Old Order Amish in Hardin County
The Simple Life
Hardin County is home to a large
community of Old Order Amish. They still live a centuries-old “plain” lifestyle
and the horse and buggy remain a primary form of transportation.
The simple
lifestyle of the Amish, their plain clothing, and their denial of modern technology are a careful expression of their devotion to their religious beliefs.
While the Old Order Amish do not operate typical stores, signs at the end of their driveway indicate products for sale at their home and they welcome customers.
An Amish Guide is available to assist you in visiting the Old Order Amish of Hardin County. It includes some information found on this page along with a map of the area and where you might find some Amish Farms. The guide may be downloaded in PDF format below of picked up at any one of the businesses listed below.
Please click for printable Old Order Amish Guide
Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance
225 South Detroit
Street
Kenton, Ohio (419) 673-4131 |
Ths. Jitterz Coffee Company
23-25 North Detroit Street
Kenton,
Ohio (419) 675-0901 |
Pfeiffer Station General Store
19950 County Road 144
Kenton,
Ohio (419) 674-4103 |
The Plaza Inn
491 South Main Street
Mt. Victory, Ohio
800-884-2EAT |
Mount Victory Coffee & Tea
101 North Main Street
Mt. Victory,
Ohio (937) 354-2016 |
|
A Glimpse Inside:
Founded by Jacob Amman for whom the group was named, the Amish are a Christian sect that broke off from the Mennonite church in 17th century Europe due to the dissension of religious practices. Because of religious persecution in Europe after the sect was formed, the Amish fled to North America, where they now maintain a population of 50,000 residing in parts of
Canada, the Midwest and some eastern
states of the U.S.
The Amish lifestyle is centered
around farming. While they do not permit the use of tractors in their fields,
these Old Order Amish groups do use modern farm equipment pulled by teams of horses or mules. These Amish groups do not own or operate automobiles, believing that cars
would provide easier access to the ways
of the world.
Amish do not have electricity or
telephones in their homes. And by restricting access to television and radio,
the Amish are better able to keep the modern world from intruding into their home life.
Amish men typically dress in plain,
dark colored slacks and vests. Married men also have beards. Women wear long, solid colored dresses with an apron and a black bonnet. Around the house, married women are
required to wear white bonnets, while
single women wear black.
The Amish are generally private
people and often find all the attention and curiosity about their lifestyle
disturbing. They believe that the taking of photographs where someone is
recognizable is forbidden by the Biblical prohibition against making any
'graven image'.
Please respect their desire for
privacy when visiting here and never stop on Sunday.
Amish do not conduct business on Sunday or holidays.