Amish Community Blossoms in Rural Wales, Maine: A New Chapter in Simple Living
In a quiet corner of Androscoggin County, a new Amish settlement is taking root, marking the latest expansion of this traditional Christian sect in Maine. Established in 2020, the community in Wales, Maine, is breathing new life into the rural landscape and local economy[6].
A dozen Amish families have moved onto a large farm off Leeds Junction Road, purchasing the 350-acre property from longtime farmer Roger Fortin[1]. The farm, once known as Little Alaska Farm due to its chilly winds, is now set to become a hub of traditional agricultural practices and craftsmanship[1].
Paul Burgess, the town’s first selectman, expressed enthusiasm for the new arrivals. “It’s going to be great for our town,” he said, noting that the Amish plan to grow vegetables and produce cheese for sale[1]. This influx of “honest, hardworking families” is seen as a boon for the aging community of about 1,600 people[1].
Neighbor Nancy Blaisdell, who has lived across the street for over four decades, welcomed the change. “They’re terrific people who work together,” she said, anticipating a renewal of the farm lifestyle that was once common in the area[1].
The Amish are known for their simple living, plain dress, and reluctance to adopt many modern technologies. Their arrival in Wales adds to Maine’s growing Amish population, which has more than doubled in the past decade to an estimated 850 individuals[2].
This new settlement joins other Amish communities in Maine, including those in Smyrna, Fort Fairfield, Unity, and Whitefield[5][6]. Each of these settlements brings its own unique characteristics, ranging from conservative to more progressive interpretations of Amish life.
As the Wales settlement establishes itself, it faces both opportunities and challenges. The harsh Maine winters and the need to build a self-sufficient community from the ground up will test the resilience of these pioneers. However, if the success of other Amish settlements in Maine is any indication, the Wales community has a promising future ahead.
The arrival of the Amish in Wales not only diversifies the local population but also promises to contribute to the preservation of traditional farming methods and craftsmanship. As Maine continues to attract Amish settlers, it’s clear that the state’s rural character and available farmland make it an appealing destination for those seeking to maintain their traditional way of life.
The new Amish settlement in Wales, Maine, established in 2020, is one of the youngest and smallest Amish communities in the state. It differs from other Maine Amish settlements in several ways:
- Size: The Wales settlement is still relatively small, with only a handful of Amish residences. This contrasts with larger communities like Fort Fairfield, which has around 20 families and 140 people.
- Age: As a recent settlement, Wales is in its early stages of development compared to more established communities like Smyrna, which dates back to 1996 and is the oldest in Maine.
- Economic development: While the Wales settlement is just beginning to establish businesses, older communities like Unity have developed multiple enterprises, including popular stores that attract outside visitors.
- Conservative nature: The level of conservatism varies among Maine’s Amish communities. For instance, Fort Fairfield is described as one of the most conservative, while Unity is known for being more progressive and open to outsiders.
- Origin: Unlike some other Maine settlements that were founded by Amish from various states, the Wales community’s specific origin is not mentioned in the search results.
- Public profile: The Wales settlement has not yet gained the public attention that some other Maine Amish communities have received. For example, Unity is described as the state’s best-known and most “public” Amish settlement.
As the Wales settlement continues to grow and develop, it may evolve to have more distinct characteristics or similarities with other Maine Amish communities[3][4].
Citations:
[1] https://www.pressherald.com/2019/09/27/amish-community-plans-to-farm-in-tiny-wales-2/
[2] https://www.centralmaine.com/2019/09/27/maines-amish-community-expands-into-wales-plans-to-renew-farm-lifestyle/
[3] https://wikis.nyu.edu/download/attachments/82051977/Stephen%20King%20-%20On%20Writing_%20A%20Memoir%20Of%20The%20Craft%20(2000,%20Scribner).pdf?version=1&modificationDate=1579995648663&api=v2
[4] https://downeast.com/features/thesettlers/
[5] https://www.centralmaine.com/2016/11/19/whitefield-draws-amish-settlement/
[6] https://amishamerica.com/amish-maine/
[7] https://amishamerica.com/visiting-amish-whitefield-maine/
[8] https://www.amish365.com/where-are-the-amish-in-maine/