This is the first of two photo journals from our stay in the interesting Lancaster PA area, the land of the “Plain People”. This one features our visit to the Amish Farm & House attraction near Lancaster. This is their web site: http://www.amishfarmandhouse.com/

The “Plain People”, so called because of their plain dress, are Old Order Amish, Mennonites, & Brethren, the three main groups who live & farm in Pennsylvania Dutch Country in Lancaster County where the farmlands are among the most productive in the country. Their simple, family-centered way of life holds a special fascination to visitors to the area.

Their heritage goes back hundreds of years, and in spite of all the many changes that have taken place in society, including modern conveniences, they still live and work much as their forefathers did. Their families and their farms are their top priorities, second only to God.

The Amish are very devout in their faith. They believe in the literal interpretation and application of the Scriptures as the Word of God, especially the Biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world. They believe worldliness can keep them from being close to God, and can introduce influences that could be destructive to their communities and to their way of life.

If you're interested, there is much information on the internet about the history & lifestyle of the Plain People of Pennsylvania Dutch country, two of the better sites I've found are:

http://www.800padutch.com/amish.shtml

http://www.amish.net/lifestyle.asp