Neil and Lynn visit Holmes County, Ohio

Serene Amish farm east of Berlin, on highway to Sugar Creek, Ohio.

Serene Amish farm east of Berlin, on highway to Sugar Creek, Ohio.

A few weeks ago my wife and I visited Holmes County in Ohio, home to the largest Amish population in America. This is our third year in a row to visit the county seat Berlin (BURR lin) and the surrounding towns, and I have to tell you that it is absolutely glorious.

Amish schoolhouse in operation for almost 100 years (through early 1950s).
Amish yard filled with flowers – recently mowed lawn, but without power equipment.
Rain clouds gather over peaceful Amish farmstead.

(Click on individual images to see larger views.)

I’m native to College Station, Texas. Lynn grew up in Ashville, Ohio, and she and I taught school in northern Ohio for two years before we moved to Texas. I’m not sure how we missed going to the Amish Country, but we’re making up for it now.

The thing we both noticed in driving the back roads of that area was that there was not one thing out of place. Not one scrap of paper. Not one empty bottle. Not one rusty old plow. Simply beautiful farms, pristine homes, flourishing vegetable gardens and lots and lots of flowers. It is as clean and peaceful as a sanctuary.

You drive past lovely homes, some plain white and 60 or 80 years old, and others completely modern looking. Except you suddenly realize that there are no power lines along the roads.

I know very little about the Amish faith. I’m sure there are parts I’d have a difficult time adapting to. But I do know that I deeply respect their stewardship of the earth.

Amish farmer plows his field to make ready for plantings.
Old and new existing in harmony.

I thought you might enjoy seeing a few of these photos I’ve taken over our past three visits. If you enjoy these, let me know. I can post several more.

My favorite photo I took on our visit to Amish Country, overlooking glorious farm fields, homes and barns. South of Mt. Hope, Ohio.

My favorite photo I took on our visit to Amish Country, overlooking glorious farm fields, homes and barns. South of Mt. Hope, Ohio.

(By the way…as I prepare this post, I’m working atop a glorious table of quarter-sawn oak, bought from the Amish Furniture Company in Frisco and made by a craftsman in Holmes County. In fact, I’m surrounded by matching oak pieces from the same shop. Someday I hope to shake that man’s hand and tell him how much I admire his work.)

Posted by Neil Sperry

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