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
