Amish Country -- May 7

Several dozen OLLI members spent a beautiful day in Arthur, Arcola, and Tuscola, Illinois during our Amish Country regional learning trip on May 7.

The day began with a trip to the Amish Interpretive Center in Arcola. There, members watched a short introductory video about the Amish lifestyle and walked through the many interactive displays of history, buggies, quilts, barns, and homes, including the Smithsonian Institution's traveling exhibit "Between Fences."

Josephine Marner, our step-on guide, led our group on an interesting and very informative tour of the surrounding countryside. Ms. Marner said this area in Illinois, with an Amish population of nearly 5,000, is the fourth largest Amish settlement in the United States, and is comparable to settlements in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.

She also explained that the Amish are raised to serve the Lord, provide a church home for their children, and go to heaven. Children and adults are baptized after six weeks of instruction. In addition, the Amish often speak three languages: everyday German at home, English in school, and High German at church and religious ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

For lunch, OLLI members were treated to an incredible home cooked meal at the farm of Vic and Delores Graber. We enjoyed a hearty lunch of fried chicken, meatloaf, noodles, salad, vegetables, bread, and pie. After eating, the Graber children entertained us with songs.

After lunch, we visited an authentic Amish woodworking shop, then visited Flesor's Candy Kitchen in Tuscola. There, OLLI members were treated to a personalized candy-making demonstration and tour of the vintage shop, first established in 1901. Many participants enjoyed authentic Green River drinks and sampled the delicious chocolates made on-site.

Thanks to Ms. Marner, the Grabers, and everyone involved with this insightful trip.