WCCVB Visitors Guide 21digital

Our Neighbors
Wayne County, together with neighboring Holmes,
Stark, and Tuscarawas Counties, is home to the largest
community of Amish in the world. The roots of the Amish
began in Switzerland among Swiss Brethren in 1693
under the leadership of Jakob Amman. In the early 18th
century, the Amish began immigrating to Pennsylvania
due to intense religious persecution in Europe. From 1813
to 1860, another wave of immigrants settled farther west
in Ohio, Illinois and Missouri. This wave included Swiss-
German speaking Mennonites, along with more Amish
from Switzerland and the Alsace-Lorraine area.
Although Amish lifestyles vary between and
sometimes within communities, the Amish are widely
known for their plain dress, simple living, and their
resistance to modern conveniences and technology.
The Amish generally live in homes without electricity
or telephones, ride in buggies and other horse-drawn
vehicles, and wear very plain, homemade clothing. Their
profound religious beliefs require that they live as
close to their founding principles as possible. Their
self-reliance and work values are displayed in their
community barn raisings, threshing rings, quilting groups
and church services. Although most Amish in Wayne
County still live on the farm, reflecting their roots as an
agricultural community, many have occupations in other
areas such as woodworking, cabinetry and carpentry;
others are blacksmiths, buggy and carriage makers, and
repair shop owners.
Amish farms, one-room schoolhouses and the black,
horse-drawn buggies are familiar sights around Wayne
County. Visitors and residents alike often visit the many
Amish-style restaurants in the area. Authentic Amish recipes
are prepared for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as
extraordinary desserts including pastries, apple fritters, and
deep-dish fruit pies. Quality, handcrafted Amish products
are often sought out, including fine wood furniture, handstitched
quilts, and carvings.
The Amish community is made up of friendly people
who are eager to speak about their unique lifestyles.
It should be noted, however, that they prefer not to be
photographed due to their religious beliefs and will not
pose for photos. Visitors who enter into the atmosphere
of the Amish community often gain a new perspective on
modern life and a greater respect for the Amish, who seek
to maintain a simple lifestyle.
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