"On the Way to Church"

Photo by Tom Bailey, Hilton Head Island, SC

Tom wrote, "I was driving around the back farm roads in my RV and I was stopped at a sign. We spotted this family walking probably to or from church." He snapped the photo from inside his vehicle.

Of the many photos I have seen of the Amish, this one is truly unique, and one of those "just happened to be there at the right time" situations. The chance composition of each family member dressed for church all in a row, along with the fall colors and the various modes of "transportation" make for a lovely photo that reflects the importance of family and the calm beauty that make Lancaster County so special to us.

"Setting Up Shop"

Photo by Charles Rehm, Grahamsville, NY

Charles wrote, "I am just an amateur photographer that takes 1000's of pictures a month of various subjects. I am a teacher in the Catskill Mountains, but have a second home in Paradise and spend a lot of time in the area looking for photo opportunities."

Charles submitted several stunning photos, but I liked this one for all it communicates. Here is a makeshift "raodside stand"which is so indicative of the area. An Amish boy is obviously "the manager," and is getting his decorated horseshoes ready on the right side. Homegrown tomatoes ("no chemicals used") are for sale on the left. In between are the mailboxes for the various families living nearby. And that tall summer corn makes a perfect background.

"Tilling Tobacco"

Photo by Donna Gingrich, Moriches, NY

Donna also sent us a selection of beautiful photos. I especially liked this one because it exudes the quiet peacefulness of working in the fields by oneself. I suppose it also shows Amish kids don't get much of a summer vacation! The rich soil and the straight rows of tobacco, along with the horizon that divides the photo, gives a sense of great depth and openness. I am always impressed by those straight rows, knowing that tobacco is still planted by hand, using a special vehicle pulled by a horse or mule, with the riders dropping the plants in the rows as they go through the plowed field.

"Just Married"

Photo by Sharon Zerr, Rumson, NJ

I chose this photo simply because it shows how we and the Amish are both alike and different. In some ways, this is just like a non-Amish wedding, when we decorate the car with a sign that says "Just Married." But of course, this is an Amish wedding, so there is a carriage. Behind the buggy in the driveway is the "bench wagon," used to haul the benches and other items needed for the church service and wedding held in the house that day. The carrriage awaits the newlyweds as they embark down the road on a new life together.