Wilmington: Life in Amish Country

Today our group went on an excursion to Lancaster County, PA, to experience the Amish way of life. We began with a tour of an Amish home, learning how the home is designed to focus on the family, a key component of the Amish lifestyle. The kitchen is usually the only heated room (with a stove), keeping all of the members of the family together during the colder days. Clothing is simple and handmade of solid colored cloth. Homes are not connected to electricity, although some electrical items may be powered by either propane or batteries. Thus three clues to whether a home you are passing by is an Amish home are green shades in the windows, solid color clothing on the clothesline, and a propane tank in the farm yard. Although much of the food is grown on the family farm and canned or preserved, the Amish do enjoy trips to the nearby Target to purchase some of their groceries and other items such as shoes.

Outside the Amish house

In the kitchen

A child's bedroom

After touring the home, we were able to wander the outer buildings, where Amelie, our mini delegate, learned to milk a cow, bake bread, and drive a buggy. Meanwhile, our delegates were off learning how to ride a scooter.

Milking the cow

Baking the bread

Driving a buggy

Riding scooters

Our final stop on the tour was at the one-room schoolhouse, where all the delegates tried out the seats. Then it was time to try some Amish cooking for lunch at Millers Restaurant before heading back to the city. It was a truly enjoyable day!