Amish Community Takes Root in Western Ohio’s Farmland
A new Amish settlement is blossoming in the rolling hills of Preble County, Ohio, bringing with it a blend of traditional values and entrepreneurial spirit. The fledgling community, which began with just four families last year, has already grown to 12 households and is attracting attention from locals and visitors alike.
“We came here for the fertile soil and open spaces,” says Eli Yoder, one of the first settlers. “The land reminds us of home, but with more opportunity for our children.”
The Amish families, primarily from overcrowded settlements in eastern Ohio, have quickly established themselves as industrious neighbors. Several small businesses have sprung up, including a furniture workshop, a bakery, and a quilt-making cooperative.
Sarah Miller, owner of the newly opened Sunrise Bakery, says, “Our pies and breads have been selling out daily. It seems the locals can’t get enough of our homemade goods.”
The influx of Amish settlers has not gone unnoticed by long-time residents. John Thompson, a local farmer, remarks, “It’s different seeing horse-drawn buggies on our roads, but they’re hardworking folks. They’ve already helped me bring in my harvest twice as fast this year.”
The settlement has also sparked interest from tourists, with several bed and breakfasts in nearby Eaton reporting increased bookings. “People are curious about the Amish way of life,” explains B&B owner Linda Davis. “It’s bringing a new kind of visitor to our area.”
As the community grows, so do plans for the future. The Amish have purchased land for a schoolhouse and are in talks with county officials about road safety measures for their buggies.
The Amish in Preble County have established several notable businesses:
Produce and Food Businesses
- A produce stand on Wolverton Road south of US 35, featuring:
- Fresh, high-quality produce
- Homemade candies and jellies
- Homemade donuts (available on Saturdays)
Local Markets and Shops
- Strike’s Farm Market (located at 5786 Ohio 122 South in West Alexandria) offers:
- Bulk foods
- Amish cheese and butter
- Candies and snacks
- Fresh fruits and produce
- Baked goods
- Morning Sun Organic Farm (at 3993 Ohio 503 South in West Alexandria) provides:
- Organic meat
- Eggs
- Wheat, spelt, and berries
Specialty Crafts
- Treasured Times Wood Works (6417 Enterprise Road in West Alexandria) specializes in:
- Heirloom quality furniture made to order
- Furniture crafted from oak, cherry, maple, mahogany, and hickory
- Handmade clocks (mantel, wall, and grandfather styles)
The settlement, which began with just four families, has already grown to five families and continues to expand, bringing new entrepreneurial opportunities to Preble County.
Eli Yoder sums up the sentiment of many in the new settlement: “We’re grateful for the welcome we’ve received. This land feels like home now, and we look forward to being good neighbors for generations to come.”
Citations:
[1] https://www.amish365.com/preble-county-eaton-new-paris-ohio-amish-settlement/
[2] https://ahcountrymarket.com
[3] https://www.statenews.org/section/the-ohio-newsroom/2024-05-28/your-new-neighbors-may-drive-a-buggy-ohios-amish-population-is-growing
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_Amish_Country
[5] https://ohioamishcountry.info/topics/ohio-amish-country-stores/
[6] https://www.google.com/support/answer/1386831
[7] https://amishamerica.com/ohio-amish/
[8] https://ohiosamishcountry.com/oacbr
[9] https://www.thebarninn.com/ThingsToDo/Amish-Business-Directory.html