Three Unique Amish Communities Breaking Tradition: A Look at Unconventional Settlements
In the diverse tapestry of Amish life across America, three communities stand out for their unconventional approaches to balancing tradition with modern necessities. These settlements in Dover, Delaware; Pearisburg, Virginia; and Pinecraft, Florida, challenge our preconceptions about Amish life while maintaining core values of faith, family, and simplicity.
Dover, Delaware: The Rounded Buggy Community
The Amish settlement in Dover, Delaware, the First State’s only Amish community, immediately catches the eye with its distinctive rounded-side buggies. This unique design sets them apart from the more common square buggies seen in most Amish settlements.
Jacob Miller, a local buggy maker, explains the reasoning behind this unusual design: “Our rounded buggies are not just about looks. They’re more aerodynamic, which makes them easier for our horses to pull, especially in windy conditions.”
This practical approach to tradition extends to other aspects of life in the Dover community. The local Amish market, Sunrise Bakery, has become a popular destination for both Amish and non-Amish customers. Sarah Yoder, the bakery’s owner, shares, “We’ve adapted some of our recipes to suit local tastes. Our scrapple pie, a twist on the traditional shoofly pie, has become a customer favorite.”
The Dover Amish have also found innovative ways to maintain their businesses in a more urban setting. Miller’s Furniture, owned by Eli Miller, uses a non-Amish “English” partner to handle online orders and customer inquiries. “This arrangement allows us to reach a wider market without compromising our beliefs about technology,” Miller explains.
Pearisburg, Virginia: The Welcoming Worshippers
In the mountains of western Virginia, the small Amish settlement in Pearisburg stands out for its unusually open approach to worship. Unlike most Amish communities, which hold services in members’ homes and do not allow outsiders to attend, the Pearisburg Amish offer a unique opportunity for visitors to experience their church services.
John Stoltzfus, a community elder, explains their philosophy: “We believe in sharing our faith and way of life with those who are genuinely interested. By allowing visitors to our services, we hope to foster understanding and respect between our communities.”
This openness extends to their businesses as well. The Walker Valley Market, run by the Yoder family, has become a popular stop for tourists and locals alike. Emily Thompson, a regular customer from nearby Blacksburg, shares, “The market offers a wonderful mix of traditional Amish goods and local products. It’s a great place to experience Amish culture firsthand.”
The Pearisburg Amish have also embraced sustainable energy solutions, with several homes and businesses using solar panels. This adoption of modern technology, while maintaining their off-grid lifestyle, sets them apart from many other Amish communities.
Pinecraft, Florida: The Amish Beach Resort
Perhaps the most unconventional of all Amish settlements is the community in Pinecraft, Florida. This unique neighborhood in Sarasota serves as a vacation destination for Amish and Mennonites from all over North America, challenging the notion that the Amish do not take vacations or engage in leisure activities.
What makes Pinecraft truly unusual is its urban setting and the modes of transportation used by its residents and visitors. Instead of horse-drawn buggies, the Amish here get around on large tricycles and bicycles. The community is bisected by a busy four-lane avenue, creating a surreal juxtaposition of Amish simplicity and modern urban life.
Mary Schrock, who runs the popular Pinecraft Pie Shop, notes the unique atmosphere: “Here, you’ll see Amish from all over the country mingling and relaxing. It’s a place where our people can enjoy some sun and relaxation while still maintaining our values.”
The businesses in Pinecraft cater to both the Amish and the curious tourists who flock to this unusual community. Yoder’s Restaurant, a local institution, serves traditional Amish fare alongside more typical Florida cuisine. Owner Sadie Yoder explains, “We’ve had to adapt our menu to suit both Amish tastes and those of our non-Amish customers. Our seafood dishes are just as popular as our classic Amish comfort food.”
The Pinecraft Arts and Crafts Center showcases another unique aspect of this community. Unlike most Amish settlements where craft-making is primarily for practical use or local sale, the center in Pinecraft allows Amish artisans to sell their wares to a global audience. “It’s a way for our people to share their skills and traditions with the world,” explains center manager Jacob Miller.
As these three communities demonstrate, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to Amish life. Each settlement has found ways to adapt to their unique circumstances while still maintaining the core principles of their faith and culture. Whether it’s through innovative buggy designs, open worship services, or embracing a vacation lifestyle, these Amish communities are proving that tradition and adaptation can go hand in hand.
As John Stoltzfus from Pearisburg wisely notes, “Being Amish isn’t about rejecting everything modern. It’s about carefully considering what aspects of modern life align with our values and faith. These communities show that there are many ways to be faithful to our beliefs while engaging with the world around us.”
Citations:
- https://amishamerica.com/10-unusual-amish-communities/
- https://www.dutchcrafters.com/blog/unusual-amish-communities/
- https://amishamerica.com/charlotte-county-virginia-amish-food-store/
- https://amishamerica.com/amish-virginia/
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/virginia/amish-va
- https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAmerican/comments/la59xv/people_who_live_near_amish_communities_what_are/
- https://www.amishvillage.com/blog/the-4-core-values-of-the-amish-culture/
- https://listverse.com/2021/04/24/top-10-amish-traditions-you-wont-believe/
- https://www.everydaysociologyblog.com/2012/03/subcultures-among-us-the-amish.html
- https://www.discoverlancaster.com/amish/religious-traditions/
- https://www.cabinfield.com/blog/10-fascinating-ways-that-amish-have-fun/
- https://www.bedlamfarm.com/2021/06/14/the-amish-and-their-long-struggle-with-the-modern-world/
- https://www.amishviewinn.com/blog/8-facts-amish-community/
- https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/amish-facts/
- https://www.discoverlancaster.com/blog/amish-owned-businesses/
- https://eastonamishmarket.com
- https://www.greendragonmarket.com
- https://amishamerica.com/amish-business-directory/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/homeowners/comments/tu45sg/has_anyone_had_an_amish_neighbor_do_any_work_to/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/povertyfinance/comments/18tww6i/13167_from_my_local_amish_market/
- https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2023/08/amish-chinese-partnership-shiitake-mushrooms-are-main-ingredient
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wI2RDtlwd8c
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish
- https://amishamerica.com/5-amish-businesses-you-should-visit/
- https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/largest-amish-communities-in-the-united-states.html
- https://www.dutchcrafters.com/blog/everything-you-want-to-know-about-amish-businesses/
- https://amishrules.com/amish-communities-in-the-united-states/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1e5UIpKLVo
- https://www.marketsatshrewsbury.com
- https://gohalifaxva.com/directory/halifax-county-amish-community/
- https://www.greendragonmarket.com/contact/service-area/pennsylvania-amish-market
- https://www.chouteauok.com/amish
- https://www.amish365.com/where-are-the-amish-in-virginia/
- https://www.azquotes.com/quotes/topics/amish.html?p=2
- https://www.yelp.com/biz/yoders-country-market-madison
- https://www.amish365.com/amish-sayings/
- https://yahwehssong.wordpress.com/2011/08/04/amish-proverbs/