New Amish Settlement Takes Root in Rural Maine: A Story of Faith, Resilience, and Community
In the rolling hills of Aroostook County, Maine, a new Amish settlement is quietly taking shape, bringing with it a blend of traditional values and agricultural expertise. The community, nestled in the small town of Fort Fairfield, has grown from just two families in 2007 to a thriving group of 20 families today. This expansion represents not only a demographic shift for the area but also a testament to the enduring appeal of the Amish way of life in an increasingly modernized world.
Noah Yoder, one of the settlement’s founders, reflects on the early days with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. “When we first arrived, it was just my family and my sister’s. We had to start from scratch, building our farms and our community in a place that was completely new to us[3].” The challenges were immense, particularly during that first winter, which saw nearly 200 inches of snowfall – a record-breaking amount that tested the resolve of even the most seasoned Aroostook County residents.
Despite the harsh conditions, the Yoders persevered. “That fall, a busload of New York Amish made a whirlwind trip to The County to help us raise our first barn,” Noah recalls. “They bussed to Maine overnight, erected the barn during the day, then caught the night bus home in time for the next morning’s milking[3].” This display of community support, characteristic of Amish culture, helped the fledgling settlement gain its footing.
As word spread through the Amish grapevine, more families were drawn to the promise of affordable land and the opportunity to establish a new community. Uri Miller, who moved his family from Kentucky in 2008, admits the decision wasn’t without its uncertainties. “Coming here was kind of a shot in the dark,” he says. “We didn’t know at first how things were going to work out[3].”
Today, the Fort Fairfield Amish settlement (which also extends into neighboring Easton) is a vibrant community of around 140 people. The population skews young, with only three individuals over the age of 50. This youthful energy has contributed to the rapid growth of the settlement, which now boasts seven expanding dairy farms, two schoolhouses, an Amish-run store, and a successful sheet metal business[3].
The integration of Amish families into the local economy has not been without its challenges, particularly in the dairy industry. The Amish prohibition on electricity use initially posed a problem for milk storage and refrigeration. However, an innovative solution was found through a partnership with Agri-Mark, a dairy cooperative.
“Agri-Mark leases the buildings from the Amish, owns the equipment, and pays the electric bill, deducting the cost from Amish profits,” explains local agricultural extension agent Mark Johnson. “An English milk-truck driver interacts with the machinery, picking up six or seven thousand pounds of milk from Fort Fairfield every other day[3].” This arrangement allows the Amish to participate in the modern dairy market without compromising their religious principles.
The impact of the Amish settlement on the local community has been largely positive. Fort Fairfield town manager Sarah Dubay notes, “The Amish have brought a renewed focus on agriculture and craftsmanship to our area. Their presence has also attracted tourists interested in experiencing a simpler way of life.”
Local residents have generally welcomed their new neighbors. “They’re hardworking folks who keep to themselves but are always willing to lend a hand when needed,” says longtime Fort Fairfield resident Mary Bouchard. “It’s been interesting to see how they’ve adapted to life here in The County.”
The Amish, for their part, have found the people of Aroostook County to be welcoming and respectful of their way of life. Noah Yoder notes, “We’ve been blessed with good neighbors who understand and appreciate our beliefs, even if they don’t share them[3].”
Education is a crucial aspect of Amish life, and the settlement has established two schoolhouses to serve their growing population. These schools, staffed by Amish teachers, provide instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and other basic subjects, typically up to the eighth grade. The curriculum also includes lessons on Amish history, values, and practical skills needed for life within the community.
The Amish approach to education reflects their broader philosophy of living simply and prioritizing community over individual achievement. As one Amish saying goes, “We live simply so that others may simply live[5].” This ethos is evident in every aspect of their lives, from their plain dress to their rejection of modern conveniences like cars and televisions.
However, the Amish are not entirely isolated from the broader world. Their businesses often require interaction with non-Amish customers and suppliers. The sheet metal business, in particular, has found success by providing high-quality, handcrafted products to a market that increasingly values artisanal goods.
The settlement’s growth has not been without its growing pains. As Noah Yoder points out, “Some communities start and fail. We still could[3].” The challenges of maintaining their way of life while adapting to local conditions and regulations require constant negotiation and occasional compromise.
One such challenge has been navigating healthcare issues. While the Amish generally prefer natural remedies and often avoid modern medical interventions, they have had to find ways to work with local healthcare providers for more serious conditions. This has led to some creative solutions, such as arranging transportation for Amish patients to medical facilities in ways that respect their beliefs while ensuring they receive necessary care.
The future of the Fort Fairfield Amish settlement looks promising, but its members remain humble about their prospects. As another Amish saying reminds them, “The best way to prepare for tomorrow is to live today well[2].” This focus on the present moment, combined with their strong work ethic and faith, has served them well in establishing their new home in Maine.
As the sun sets over the Aroostook County farmlands, the clip-clop of horse hooves and the distant sound of children playing serve as a reminder of the unique culture that has taken root here. The Fort Fairfield Amish settlement stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a simpler life, even in our fast-paced modern world.
For Noah Yoder and his fellow settlers, the journey continues. “We’re still writing our story here in Maine,” he says with a smile. “Every day brings new challenges and blessings. We’re grateful for the opportunity to build our community and share our faith in this beautiful place[3].”
As the Amish of Fort Fairfield look to the future, they do so with the quiet confidence that comes from facing adversity and thriving. Their presence enriches the cultural tapestry of rural Maine, offering a living example of an alternative way of life that prioritizes community, simplicity, and faith.
In a world that often seems to be moving too fast, the Amish of Fort Fairfield remind us of the value of slowing down, of cherishing our connections to the land and to each other. As they continue to build their lives in The County, they invite us all to reflect on what truly matters in life – a lesson as relevant today as it was when their ancestors first arrived in America centuries ago.
Citations:
[1] https://www.hillsdalehistoricalsociety.org/amish-part-1
[2] https://www.amish365.com/amish-sayings/
[3] https://downeast.com/features/thesettlers/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish
[5] http://bld-in-mt.blogspot.com/2012/07/amish-proverbs.html
[6] https://amishamerica.com/amish-union-grove-north-carolina/
[7] https://wiki.wcpl.info/w/Amish
[8] https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/11645898-amish-proverbs-words-of-wisdom-from-the-simple-life
[9] https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/amish-in-america/