Features

As the first rays of summer sun break through the mist, the Raber household is already stirring. Andy is finishing an early breakfast; he is anxious to get out to his woodshop and start staining and varnishing the cabinet he assembled yesterday. Marie has roused the boys, but she is hoping that the baby will sleep a little longer, giving her an opportunity to wash up after breakfast and maybe even get a pot of soup simmering on the stove for noon dinner.  Read Story.

By LINDA HALL Shopping this summer may take on a global flavor or even turn into a party. Lederhosen and a polka band will be part of a summer celebration at Shisler's Cheese House outside of Kidron. The business will commemorate its 50th anniversary on August 8 and 9, from noon to 2 p.m., welcoming local customers and perhaps some of the customers who have come to the Cheese House from all over the world.  Read Story.

Boom-booms, pow-wows and plenty of music on tap in July.  Read Story.

- ASHLAND COUNTY - Ashland: The Food Dock Bulk Food Store " Vitamin supplements, quality food products, melting chocolate and supplies, cake boards, boxes, and supplies. Tue.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. & Mon., closed; 479 TR 1275, Ashland, (419) 281-3084.  Read Story.

What is that vehicle clopping down the road? Why, it's a horse - with a buggy behind! Who are those people with the dark clothes and beards without moustaches? Why do they scowl at me when I take their picture?   Read Story.

Marie Raber sits in a bentwood rocker, working her needle in and out of the hem of a tiny white dress. The shouts of children can be heard faintly down at the barnyard, where six or seven young cousins are playing a final rousing game of Rabbit as dusk closes in. From the kitchen come the rattle of dishes and the quiet voices of Marie's sister-in-law, sister and mother as they wash up after supper. The front room where Marie sits is silent except for the labored, irregular breathing of her gross dawddy (grandfather) as he lies in his hospital bed with his eyes closed. Marie sets her sewing aside to smooth the covers and tuck them more carefully around his still figure. At 86 years of age, Daniel Miller is failing fast.   Read Story.

Family vacations began to be popular back in the 1930s, as many laborers began receiving paid vacations. It also didn't hurt that automobiles had become the norm, and roads now linked the east coast to the west coast and nearly everything in-between. The high cost of urban hotels (and their absence out on the open road) forced American families to be resourceful, and camping soon became the popular way to stay overnight "on the road."   Read Story.

Giving directions from the Carlisle QuickMart to Walnut Creek's many shopping, dining and overnight accommodation options isn't too difficult. The service station and convenience store sits at the intersection of state routes 39 and 515, and Owner Greg Yoder need only point up one street or down another to help travelers get their bearings. "We get people in here a lot, asking for directions," Yoder said. "They ask where Coblentz Chocolate is-Go three feet to the end of our drive, and you can see it. Der Dutchman? It's just up the road there, on your left."   Read Story.

- ASHLAND COUNTY - Ashland: The Food Dock Bulk Food Store " Vitamin supplements, quality food products, melting chocolate and supplies, cake boards, boxes, and supplies. Tue.-Sat., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. & Mon., closed; 479 TR 1275, Ashland, (419) 281-3084.  Read Story.

From a Cat's Meow open house to the Thunder over Walnut Creek Festival, there's something for everyone in the area in June.  Read Story.

The following is an account of the daily activities in the life of Katie Schlabach, a young Amish woman in Holmes County. We published this series in Amish Heartland magazine several years ago, and we've gotten many requests to repeat it. Week one appeared in our January-February issue, week two in the March issue, and week three in the April issue. This is the final week.  Read Story.

The Wooster area is buzzing with excitement these days. The city has begun to celebrate its 200th birthday and has many bicentennial activities planned (see Calendar of Events). Residents of the Wayne County area are enjoying the spring weather by getting out in their yards and gardens to plant, trim, mulch and weed. Are you doing the same thing? One local business, The Greenhouse Shoppe, will not only help you grow your gardens, but it's growing, itself!   Read Story.

Are you on your spring or summer vacation in Amish Country? Or are you just on a day trip to our area? Or are you actually a resident here? Regardless of your status, you'll want to make a point to get on US 250 and head toward Apple Creek and go to Troyer's Home Pantry.   Read Story.

Harrison Road, (Wayne County Road 2) one of the southernmost east-west roads in Wayne County, is a beautiful drive all by itself. It winds around the gorgeous countryside, through one Amish farm after another. No matter which season it is, you'll be treated to many unique scenes. In the spring, the farmers along Harrison Road are glad to be out in the warm breezes turning the soil and getting ready for planting. Just a quarter mile off US 250 in Mt. Eaton, Harrison Road will take you by the Mt. Eaton Greenhouse. For goodness sake, pull into the parking lot and take a look around.   Read Story.

The Wooster area is buzzing with excitement these days. The city has begun to celebrate its 200th birthday and has many bicentennial activities planned. May 10 & 11 Trolley Tours of Historic Wooster, departing from downtown at 11 a.m., 1, 3 & 5 p.m.; $3. May 17 Jamie Howey Memorial "Dogwood Dance," at City Maintenance Building, 6 p.m.-1 a.m.; $40.   Read Story.

A listing of events happening around Amish Country in May.  Read Story.

The Amish of Wayne/Holmes counties share these specific beliefs and practices with all other Amish: 1 " They own horses and buggies, instead of cars. 2 " They worship in their homes, rather than church buildings. 3 " They have plain dress (no prints for the women, and no zippers or belts for the men's trousers.  Read Story.

A listing of some shops and places you might find useful or interesting while traveling in this area.  Read Story.

The following is an account of the daily activities in the life of Katie Schlabach, a young Amish woman in Holmes County. We published this series in Amish Heartland several years ago, and we've gotten many requests to repeat it. Week one appeared in our January-February issue, week two in the March issue, and week four will be in the May issue. This story, in its entirety, was originally published in a book, "The Amish of Holmes County," published by Spectrum Publications in 1996. It is currently out of print, but can sometimes be found in used-book stores.  Read Story.

Orrville is usually known for two things: it's the home of the J.M. Smucker Company, and it's also the home of legendary basketball coach Bobby Knight. But, Orrville is also home to three great businesses I think you'll enjoy learning more about and visiting soon: Audrey's Attic, a unique gift and home-accessory establishment; PackShip USA, which offers an outstanding way to get your large or small purchases shipped anywhere; and Bunker Hill Furniture, which offers specialty home furnishings and maintenance-free outdoor furniture.  Read Story.