Wednesday, September 27, 2017

Fall Vacation Day 3

Twenty years ago, I was working with a nurse practitioner who told me about the Amana Colonies of Iowa, which she had frequently visited. I knew that someday I wanted to visit it as well.  You would think, since the place is only a six hour drive from where I live, that I would get there some day. Well that someday finally happened last week.

Listed as a National Historic Landmark and one of America’s longest-lived communal societies, the story of the colonies began in 1714 in Germany, with a group of believers searching to renew their faith through reflection, prayer and Bible study. Though they sought to avoid conflict, they were persecuted for their beliefs.

This persecution, as well as an economic depression in Germany, forced the community to search for a new home. They left Germany in 1843-44, and the group, numbering 1,200 people, first settled near Buffalo, New York.

When it became apparent that they needed more farmland, the religious group bought 26,000 acres in a river valley of eastern Iowa. The land they moved to in 1855 supplied fertile soil, stone, wood and water enough to build the community of their dreams.

In all their endeavors, they wanted to remain faithful, so the name they chose for their new colony was Amana which means remain true. Six villages were eventually established, each a mile or two apart – Amana, East Amana, West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, Middle Amana and Homestead.

The residents received housing, medical care, meals, all household necessities, and schooling for their children. Adults were assigned jobs, but no one received a wage, or needed to, as all property and resources were shared. Farming, production of wool and calico, clock making, and brewing, along with other well-crafted products, supported the community.

In 1932, Amana was forced to abandon its strictly communal way of life. To keep up with the changing times, they created the Amana Society, Inc. a profit-sharing corporation to manage the farmland, the mills and the larger enterprises. Private enterprise was encouraged and the Amana Church continued.

“‘Today the seven villages of the Amana Colonies represent an American dream come true; a thriving community founded by religious faith and community spirit. Declared a National Historic Landmark in 1965, the Amana Colonies attract hundreds of thousands of visitors annually all of whom come to see and enjoy a place where the past is cherished and where hospitality is a way of life.

“Evocative of another age, the streets of the Amana Colonies with their historic brick, stone and clapboard homes, their flower and vegetable gardens, their lanterns and walkways recall Amana yesterday. But a vibrant community, celebrating both its past and its future, is here today for you to experience.” (taken from http://www.amanacolonies.com/history-of-amana)

I really didn’t spend nearly enough time there that one day last week. I am sure I will go back again, and this time won’t wait twenty years.  







At Amana Woolen Mills


My husband and his brother, walking the streets 

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