La Vonne's Blog

It only takes one visit to Holmes County to realize the variety of creative, talented residents. It can be seen even in the simplist form of a small hand made basket signed by a 6 year old Swartzentruber child or in the majestic styles of hardwood furniture. Either way, the talents show through.

Each weekend, a local couple fills up their buggy and makes an hour trip into Berlin to sell their handmade baskets.
A specific group of Amish, called Swartzentruber, are known for basket, quilt and rug making. Rarely would you find them employed at a local store. They need the "English" to buy their products. Known as the most austere, plain people, it may appear they avoid colors, in hopes not to drawn attention to themselves. However, color shows up with creative, beautiful quilts and handmade rugs, as well as the large variety of baskets of all sizes.

Last week, when visiting the family at their home, she made a comment that rang true. "I could not make a living sellling to the Amish, so I have to go where people are that will buy them." Her family allows us to bring our tours to her home. She understands tourism. She recently opened up her home (we actually go in her home) where she sells her baskets. Her children (10 in all) are eager to pick up a basket and show it in hopes someone will buy it, knowing they actually met the person who made it. Sometimes that works and other times, it's a cute memory of the visitor's experience.

Other Artisans find it necessary to find a busy traffic location such as Berlin in hopes that passer buyers will be lured to their craft through interest, interaction or curiousity.

Little by little, some artisans are finding a way to make sure the travelers can find them. They may have advertisements in local brochures, magazines or place a handmade sign by a road directing visitors to their home.

This photo depicts a Swartzentruber lady who chooses to travel to where the action is. As I observe her, it is paying off.

I have traveled to major cities throughout the US and rarely am I concerned about what to do on a Sunday. Attractions and activities sometime overwhelm me. If only there was enough time to do everything I wanted.

In Holmes County, the pace is slow. You would never guess the day before would be bumper to bumper traffic with eager travelers hoping to have enough time to experience all that Holmes County has to offer.

Holmes County is about family, community and God. Sidewalks usually roll up at 5:00. Dinner bells silently ring in the homes where mom, dad and the children gather for a meal around the table, discussing the days happenings.
On Sundays, the clip-clop of horse and buggies are heard as they make their way to the locations of nearby church districts. English also fill the church pews around the area with the many Mennonite, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran and Catholic churches.

Wives prepare something for lunch unless plans are made to eat at Rhodes grocery store in Millersburg for a hot, cafeteria stlye meal, or fast food. Major family style restaurants such as Berlin Farmstead, Mrs. Yoder's Kitchen, Der Dutchman are closed to honor the Lord's Day. Chalet in The Valley, located on State Route 557, is open for lunch which is a rare find.

The photo reflects a scene in Berlin on a Sunday. Sometimes it makes me wonder where all the people have gone.

I truly enjoy my job. The experiences with the local Amish community still keep me intrigued, amazed, surprised, and yet when I spend time with them, I do not feel any division or barrier. I always say, "We all need one another." Last evening I drove to the Amish family of 13 children to place an order for 2 rugs that a customer requested. I needed to go in person so I could help her know what colors the customer wants. Upon arrival, I knocked on the front screen door, but no one was around. I thought I heard voices, so I walked out back of the house. The family was in the barn doing chores. Once they saw an "English" women, it brought curiousity, and before I knew it, the whole family except for the husband and two boys in the field were by my side.

They invited me in the home where the fabrics and sewing took place. I walked thru the kitchen, where tin plates and cups were still waiting to be washed after their evening meal. The sewing room was full of color with regard to the fabric swatches. We proceeded to look through the various beiges and blues just to find their were many various shades. I had the customers phone number along and asked if I could call the customer to get a better idea of what shades she was looking for. I placed the call on my cell phone and used the speaker so she could be heard. All of a sudden, the children were giggling, and wanting to see where the voice from this small device was coming from. Once we ended the conversation, the mother told me this was the first time the children ever heard someone talk on a phone. As I looked around at the children, I saw a 15, 13, 11, 9, 7, 6, 3 year old staring at me. It is so hard for me to believe that, but putting things in its context reminds me that, yes indeed, I realize life as I know it is not always like others know it. They were curious to see other features. Just as I was showing them photos, a text came in and it happened to be from one of my Amish cooks asking about a count for a meal. This Amish lady had questions as to how the other Amish lady could text me. Interesting conversation to say the least!

Once we calmed down from the phone conversation, I noticed she had so many different fabric colors. I asked if she would not mind if I would stay and put together a swatch and name the colors. People often want to customize a rug, so by us both having the same color swatch along with the names, we can order a rug and the customer will know exactly what they will be getting.

As you see by the photo, we had fun and laughter as we came up with naming the swatches. I asked Anna where she got the fabric. She goes to thrift stores and find dresses, curtains, etc and cuts them up. The rugs come out beautifully!
When we were naming the blues, we came up with names like "wedding dress blue" ~ Bishop Blue, etc. I hope to remember that evening for years to come.

People coming to Holmes County always hope they can spot a barn raising or an un-scheduled event that catches their attention. Barn raisings top the list. Sometimes you can drive along and spot a wedding or funeral or school picnic, but there's something about a barn raising. Hundreds of men and young boys keeping their balance atop a high structure. The men know just what is expected and before you know it, a large barn is erected in just a days time.

Most barn raisings are held due to damage done to an existing barn by wind, storm, fire, etc. Barn raisings are held to help those in need. Families come together, bring necessary supplies, food and support to the family in need.

Here is a photo of a local one room Amish school replacing the top of the roof. Great way for the younger boys to learn when it comes time to the big barn raisings.

Along the back roads of Holmes County is nearly 200 one room school houses. Nothing new for those who remember attending one not so long ago. Holmes County, Ohio is made up of 423 square miles. Within its boundaries are 2 English high schools, one football team, a state champion basketball team and children who still walk up to 1 1/2 miles to school, 160 days a year.

The day in the life of the Amish scholars consists of a brisk walk with their siblings or neighbors along a busy county or township road. Not many buggies are found hitched up at the hitching rail of a school unless a parent wishes to visit or bring a hot lunch. No school buses for the private schools whose funding is provided from the parents as well as benefit auctions.

8:30 The bell rings. Scholars have been working off their energy with a game of tag or other gentle contact game. The teacher expects the scholars to return to their assigned seats, ready for the morning devotions, roll call and recite something that happened the day before.

The average school will accommodate around 35 scholars. Most of the schools will have 2 teachers. One for lower grade and one for upper grade. The upper grade scholars assist with helping the lower grade to learn the protocol, grade papers and help them to learn the songs, etc. Morning devotions include songs about Jesus or the little bluebird on the windowsill.

There is obedience, respect and order in the class. Scholars will be called to the front of the room for their oral studies since most do not carry home work to do from school. In the morning, an assignment is listed on the chalkboard and that is the days lesson.

Lunch buckets with their names written on with black magic markets line the entrance shelves. Bats, balls, hats and gloves are neatly arranged and each person knows where their's are.

Recess and lunch are eagerly looked forward to.

The walls are decorated with the scholars free hand art work or colored pages of animals, etc. All the text books are in English. They only learn the high German on Fridays once they enter 5th grade and finish at 8th grade.

Do they paddle in school? Yes. The Bible says, "Spare the rod, spoil the child"

The school day goes by quickly as they dismiss around 3:00. Teachers are usually single Amish girls who went to 8th grade. Some adult men teach, but is not the norm. When the girl marries, she will quit teaching. They do not have a high school diploma, for "Wisdom of the world is foolishness to God".

Scholars will seek out employment once they complete the 8th grade.

I have driven over 100 schools on field trips the past 21 years. Most of the field trips consist of visiting the local Jail, fire department, taxidermist, cheese factory, other local one room schools, and finish the day with ice cream cones.