in the yards. The homes had large gardens, all carefully weeded and planted. The women are typically the ones to do the lawn mowing with rotary mowers, which is probably what impressed the most of all. I was struck by how carefully mown each (very large) yard was, and how they all had petunias and some flowers some where. ![]() To city dwellers this often looks "messy", but it is how farm life is. She knew the history of each family and was able to relate them to other families we had seen.Įach farmyard was typical of the farms of my youth the smell of manure was present as well as various bits of machinery, flies, and farm detritus here and there. We traveled up and down country roads and saw beautiful scenery as she would pull into various farms. She was able to answer all questions put to her. She spoke on their religion, history, education, marriage and funeral customs, dress habits, daily life, and the differences between various groups of Amish with great knowledge. Our tour guide was a very clear-spoken young woman who obviously knew her Amish neighbors and care about them deeply. ![]()
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