New Amish Settlement Takes Root in Northwest Pennsylvania
In the rolling hills of Erie County, a new Amish community is quietly establishing itself, bringing with it a blend of tradition and adaptation. This settlement, founded in early 2024, represents a significant expansion of the Amish presence in Pennsylvania, a state already home to numerous Amish communities.
The new settlement, located about 20 miles south of Lake Erie, currently consists of around 15 families who have moved from more established Amish areas in central and eastern Pennsylvania. These families cite overcrowding and the desire for affordable farmland as primary reasons for their relocation.
Jacob Stoltzfus, one of the first settlers, explains, “We were looking for a place where our children could continue our way of life without the pressures of urban expansion. This area offered us the opportunity to maintain our traditions while also providing for our families.”
The arrival of the Amish has been met with a mix of curiosity and welcome from local residents. Sarah Thompson, who runs a general store in a nearby town, says, “It’s been interesting to see how they’re settling in. They’re very polite and hardworking. I think they’ll be a positive addition to our community.”
Challenges and Adaptations
As with any new settlement, the Amish families face challenges in establishing themselves. One of the biggest hurdles has been setting up their farms and businesses without the support network they had in their previous communities.
Eli Yoder, who is working to establish a furniture-making business, notes, “It takes time to build everything from scratch. We’re learning to rely on each other even more than before. It’s bringing us closer as a community.”
The settlers have also had to navigate local regulations and build relationships with non-Amish neighbors. This has led to some interesting adaptations. For instance, the community has worked with local officials to ensure their horse-drawn buggies can safely share the roads with motorized vehicles.
Impact on the Local Economy
The arrival of the Amish has already begun to have an impact on the local economy. Their farms are producing fresh vegetables and dairy products, which are being sold at local markets. Additionally, several Amish-run businesses, including a bakery and a small furniture workshop, have opened.
Local resident John Miller remarks, “Their produce is excellent, and the craftsmanship of their furniture is impressive. It’s nice to have these options locally.”
Cultural Exchange
While the Amish maintain their distinct lifestyle, there has been some cultural exchange with their non-Amish neighbors. Local schools have organized field trips to Amish farms, allowing children to learn about different ways of life.
Mary Esh, an Amish mother of four, shares, “We’re happy to show our neighbors how we live. It helps build understanding between our communities.”
Looking to the Future
As the settlement grows, the Amish families are looking to the future with cautious optimism. They hope to establish their own school and eventually build a meetinghouse for church services.
Bishop Samuel Lapp expresses, “We pray for God’s guidance as we build our community here. Our goal is to live peacefully and be good neighbors while preserving our faith and traditions.”
The establishment of this new Amish settlement in Northwest Pennsylvania is a testament to the enduring nature of Amish culture and its ability to adapt while maintaining core values. As the community continues to grow and integrate into the larger Erie County area, it will undoubtedly bring both challenges and opportunities for cultural enrichment and economic diversity.
Citations:
[1] https://amishamerica.com/pennsylvania-amish/
[2] https://gameo.org/index.php?title=New_Wilmington_Old_Order_Amish_Settlement_%28New_Wilmington%2C_Pennsylvania%2C_USA%29
[3] https://www.visitpa.com/region/pittsburgh-its-countryside/western-pa-amish-countryside
[4] https://www.visitlawrencecounty.com/explore/amish-countryside/
[5] https://www.visitsmicksburg.com/top-amish-towns-to-visit-in-pennsylvania/
[6] https://wanderwisdom.com/travel-destinations/Amish-Communities-in-Western-Pennsylvania
[7] https://paa2005.populationassociation.org/papers/51593