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When you DiscoverSouthwestNY, you will discover one of the largest remaining “Old Order” Amish communities in the nation. Visiting this culture is like taking a trip back in time when man worked the land with horse and plow, when furniture was hand crafted, and when a community worked together for the good of all.
Living among the Amish community is a unique experience not afforded to many people. There are numerous shops and markets where they sell their wares, allowing you to find fresh fruits & vegetables, hand made quilts, or whatever else you may want.
The culture itself is very old fashioned. Their religious beliefs, through a council of elders, dictate their lifestyle. In an “Old Order” community, none of the houses have electricity or telephones. They travel by way of horse and buggy and use horses, oxen, or mules to work the land. In the Amish communities you can find artisans of a bygone era, possessing skills that can no longer be found in the modern world, skills that are not taught in universities or trade schools. The blacksmith still works metal by hand, the water wheel powers the tarp and canvas shop, and carpenters raise barns and houses without ever using a power tool.
The Amish homestead will generally be a sustenance farm, providing all the meat, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products they need for the year. Most often the children will be responsible for the farm operation, though everyone plays their part. Traditionally the women hold many roles as seamstress, baker, cook, cleaner, and mother. The men will then have a specialty trade where they will concentrate their time.
The Amish community does not participate in the public school system. They have established their own schools with teachers from within their community. All Amish are bilingual speaking both English and their native German.
Visiting the Amish community or having Amish neighbors can be a rewarding experience. They truly believe in working as a community for the community. Just remember though, on Sunday they rest. As their holy day, Sunday is sacred and they are precluded from any work or commerce. They attend church, visit family, and rest for the hard working week ahead of them.
Explore the map below to find the Amish Communities throughout the area. Below is a listing of where you will find them.
Leon
Cherry Creek
Conewango
Randolph
Stockton
Hume
Centerville
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