A self-guided driving tour of the Amish Countryside in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania provides a glimpse into a world far removed from modern standards.
A brochure providing the tour is available by calling the Lawrence County Tourist Promotion Agency, New Castle, Pennsylvania at 888-284-7599.
Located one hour north of Pittsburgh, the Old Order Amish community of approximately 1,500 people lives in farms that surround the quaint villages of New Wilmington and Volant in the northern section of the county. Fourteen different districts comprise the community. The average church district is comprised of 75 adult members in addition to all of the unbaptized children and young adults. Church officials including a bishop govern each district. Decisions of the officials determine the way of life of the community.
Descendants of Jakob Amman, the Amish have retained much of the same style clothing worn in the Palatine region of Switzerland during the sixteenth century. The plain, but functional garb sets them apart from the worldliness that threatens their existence. The similarity of dress also discourages pride and encourages modesty.
Amish girls and women wear dresses primarily in colors of royal blue, navy blue, black or brown. Reds, pinks, oranges and yellows are prohibited, as are patterned fabrics. One thing is absolute. There are never buttons on the clothing of the Old Order Amish women.
Men and boys wear denim trousers with two large overlapping panels in the front, which button to the waist. The bishop determines the number and size of buttons. Coats and vests are fastened by hook and eyes, never buttons. Suspenders are used to hold up the trousers. Belts are never worn.
The Amish practice homechurching--gathering for Sunday services at various homes. It is a major undertaking to host the preaching service. With the help of family and friends, the house is cleaned and scrubbed from top to bottom. The host family also provides the noon meal for the congregation.
Many of the Amish in Lawrence County are agricultural or dairy farmers; the farms are usually passed from one generation to another. Horses are used to plow the fields. Some Amish subsidize their farm income with woodworking and construction.
Tourists to Lawrence County may travel the back roads on the Amish community and view their way of life. The Amish do not like to be photographed or video recorded.
VOLANT PA
Volant, Pennsylvania - incorporated in 1893, was originally a small gristmill town. Located along Route 208, midway Erie and Pittsburgh, the village almost became a ghost town in the late 1970s due to the mill's closing but was revived and restored in the early 1980s by several businessmen.
Today, the pulse of Volant can be found along Main Street where Amish buggies co-mingle with automobiles. The gristmill is now a country, antique and specialty shop. Other shops along Main Street offer Victorian collectibles, homemade arts and crafts, Christmas specialties, pottery, music-related items and contemporary fashions. Volant is also home to many restaurants and other specialty stores such as rugs and carpeting.
Volant offers a wide variety of special events and activities such as the Volant 5K Spring Classic in April, the Independence Day Celebration in June and the Autumn Pumpkin Festival in October. The year comes to a close with Christmas on Main Street.
Located five miles east of route 60, New Wilmington, Pennsylvania is nestled in a picturesque countryside where both the Old and New Worlds, the past and the present, commingle. New Wilmington was established in 1797-98 and became a borough in 1873. The Tavern Inn, located in the heart of the village, was once part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. The Old Order Amish, local residents, family-owned businesses and Westminster College students also call New Wilmington home.
Several restaurants as well as many craft, antique and specialty shops are located in New Wilmington. Isaly's Restaurant, one of the last remaining in the country, is located along one the hamlet's quiet streets. There are also several bed and breakfasts situated in the community.
Upcoming EventsIndependence Day Celebration at Westminster College 7/3/2009
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Brittain Lake area. Old fashioned 4th celebration featuring River City Brass Band and FIREWORKS! Food available. Bring your lawn chair or blanket. FREE 724-946-7371
RECENT NEWS Fireworks and more!
Check out the many fireworks shows in Lawrence County. Go to our events section to find out more about the classic car show and music festival "Back to the 50's", Ellwood City Arts, Crafts, and Food Festival, Fireworks Festival and more!!! Fun Times!
