|
|
Amish Furniture - The Difference
The Qualitative Difference
While many American furniture makers lose way to foreign imports, the Amish are thriving as skilled furniture craftsmen in places like Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Holmes County, Ohio; and Shipshewana, Indiana. The Amish have earned a well-deserved reputation for high quality and value, practicing their art in places where American furniture has been made for generations. It is this qualitative difference that is evident in our Amish furniture.
While the Amish in general have earned a reputation for high quality, quality can still vary from one Amish furniture maker to another. We've combed the back roads and countryside, carefully selecting woodworkers whose commitment to quality furniture matches our customers' expectations.
Amish furniture is well-known for its high quality, traditional designs and master craftsmanship. Many Amish today are also making very handsome furniture with more modern designs in order to meet a wider variety of consumer preferences.
Amish furniture is generally made in solid oak, cherry or maple. Popular furniture styles include Shaker, Colonial, French Country, Queen Anne, Mission and Windsor. The Amish specialize in dining room tables, hutches, chairs, office furniture, bedroom furniture, entertainment centers, and much more. Because various woodworkers have different specialties, we can offer a wide selection of specializations to you.
We trust that you will enjoy owning your Amish handcrafted furniture as much as the Amish enjoy making it and as much as we enjoy bringing it to you. Heirloom quality Amish furniture is a treasure that you can pass along to the next generation. Learn more about the features of our Amish furniture...
-
Amish Dining TablesAmish woodworkers may be the best known for their handcrafted dining tables. Our dining tables are handcrafted of solid wood, through and through. No veneers or particleboards are used on any of these solid wood dining tables. Our dining tables are individually handcrafted and made to order in an Amish woodworking shop, not built on an assembly line or in a factory.
Made for Gathering
The Amish generally have large families and are very communal. The dining table is a central place in the life and faith of the Amish. Gathering around the table, blessing the food, sharing a meal together, talking and telling stories - these are the experiences that take place around these handcrafted masterpieces. It is this type of experience that the Amish hope you will also enjoy, as you sit around a solid wood dining table heirloom.
Superior Construction
Our dining tables have a number of design features that showcase our Amish craftsmen's deep understanding of wood and furniture making. All of our dining tables have a solid one-inch-thick table top for durability as well as an attractive appearance. Some dining tables are available with a thicker table top, upon request. Our dining tables include solid wood steam bent aprons with a slight gap inserted where the extensions fit to allow room for the natural contraction and expansion of solid wood. A number of our dining tables have apron gap covers to disguise the gap. Generally, our Amish woodworkers use one of two assembly designs on table legs: 1) the legs are inserted into the table frame with a mortise and tenon joint or 2) the legs are bolted to a v-groove corner block that is glued and screwed in place. Both styles provide extreme sturdiness, strength and durability.
Various Sizes
Along with their solid design and heirloom quality manufacturing, our Amish dining tables are available in many styles and sizes. We offer leg, pedestal and trestle tables. We have elegant Queen Anne tables, casual farm tables and sleek Mission and Shaker tables, among many other styles. Our wide range of sizes offers options for those with tight spaces - very difficult to find in this age of over-sized furniture - as well as those preparing for large parties or family gatherings. Nearly all of our tables are available with extensions, some with up to 20 extensions for maximum versatility.
More Options to Personalize
In addition to wood type, finish, size, and style, our dining tables
generally come with additional options such as the table top edge style
that allow you to personalize your table. Many of our tables are signed
upon request, showcasing the individuality that comes with each table.
Durable Slides for Strength and Versatility
Our Amish woodworkers choose the appropriate extension slides for the
type of table to ensure ease in opening the table along with the proper
durability. Most of our leg tables have wooden slides and our pedestal
tables have gear slides. Many of the gear slides are equalizers, which
allow the table to be opened when just pulling on one end, providing
plenty of room for even large families to gather. This convenient
function requires only one person to prepare the table with additional
space and insert the extensions.
All of our dining tables are beautifully finished and carefully
delivered to your home. They are a treasure that will last for
generations. (List link for shopping and our three best sellers)
Amish ChairsOur Amish handcrafted dining chairs are
constructed with the highest attention to detail, resulting in maximum
strength, durability, beauty and comfort. Made in America, our
handcrafted solid wood chairs are quickly becoming a rarity. In
general, the features of our dining chairs include...
Solid Hardwood Construction
Each dining chair is handcrafted from select hardwoods such as oak,
cherry, maple, hickory, quarter sawn oak, or walnut. The wood is
carefully inspected throughout the construction process for strength,
precision, and uniformity in grain. There is a zero tolerance for
imperfections, resulting in a perfectly handcrafted chair.
Steam Bending
Bent chair parts are in the backs and bows of our Amish made dining
chairs. The wood is steamed for flexibility and then shaped and clamped
in forms until it is set. Steam-bent parts provide beauty, comfort and
strength in your dining chair.
Pressback Detail
The traditional pressback designs that are featured on a variety of our
dining chairs are produced in a special embossing process. The wood is
placed in a heated die press with over 100 tons of pressure. This
leaves a permanently "engraved" pattern in the chair back.
Leg Turning Detail
Turned spindles with simple tenon joinery offer character to many of
our dining chairs.
Mortise and Tenon Joinery
One important feature of most of our dining chairs is the use of the
mortise and tenon joint that creates a sturdy, tight-fitting chair.
Simple and strong, the mortise and tenon joint has been used for
millennia by woodworkers around the world to join two pieces of wood,
most often at an angle close to 90. Although there are variations on
the theme, the basic idea is that the end of one piece of wood is
inserted into a hole cut in the other piece of wood. The end of the
first piece of wood is called the tenon, and it is usually narrowed
with respect to the rest of the piece. The hole in the second piece of
wood is called the mortise. Most of our chair legs receive a single
screw to add even more stability to the chair. The Amish use mortise
and tenon joinery extensively.
Corner Block Frame
Chair seat corners are generally anchored with corner blocks
under the seat to provide a solid structure for the whole chair. This
provides the chair with strength and durability, even after years of
use.
Molded Seat
All dining chair wooden seats are cut and molded to a contour for
maximum comfort.
Matching Set
Many of our dining chairs can also be made into bar stools or desk
chairs, so you can purchase an entire matching set for your home.
Finish
An otherwise perfect chair can be ruined by a poor finish job. Our
dining chairs are hand-finished with a two part catalyzed stain to
protect the chair and enhance its beauty. The chairs are carefully
inspected for uniformity in color and clarity in application. If you're
ordering a set of dining chairs with a dining table, hutch, or other
furniture, the finishing is always done together, providing for a
completely matching set of Amish furniture.
Our dining chairs can be found in homes, offices, universities and
restaurants throughout America. They are comfortable, durable, and
beautiful. Purchase a set today!
(List link for shopping and our three best sellers)
Amish HutchesAmish hutches are among the most
extraordinary furniture pieces that we offer. Our solid wood hutches
all offer ample storage space for dinnerware and linens. Our hutches
are available in a variety of sizes, wood types, styles and finishes.
Each hutch is carefully handcrafted by Amish woodworkers, made as a
labor of love.
Solid Wood Superior Construction
Our Amish hutches are made of solid wood - usually oak or cherry.
Increasingly, brown maple is a popular selection. Other wood types such
as maple, walnut, hickory, and more are options as well, allowing you a
wide variety to choose from for the perfect heirloom hutch to store
your keepsakes.
Generally, the back of the hutch top is made of strips of solid wood
linked together in a tongue and groove design. The buffet backs and
drawer bottoms are normally made of same species plywood to protect
them from the contraction and expansion of solid wood. (Check the
QuickSpecs on each hutch or talk to a sales associate for details on
each hutch.)
Dovetailed Drawers
The drawers on our Amish made hutches are dovetailed,
except for corner hutch drawers because their shape does not allow for
dovetailing. (Some of our pine hutches do not offer dovetail drawers.)
All glass and wood shelves have plate grooves.
Many Options for Personalization
Along with their solid design and heirloom quality manufacturing, our
Amish hutches are available in many designs and sizes to match any
lifestyle. We have elegant Queen Anne, sleek Mission and simple Shaker
hutches, among many other styles. Corner hutches are perfect for those
with tight spaces and will turn a vacant corner into an advantage. We
offer grand four-door to petite one-door hutches to fit any storage
need that you may have. Our Amish woodworkers also build our hutches
with a variety of options that allow you to personalize your hutch to
your own taste. Choose between wood or glass shelves, add lights or
mirror backs, or change the door design, depending on the hutch you're
purchasing.
Beautifully Finished
Most of our Amish woodworkers finish their hutches in the stain of your
choice with a catalyzed lacquer or conversion varnish. It is chosen to
withstand years of wear and offers superior protection for your hutch.
Our Cottage Collection hutches are finished with a paint and wax finish
to fit the antique primitive look. We offer a wide variety of stain and
paint options to closely match existing furniture or fit the decor
preferences of the customer. We will gladly send out samples to help
you in your finish selection.
An Amish handcrafted hutch will be the centerpiece of your dining room.
Its beauty, durability and function will make it an heirloom piece of
furniture that you'll use and love for years to come.
(List link for shopping and our three best sellers)
Amish Office FurnitureWe offer an extensive collection of
solid wood office furniture. Whether for the corporate setting or home
office, we have the design to fit your need. Don't see what you are
looking for? Call us - we're ready to help!
Our desks, filing cabinets and other office furniture are handcrafted
of solid wood. They are handsome heirlooms and fully functional. Our
desks and cabinets are beautifully finished and most ship fully
assembled.
Customization
Customization is available on most of our Amish made office furniture.
Let us know what unique features you would like, and we'll do our very
best to accommodate them. Don't hesitate to call us at 866-272-6773 to
discuss customization and special options.
Hardware
Each piece of Amish made office furniture includes the very highest
quality hardware, including locks, lights and drawer slides. Wooden
drawer pulls are handcrafted. We offer a variety of hardware options -
antique to modern - to create the look you want. Already have hardware?
Send us your set and we'll install it on your new Amish furniture.
Raised Panels
Some of our desks feature raised panel sides for an elegant,
sophisticated look. In most collections, the raised panels are
free-floating to allow for the natural expansion and contraction of the
hardwood. The standard back on each rolltop desk ¾" plywood, stained
and finished. Raised panels and solid wood can be added to the back for
an additional charge.
Drawers
Most of our desks feature dovetailed drawers with full extension drawer
slides. The drawer boxes are made from solid wood and glued at the
dovetails for long-lasting strength. The drawers hold letter-size
paper. Dividers can be added to drawers to help keep things organized,
and locks can be added to keep the contents of your desk secure.
Expert Carpentry
The carpentry on all of our desks is second to none. One unique feature
in our rolltop desks is that the tambours are carefully crafted from a
single piece of hardwood. Quality hardwood construction creates the
perfect heirloom office furniture.
Beautifully Finished
As with all of our Amish furniture, our office furniture is handsomely
finished for maximum protection and beauty. We have a wide variety of
finish options to choose from and will send you stain samples to help
you in your selection.
Our Amish handcrafted Amish furniture is a collection of uniquely
crafted treasures. If you're looking for solid wood, heirloom quality,
American made office furniture that you'll want to pass down to future
generations, you've found it. A pleasant alternative to knock down
stuff made of particle board, you'll notice the difference!
Our collections of Amish furniture include the more progressive Mt.
Eaton Collection, which features many options in wood types and
customizable options. If you're looking for a unique treasure, also
consider the rolltop desks in our Holmes Office Collection, made by an
Amish man and his sons in a small woodshop off the beaten path in the
hills of Ohio.
Amish Bedroom FurnitureOur handcrafted Amish bedroom
furniture is made of solid wood throughout. It is finely handcrafted by
Amish woodworkers in the hill country of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The
bedroom furniture that you'll find in our collections is exceptional in
workmanship, and will last for generations. Within our collections
you'll find beds, dressers, night stands, armoires, and other pieces
that are available in a variety of sizes, wood types, and styles -
everything you need for your new bedroom set.
Customization
Some customization is available on much of our bedroom furniture.
Because it is made to order, we can often make changes in design that
will give you a piece that is truly unique. All of our beds are
available in a variety of sizes.
Hardware
All of our bedroom furniture includes the very highest quality
hardware. This includes the hardware that you see, such as drawer
pulls, and the hardware that you don't see, such as the bed rail
connectors that provide strength and durability to your bed.
Drawers
Most of the dressers, armoires and night stands that we offer feature
dovetailed drawers with the option of full extension drawer slides. The
drawers are generally made of a solid wood face and sides and plywood
bottoms for optimal beauty and functionality.
Expert Carpentry
The carpentry on all of our Amish bedroom furniture is second to none.
Each piece is built with superb quality and craftsmanship.
Beautifully Finished
As with all of our Amish furniture, our bedroom furniture is handsomely
finished for maximum protection and beauty. We have a wide variety of
finish options to choose from and will send you stain samples to help
you in your selection.
Our bedroom furniture is shipped fully assembled, except for the beds
in which the rails, headboard, footboard and slats are easily put
together.
Consider an Amish made quilt to put the final touch on your new bedroom
set! QuiltsByLinse.com features a variety of Amish quilts that are
ready to ship.
More Amish FurnitureIn addition to the popular dining room
tables and chairs, hutches, office furniture and bedroom furniture that
so many of our happy customers have enjoyed, we have a variety of other
Amish made pieces as well. We offer Amish made bars, entertainment
centers, benches, rockers & gliders, sofas and much more!
Looking for something for the kids? Our selection of Amish made kids
furniture and toys is extensive, from cribs to kid-sized desks to solid
wood handcrafted toys, we have a unique treasure read for that special
little person in your family.
All of our Amish furniture is made in America, handcrafted by Amish or
Mennonite craftsmen. Unless otherwise noted, it is made of solid
hardwood construction.
We have the largest variety of Amish furniture among any internet
retailer. So if you're looking for a special piece, try using our
search feature to find it or give us a call at 866-272-6773. If the
Amish are making it, chances are we have it!
Amish Outdoor Furniture
In addition to fine indoor furniture, you'll find hundreds of Amish
made outdoor furniture in our Outdoor Furniture section. Available in
many shapes, sizes, styles and colors, we're confident that you'll find
what you're looking for amongst our several collections.
Pine or Poly
Generally speaking, most of our Amish made outdoor furniture is made of
treated pine wood. Our pine is carefully selected for strength and
durability. It is affordable and has been highly popular for decades.
Increasingly, many of our customers are choosing polywood furniture
over pine. Polywood furniture is made of recycled plastics, generally
HDPE. It is ecologically friendly, incredibly long-lasting, and does
not require refinishing. Several of our Amish woodworkers have embraced
polywood as an alternative to pine. They apply the same expert
craftsmanship, so the end product is handsomely crafted, highly
durable, easy to maintain, and quite "green".
We also offer a collection of cypress Amish outdoor furniture. Though
not as popular as the pine, it is a handsome collection that provides
you with an additional alternative.
Amish Made CraftsIn addition to the Amish furniture that
we offer, you'll find thousands of Amish made crafts that reflect the
same values and skills that go into our furniture. Looking for
something specific? Try our Search Tool or give us a call at
866-272-6773.
Indoor Amish Crafts
Our indoor crafts include such a wide variety of products that it is a
futile effort to describe them all. A few of the more popular items
include our cedar chests, wooden toys, and Amish rugs made of recycled
chenille and cotton. Our Amish made crafts embody the same work ethic
and spirit of authenticity that goes into the making of our Amish
furniture.
Outdoor Amish Crafts
Our outdoor crafts are even more popular than our indoor crafts. In
fact, we began our business by selling our enormously popular Amish
handcrafted lighthouses, then quickly added wishing wells, barn stars,
mailboxes, bird houses, and Amish made wind chimes to our repertoire.
Our goat wagons are a special treasure. Whether you're looking for
something decorative or functional, our Amish Outdoor Crafts are a
terrific choice.
Amish Authenticity
In general, the Amish are an inward focused people that reflect many
generations of isolation from the rest of the world. For that reason,
they tend to focus on building furniture rather than selling it. With
any high quality product, this is where the focus should be!
The Amish believe that all of life is sacred, including work. They
believe that honesty is something that is lived, and that everything
they do is a reflection of their faith and belief in God. The Amish
believe that work brings honor to God, if it is done faithfully and
honestly. Therefore, work is more about a life of faith than making a
profit.
Because of these fundamental beliefs, the Amish do not take
shortcuts. The quality of their furniture is authentic, even in the
parts that are not easily seen. Substandard work is not a part of the
equation. Because of this, our Amish furniture is both handsome and
durable throughout.
For you, this means that the Amish furniture that you purchase is a
labor of love - a product built not only with wood and glue, but of
honesty and hard work.
Handcrafted in America
We are proud that our Amish furniture is handcrafted in America -
most of it in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania and Holmes County, Ohio.
There is something unique about American made furniture,
particularly furniture that is handcrafted by the Amish. Our Amish
woodworkers make fine furniture using small tools powered by generators
and hand tools as they have for decades, according to time-honored
traditions.
When you purchase our fine Amish furniture, you're buying an
heirloom product that will last for generations. Additionally, you're
supporting a cottage industry that is truly American - an investment
you can take pride in.
Our customers take great pride in buying these American Made
Heirlooms, knowing that their furniture was made as a labor of love,
not in some factory assembly line overseas. And we take pride in
selling each handsomely crafted piece.
Solid Hardwood Construction
At a time when mass production and the use of synthetics and veneers
has become the standard, we offer you solid wood furniture, inside and
out. Our Amish craftsmen pay personal attention to detail, quality, and
craftsmanship instead of volume. And because each piece is handcrafted,
you can be assured that the furniture you purchase is made of the
highest quality wood. When you purchase from us, you are selecting
furniture that is made with both American wood and American labor.
Our Amish craftsmen pay special attention to grain patterns,
consistency in color, and the overall quality of wood that they work.
Locally Harvested Hardwoods
The Amish select their hardwoods from locally grown forests as much
as possible. Most of the hardwoods that are used in the construction of
our Amish made furniture are grown in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and
the forests of Southeast Canada. The vast majority of the wood comes
from certified managed forests, which means that the hardwoods are
replanted after they are harvested. We make every effort to ensure that
the most ecologically friendly techniques are used in the construction
of our furniture, and the Amish were conservationists long before it
became popular in mainstream society. Energy is saved by harvesting
locally instead of shipping the wood from overseas. Scraps, shavings,
and other wood waste is gathered and used in farming or heating. As
much as possible, we try to ship our furniture with local shippers that
use blanket wrapping techniques, which cuts down on boxes and other
packing materials. These small things add up to create beautiful
furniture that leaves a very small ecological footprint.
Except for our pine furniture, all of the Amish furniture we offer
is made of carefully selected hardwoods. While oak and cherry are the
standards and by far the most popular, many of our pieces are available
in other wood types as well. Here's an overview...
Oak wood is a naturally light wood with a prominent
grain, which makes groves in the wood that you can feel when you slide
your finger across them. This grain is evident even with dark stains or
paints and usually appears darker than the rest of the wood. Knots may
occasionally appear in the wood, which add to its character. Oak is
well known for its strength and resilience. Oak has a strong heavy hook
and the look isn't deceiving. When oak is finished natural it will have
a pale blonde reddish cast, which overtime will oxidize to a golden
honey color. A great choice for staining. Both red oak and white oak
are used in furniture making, but the majority of our furniture is made
with red oak.
Quarter Sawn Oak refers to oak that is cut with a
special technique. Quarter sawn oak is cut at an angle, creating a
distinct tight speckled grain that is especially popular with mission
furniture. Beautiful irregular markings or flakes are a result of logs
cut in a special way. Quarter sawn oak is known for its amazing
strength and firm texture. Quarter sawn oak is quickly
becoming a top choice for many of our customers! Quarter sawn oak
stains very well.
Cherry wood has less grain and is quite smooth. A
favorite for good reasons! Cherry has many interesting characteristics.
Aging to a rich reddish brown patina over time and often peppered with
exotic black specs and swirling grain. It has a natural light gold/red
tone but can be stained to create many appearances. Cherry has very
small knots that are dark in appearance and sometimes create a dip in
the wood. Cherry naturally darkens with age and sometimes features
contrasts in color. This is part of the charm of cherry, and should be
expected. Natural cherry is a beautiful look, as is the more
traditional darker stained cherry.
Hard Maple is naturally a light wood with very
little grain that is quite smooth. Maple mellows to beautiful golden
tone overtime. Occasionally flecked with naturally occurring black
mineral deposits. Maple is an excellent choice for strong durable
furniture. Maple can also be stained to create many appearances.
Certain colors on hard maple tend to stain unevenly or have a blotchy
appearance - please consult with a sales associate to avoid these
issues.
Brown Maple comes from the same logs as regular
maple but is the darker heartwood. Brown maple can be a smart choice
for darker staining or painting. Certain colors on brown maple tend to
stain unevenly or have a blotchy appearance - please consult with a
sales associate to avoid these issues.
Walnut is a dark wood with a medium amount of grain
that makes slight groves in the wood. Even with different stains, the
appearance of walnut does not change much. Knots may occasionally
appear in the wood. Walnut will bring extra elegance to any room. If
your tastes run more toward the formal, then the rich dark browns of
walnut may be the way to go.
Hickory is a very hard and durable wood by mixing
the color tones the finished product is a characteristic piece of
natural art. The appearance of natural hickory does vary from a very
light appearance to a medium light appearance. Hickory is a very heavy
wood.
Birch grain sometimes has a curl which creates an
iridescent effect. Light to medium blond sapwood usually but not
always contrasts against darker toned heartwood. Curl can also cause
uneven staining. Birch will age to a golden color over time.
Pine is not a hardwood, but remains a popular
option for many of our customers who are looking for a rustic,
inexpensive option that has been somewhat traditional with many Amish
woodworkers. Pine is knotty with a light grain. It is easily stained
and is especially popular when painted. Pine furniture is often used in
kitchens, restrooms, or entryways. We have many unique pine pieces that
are very charming and well-constructed. Customers who purchase pine
should expect more imperfections, as pine offers more of a rustic look
in contrast to fine hardwood furniture.
The beauty and durability provided by solid hardwood is undeniable. It provides several unique benefits:
- Enduring value from one generation to another.
- Natural warmth that synthetics cannot give.
- Expression of each individual tree by its own unique color and grain.
Solid hardwood furniture can also be repaired if damaged because
there is no veneer or artificial surface that can be scraped or rubbed
through.
Hardwoods are a natural fiber. Therefore, even furniture that has a
good protective finish may swell or shrink slightly from one season to
another. With proper care, your solid wood furniture will bring you
satisfaction for years to come.
Small Woodshops Offer Customization
Customization
The small size of most Amish woodshops means that many of the pieces
can be customized, within certain parameters. (Extensive customization
is often outside the ability of a small woodshop.) If you've fallen in
love with a particular piece that you've found on our website, but it
simply won't fit in the corner of the living room as you had imagined,
give us a call. There's a chance we can alter it to fit.
We typically can customize the size of many of our furniture pieces.
We also can offer customization options on many pieces that include
unique hardware requests, extra shelves, special finishes, or other
types of special needs. Call one of our sales associates at
866-272-6773 to discuss your customization interests.
Amish Woodshops
The Amish make furniture using handheld tools and small power tools
run by generators, usually working out of small woodshops beside their
rural homes. They are a unique cultural group that avoids many modern
conveniences, including computers, cell phones, cars and electricity.
Amish furniture is painstakingly made by hand, one piece at a time.
Each piece is individually crafted and inspected to become an heirloom
quality piece of furniture that will awe your guests and be passed down
to the next generation.
Because of their unique cultural identity and their emphasis on
separation from the outside world, the Amish tend to be inward focused.
Most Amish craftsmen would rather concentrate on what they do best -
building their furniture, rather than on selling it.
For this reason, our small company is an important partner to the
Amish woodshops that we work with. We help to open up new markets to
this geographically concentrated people, and help to present their
furniture to people who want it - people like you!
Why DutchCrafters?
Our Story
In November 2002, Jim Miller and Miao Xue, former classmates at the
University of South Florida graduate program in organizational
management, began sharing their aspirations about starting a business
together. The conversations culminated over lunch at the Hillview Grill
in Sarasota, Florida in early 2003, where they agreed to proceed with
an e-commerce firm, merging the initials of their names to create JMX.
Miller, who had been a Mennonite pastor and had experience in
academic administration at Goshen College (a small Mennonite college in
Goshen, Indiana), had strong familiarity with the Amish and their
crafts. He had grown up in southern Michigan, within an Amish and
Mennonite community, and had worked alongside many Amish in his uncles'
Amish restaurants.
Xue had strong experience and training in e-commerce. He had previously
worked as the IT Director in an e-commerce firm. The experiences of
both men blended naturally to complement one another, and JMX benefited
as a result.
Because of Miller's background, he found success with many Amish
products – many of which had not been seriously marketed with an
e-commerce model before. Because he was familiar with the peculiarities
of Amish culture and working with the Amish, Miller brought a unique
skill to the irregular process of bringing Amish made products to
customers outside the Amish communities.
With the success of Amish crafts, Amish-made furniture and Amish quilts
were added to JMX's product line with the opening of DutchCrafters.com
and QuiltsByLinse.com. Miller and his wife, Linse, traveled the country
roads throughout Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, searching for Amish
made products, observing firsthand the quality with which they were
made, and meeting the craftspeople who made them. They were met with
some skepticism, but gradually built a strong network of craftsmen who
were committed to partnering with JMX.
The small company grew quickly as the DutchCrafters Amish Furniture
brand led the way. The Miller's developed a good reputation amongst the
Amish in Pennsylvania and expanded their network to Ohio as well.
Customers from all over America began to recommend DutchCrafters to
their friends and families, and many came back for repeat purchases.
Today, the Millers seek to maintain the small business culture that
has been so instrumental in caring for customers' needs and relating to
the Amish woodworkers who have proved the foundation of the company's
success. The office is located in a small warehouse in Sarasota,
Florida, where employees share the Miller's passion for high quality,
Amish made furniture.
The Millers continue to travel frequently to Pennsylvania and Ohio,
meeting with the craftsman who build our furniture and their families,
running their hands over the bare wood in dusty woodshops, pulling on
drawers and turning over chairs - all in the quest for perfect
furniture.
Superior Service
At DutchCrafters, we believe that the quality of our product doesn't
really matter unless it is matched by the quality of our service.
Throughout our organization, we are dedicated to providing our
customers with outstanding service - before, during, and after the
sale.
User Friendly, Informative & Safe Online ShoppingOur
commitment to caring for our customers begins with our websites. We try
to put as much information into our sites as we can, with the focus on
accuracy and user-friendliness. Unlike many Amish furniture websites,
we offer safe online shopping that allows you to browse at your own
pace and purchase at your own convenience. We have a high respect for
security and privacy. We use the latest technologies to safeguard your
information, do not store your credit card numbers, and never sell your
private information to third parties.
Our Phones - Live PeopleAbout 50% of our
customers choose to call our toll-free number - 866-272-6773 - rather
than placing their order online. We welcome your calls - whether to
place your order, ask a question, or just to determine that we are real
people! When you call, we don't put you through to automated phone
systems or voicemail. Instead, you'll get a live, friendly,
professional sales associate who can help you with your specific needs.
In the event that we're busy with other customers, we will invite you
to leave a voicemail and will get back to you as soon as we're able.
We're here to help you with your questions and with placing your order.
Helpful Sales AssociatesOur sales associates
understand all that goes into the decision to purchase furniture. They
know that spending thousands of dollars on furniture site unseen can be
a new and daunting experience for many shoppers. They understand that
furniture is a highly personal decision, and that our customers have
many different preferences and tastes. And they understand that the
process can take days, weeks, months or even years! Our sales
associates are highly knowledgeable about our many products and can
answer many of your questions. If they don't know the answer, they are
committed to finding it. They do their very best to be helpful, and
will follow-up as needed without being intrusive or pressuring you to
make a decision.
Help with Finish SelectionFor virtually all
furniture sales, we send finish samples to help you in choosing or
confirming your stain or paint selection. The samples will help you to
compare and contrast with existing furniture or décor. They will also
help you to see the actual finish in your hand, on actual wood, which
may be a little different than what you see on the computer screen.
Customer Service & Order StatusOur service
goes beyond order placement. We understand that waiting for your
furniture can stretch even the most patient customers. We continually
check on the status of each order to ensure that nothing falls through
the cracks. We'll be happy to discuss the process with you in the event
that you want to call and check on it. After your order is placed, you
can track the status online with your order ID. Or, if you prefer to
call, we'll be happy to track it for you. Our attention to detail in
communication is high. We do our best to help with any special needs.
Delivery with Care
Once your furniture is finished, our commitment to service continues
with our selection of a trusted shipping company to bring your order to
you. We choose companies that specialize in shipping furniture and that
have demonstrated care in delivery.
Finally, we realize that the day your Amish furniture arrives is a
big day for you. Your furniture is delivered by polite professionals.
They'll deliver your furniture in mint condition and offer inside
delivery as an upgradeable option. They are so good that many of our satisfied customer comments are about the shippers!
Premium Selection, Variety
While the Amish have rightly earned a reputation for their master
craftsmanship, the reality is that not all Amish furniture is made
equally. In furniture-making, the small things make the difference. At
DutchCrafters, we continue to roam the back roads of Amish country as
the Millers did in the first years of our company's history. We
carefully inspect our woodshops and the furniture they produce - not
paternalistically, but as partners in the quest for excellence. We turn
over chairs, slide drawers back and forth, rub our hands over wood,
inspect the finishing, and talk frankly with the craftsmen who provide
their labor of love.
The result is that we are highly selective in the Amish woodworkers
we partner with. If our DutchCrafters name is behind it, we want
nothing but the best.
For you, our valued customer, this means that you can expect the
highest quality of workmanship in all the products that you see on
these pages.
As our good reputation has spread amongst the woodworking community
in Amish country, so our network of quality partners has expanded.
We're proud to offer a wide variety of the best Amish furniture we can
find. With the largest number of Amish products to choose from anywhere
on the Internet, we are both the biggest AND the best!
Experience
Since 2003 we've steadily grown to become the largest Internet
retailer of Amish furniture in the world. Our experience in working
with the Amish, evaluating workmanship, and working with thousands of
customers has led to superior products and services that we continue to
perfect year after year.
We work hard to build upon this success, continuing the pursuit of excellence in all that we do.
Price
Our prices are competitive with other reputable internet retailers.
We do not engage in price slashing or auctions, as ultimately we
believe that our superior products and services are worth every penny
of what we charge. We work with our woodworkers to encourage pricing
policies that protect their long-term interests, as well as the long
term interests of retailers and you, our valued customers.
Credibility
We believe that our customer testimonials and the service that our
current customers receive speaks for itself. However, many of our
customers appreciate that we are a member of the Better Business Bureau
and The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Associations such as
these bring credibility and accountability to any business.
Ecology
Our Amish furniture is an ecological choice for a variety of reasons.
Nearly all of the wood used in the manufacture of our Amish
furniture comes from certified managed forests in the Northeast United
States or Southeast Canada. The trees in these forests are replaced
once they are cut, so that the cultivation of wood is a sustainable
long term practice.
The Amish waste very little. Every piece of wood can be used in some
way or another. Cuts are saved to use in smaller pieces. If wood cannot
be used in the manufacture of furniture, it is generally used as fuel
for heating Amish homes or workshops during winter. Even sawdust is
often gathered and used for heating, fertilizer, or other farming uses.
Energy is saved by harvesting locally instead of shipping the wood from
overseas. And as much as possible, we try to ship our Amish furniture
with local shippers that use blanket wrapping techniques, which cuts
down on boxes and other packing materials. These small things add up to
create beautiful furniture that leaves a very small ecological
footprint.
The best way to eliminate waste is to reduce consumables. When you
purchase heirloom quality furniture, you are making a decision to
purchase something that will last for generations. In this age of
discardable commodities of all sorts, buying long-lasting furniture is
a way to reduce the amount of energy and resources that goes into the
manufacturing and packaging of cheap furniture destined for landfills
within ten years.
Stories & Testimonials
We believe that the furniture we sell is the best around, but our customers are more convincing than we ever could be!
Here is what they have to say...
In addition to the thousands and thousands of satisfied homeowners we have served, many businesses and other organizations have
called us to help them with a large variety of projects. From restaurants to filmmakers, universities to the
armed forces, retirement communities to boutique hotels - we're proud to serve the needs of our business customers.
Here are a few of their profiles...
JMX International
JMX International is the corporate entity that owns the brands and
websites that we promote. JMX is a privately held Florida corporation,
located in Sarasota, Florida.
Why Sarasota
So if our woodshops are in Amish country, why is our office in Sarasota, Florida?
First, Sarasota has been home to a significant Amish and
Mennonite community since the 1930's. Many of the woodworkers that
build our furniture visit Sarasota (as many people do) during the
winter. It serves as a convenient meeting place where we can maintain
relationships with our woodworkers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and
elsewhere.
Second, our geographic separation from Amish Country has forced
us to perfect our business model in ways that most likely would not
have occurred if we had been tempted with a showroom in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, like many of our competitors. The ironic effect is that
we are better at staying in touch with woodworkers, shippers, and
customers, that we put more emphasis on perfecting our websites, and
that we focus more on our telephone support. This is helpful to most of
our customers who are NOT in Amish Country! We also have "eyes on the
ground" in Lancaster and Ohio, to help when we need them. Of course, we
frequently travel to inspect our furniture and stay in touch with our
craftsmen, but most of what we do can be done from anywhere.
Finally, Sarasota is home. Our families are a part of the
Sarasota community, and we believe in the importance of that stability.
And the fishing isn't bad either, even in February!
How to Purchase
How to Find What You're Looking For
With over 5000 products to choose from, it may be a little difficult
to find that special piece you're looking for. Here are a few ideas to
help you narrow it down...
Search Tool
First, simply look for it by typing in what you're looking for and then click search here . It may be helpful to be specific in your search.
Browse CategoriesMany of our products can be
found through more than one of our category trees. For example, you
might find our French Country Dining Chairs by browsing through our
Dining Room category, or by looking in the product type Dining Chairs,
or by looking in the French Country Style category, and finally by
looking within a particular collection you might have your eye on, such
as our Byershaus Collection.
Call UsMany of our customers simply find
what they're looking for by contacting one of our sales associates at
our toll free number, 866-272-6773. If we're not available, leave a
message and we'll call you back as soon as we can. Our sales associates
can answer most of your questions and will find the answer if they
don't know it. They are courteous and helpful in walking many customers
through the decision-making process.
Email
Finally, if you prefer, simply type your question here
and we'll get back to you by email or phone. Email us with any
questions you have, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can to
help.
Selecting Options
Once you've found the products that you are looking for, you'll need
to select from the variety of options that are available on many of our
products. Options are dependant on the product that you're looking at.
Simply use the drop down menus to view the options available, select
one, then click on "Update Price."
Selecting a Wood TypeMost of our furniture
comes in a variety of wood types. Selection of a wood type is a
fundamental option that will change the price of your furniture. For
more information on wood types or help in making a selection, click
here or call us at 866-272-6773. Don't see the wood type you are
looking for? Call us, and we'll see if it can be done.
Choosing a FinishAnother fundamental option
that you'll have, if you are purchasing furniture, is the type and
color of finish (stain or paint) that you want. We have a wide
selection of finishes to choose from. The decision regarding finish
does NOT have to be made at the time of purchase, so we can get the
order moving and select a finish later in the process.
For virtually all furniture sales, we send finish samples to
help you in choosing or confirming your stain or paint selection. The
samples will help you to compare and contrast with existing furniture
or décor. They will also help you to see the actual stain in your hand,
which may be a little different than what you see on the computer
screen.
Questions
If you have questions about placing your order, a particular
product, or anything else, don't hesitate to call one of our sales
associates at our toll free number, 866-272-6773. If we're not
available, leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we can.
Our sales associates can answer most of your questions and will find
the answer if they don't know it. They are courteous and helpful in
walking many customers through the decision-making process.
Finally, if you prefer, simply type your question here and we'll get back to you by email or phone.
Placing Your Order and Payment Options
Secure Internet Purchasing
You can shop and purchase on our site with confidence, knowing that we've taken
the security measures to keep your information safe. When you make a payment in
our online check out process, you are taken to a secure server at Authorize.Net
where you enter your credit card information.
When you click to submit the payment, the payment information is encrypted using
128-bit SSL technology and securely sent to an Authorize.Net transaction
server. The server sends the data through the authorization network to the
appropriate card issuer's bank using a secure propriety connection. When the
authorization process is completed - after about five seconds - you'll receive
an approval or decline response, and the Authorize.Net server stores the
transaction.
As a merchant, we do not store your credit card number when you make a payment
online. In fact, we don't even see it. That information remains protected
private data between you and the secure server. All the credit card numbers
saved on the Authorize.Net server are masked, leaving only the first and last
digits displayed to us.
To learn more about
Authorize.Net, click here.
To
learn more about SSL secure link, click here.
Purchasing by Phone
While we work hard to make Internet purchases safe and secure, we welcome your
orders by phone. If you would like to make your purchase by telephone, for any
reason, please do not hesitate to call us toll free at 866-272-6773. We'll have
someone on the other end of the phone to help you with your questions, take
your shipping information and accept payment.
Payment Options
You can make online purchases by using one of the following credit
cards: American Express, Discover, Mastercard or VISA. Please note that the
payee that will appear on your credit card statement is JMX International
Corporation.
We also accept virtually any other form of payment in U.S. funds, including
international wire transfers. Please call us toll free at 866-272-6773 to
inquire.
For furniture orders above $1,000, we gladly offer a free payment plan. Pay 50%
down and the other 50% is not due until the furniture is shipped, with no
interest fees or finance charges. Other free payment plans are available for
furniture orders over $4,000. Please call us toll free at 866-272-6773 to find
out more. Account balance must be received in full by time of delivery.
International Transactions
At
DutchCrafters.com
, we welcome our international customers. We do our best to accommodate special
requests and complex shipping instructions. We are able to accommodate email in
English, Spanish, French and Mandarin Chinese. All international transactions
(except for Canada) must be paid via wire transfer or cashier's check in U.S.
funds.
Tracking Your Order

Upon placement of your order, you will
receive a receipt and confirmation of your order which contains an
Order ID that you can use to track the status of your order online.
Many of our customers want to check in from time to time in order to
get updates of their order status. Tracking the status online is often
the easiest way to do this, though we welcome telephone calls as well.
Shipping
Customers ordering online often wonder about the shipment of their
purchase. Time of delivery and method of shipment depends on the products that
you ordered. Below is some additional information on our shipping practices.
Shipping Time
Most of our smaller products ship within 3 to 5 business days of
order and usually take around the same number of days for shipping in the
continental United States. Please expect your order within 6 to 10 business
days.
Because most of the furniture at
DutchCrafters.com
is handcrafted, it is generally not available to ship immediately. Many of
our furniture items take between 8-14 weeks before they are ready to ship. They
can take one to two weeks to be delivered once they are finished. We understand
that you are eager to receive your product. Please exercise patience, and we
will ship as soon as the product is ready!
Furniture Shipping Costs and Options
At
DutchCrafters.com
, our first priority is getting the furniture to you in a safe and secure
manner that will prevent damage. Because of the size of the furniture or
distance it needs to be shipped, the cost of shipping can be expensive, but we
also do our best to keep the shipping cost down without compromising safety and
speed. In fact, we sometimes subsidize the cost of shipping depending upon the
size of the order. Our other priority is an expedient shipment. We try to
balance these priorities as best we can, realizing that each situation is
slightly unique.
It is important to note that the best shipping method for one piece
of furniture may not be the best method for another piece. While a few of the
furniture items at
DutchCrafters.com
can be shipped via UPS, most of the pieces are too large and require other
solutions. Among the other possibilities are a number of options from bulk
freight to highly specialized furniture movers. We try to select the option
that makes the most sense for that product in terms of protection of the
product, cost and expediency.
Delivery of Furniture
We believe that you will be more than satisfied with the quality of our
furniture. We also believe that effective shipping is critical for the
delivery of this furniture. As soon as your furniture is ordered, our
shipping coordinator starts tracking the completion of your purchase and
planning its delivery. For orders that take longer than a month to finish, our
shipping coordinator will contact you close to when it is ready to ship and
keep you up to date on its process as needed.
Most of our furniture is delivered via truck line. If a truck line is delivering
your purchase, the shipper will be in touch with you personally to establish a
time of delivery. Since most deliveries are made by a single driver, y ou
will need to make accommodations to assist the driver with unloading. It is
also important to note that furniture movers are insured to deliver the product
to your home, but not inside your house. It will be your responsibility to move
it from the rear of the truck. Please note that our shippers use large
trucks. On the occasion that the truck is too large to enter your street
or neighborhood, you may need to meet the driver to take possession of your
furniture.
We will do whatever we can to earn your satisfaction when it comes
to shipping and receiving your order. We do ask that you keep in mind the
issues outlined here, and that moving large furniture around the country is not
a simple process. Your satisfaction is our goal. If you have
questions regarding shipping, do not hesitate to contact us at 866-272-6773.
Cancellations & Returns
Cancellations
Non-Furniture Orders
Orders of non-furniture items can be cancelled up until the shipping of the
order. Once the non-furniture order has shipped, the return policy applies.
Decorative wooden and fiberglass lighthouses and mailboxes are excluded from
this policy because they are specialty made items. Cancellation of these orders
must be made within 48 hours or before they ship, whichever comes first.
Furniture Orders
Orders of furniture items can be cancelled within
48 hours of when they are placed. Since all of our furniture is made to order and
our woodworkers sometimes get to work on them right away, we are not able to cancel
the order with them after this time period. Forty-eight hours after an order has been placed, all
furniture sales are considered final, and our furniture return policy for
damaged or defective pieces apply after this time.
Please
inform us of any modifications you may want to make to your order as
soon as you are able. These changes may not be possible after 48 hours.
Those who have placed your order but are still deciding on your stain
may take longer to make your choice. The woodworker has been informed
to wait on your stain choice to complete the piece. We request that you
make your decision in a timely manner to ensure that your furniture is
completed on schedule.
Returns
Our return policy covers
three categories of returns:
Damaged Products
Please be sure to
thoroughly check your purchase when you receive it. Look for signs of damage to
be sure that it has arrived safely. If you receive a product and see that it
has been damaged during shipping, please refuse the shipment, and tell the
shipper to return it to its sender. If this is the case, notify us immediately
at DutchCrafters.com, and we will replace your order at no additional cost to you.
Defective or Wrong Products
If you see that you have
received a product that is different than what you have ordered, we will
replace it at no additional cost to you. If possible, tell the shipper to
simply return it to the sender. If you discover the manufacturer's defect after
the shipper has left, please notify us and we will make arrangements to have
the product picked up and replaced at no additional cost to you. You must
inform us of any defects within five days of receiving your purchase
(Photographs may be required as proof of defect.).
Other Reasons
In all other cases except
for those mentioned above, please contact us at
DutchCrafters.com
to obtain an authorization for return. Unless the product is defective, we
charge a 15% restocking fee plus all shipping costs on returns of non-furniture
items. All furniture purchases are final.
Privacy & Security
Privacy
Here at DutchCrafters.com, we understand that people are
concerned about their personal information that is collected and
how it is used when they are shopping online. We believe that our
customers' personal information is their private property and are
committed to protecting it.
Collecting and Sharing Personal Information
When you purchase from us, we only collect the personal information
that we need to serve you. Besides sharing your address and phone
number with our woodworkers and shippers for shipping purposes,
we promise not to sell or share any of your personal information
with any other company or organization.
Our Satisfied Customers
We may post messages that customers send us expressing their satisfaction
with our products. With these messages, we normally include the
customer's name, state, and the date of the message. No other personal
information is shared.
Cookies
Many web surfers are concerned about the use of 'cookies' on the
Internet. We don't identify personal information with our cookies,
such as who our visitors are. Our cookies cannot be read by other
sites. Neither do we read other sites' cookies. Therefore, we don't
know who you are or what you do on other sites.
Security
You can shop and purchase on our site with confidence, knowing that
we've taken the security measures to keep your information safe. When
you make a payment in our online check out process, you are taken
to a secure server at Authorize.Net where you enter your credit card
information. When you click to submit the payment, the payment information
is encrypted using 128-bit SSL technology and securely sent to an
Authorize.Net transaction server. The server sends the data through
the authorization network to the appropriate card issuer's bank using
a secure propriety connection. When the authorization process is complete after
about five seconds you'll receive an approval or decline response,
and the Authorize.Net server stores the transaction. As a merchant,
we do not store your credit card number when you make a payment online.
In fact, we don't even see it. That information remains protected private
data between you and the secure server. All the credit card numbers
saved on the Authorize.Net server are masked, leaving only the first
and last digits displayed to us.
To learn more
about Authorize.Net, click here.
To
learn more about SSL secure link, click here.
Caring for Your Amish Furniture
Caring for Your Amish Furniture
With just a little care, genuine hardwood furniture will last a
lifetime-several lifetimes, in fact. Taking good care of your solid
wood furniture ensures that it will remain beautiful and useful for
years to come.
Heat, Humidity and Hardwoods Half the
weight of freshly sawn wood is water. Amish furniture is crafted from
wood that is carefully dried, retaining just enough moisture for the
furniture to properly acclimate to the relative humidity in your home.
The wood in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air,
shrinking and expanding in response to changes in heat and humidity.
Here are some ways to ensure your solid hardwood furniture's longevity:
- Avoid drastic humidity changes. Use a humidifier in the winter and
an air conditioner in the summer to keep the relative humidity at 25 to
35 percent.
- Avoid placing furniture directly in front of radiators, heat runs or fireplaces.
- Don't expose hardwood furniture to continuous direct sunlight.
- Store table leaves as close as possible to the table, so that
the table leaves are adjusting to the same relative humidity as the
table. Be sure to not store them in a damp basement or garage.
Keep Your Furniture Clean It's
surprisingly simple to protect and enhance hardwood's natural beauty.
All that's needed is some tender loving care. Here are a few tips from
the experts:
- Dust often to remove everyday abrasive particles from wood
surfaces. Before dusting, lightly moisten a soft cloth (old T-shirt,
baby diaper or cheesecloth that's been laundered) with a few drops of
water or a dusting aid or polish. A dry cloth can leave hairline
scratches on the finish. The trick is to moisten the cloth just enough
to make dust adhere to it. The cloth should not be so damp that it wets
the wood. Dust by following the grain pattern of the wood. When
dusting, always lift lamps and other objects; don't slide them across
the furniture's surface.
- Wood finishes benefit from an occasional polishing. Polish approximately once a month.
Everyday Use
Furniture is made to be used and enjoyed. Accidents happen, especially
when there are small children at home. Take these steps to keep damage
from everyday life to a minimum:
- Use pads, cloth or coasters to prevent spills, stains and damage.
- Protect your finish by using felt under all accessories.
- Blot all spills immediately.
- Keep solvents, alcohol, nail polish and polish removers away from your furniture surfaces.
- Always lift furniture to move it; don't drag it.
- Open and close doors, drawers and lids gently.
- Avoid placing plastic or rubber objects on the wood finish, as their ingredients may react with those of the finish.
- Use a protective pad when writing with a ballpoint pen.
- Lift and place objects, do not drag them across the furniture surface.
The Amish
Introduction
The Amish are a religious group who find their heritage in the
Protestant Reformation. Generally, the Amish reside in
close-knit communities in 47 states of the United States as well
as Ontario, Canada. The Amish population continues to grow, due
to large family size and a church-member retention rate of
approximately 80%. The largest concentrations of Amish in the
United States are in Holmes County, Ohio, LaGrange County,
Indiana, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. By state, the
largest Amish population is in Ohio, and the second largest is
in Pennsylvania. There are an estimated 150,000 to 228,000 Amish
in the United States in all groups, and another 1500 in Ontario,
Canada.
There are as many as eight different groups within the Amish
population, with the majority affiliated with one of five
religious orders: Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Andy Weaver
Amish, Beachy Amish and Swartzentruber Amish. These churches
operate independently from each other with differences in how
they practice their religion and conduct their daily lives. The
Old Order Amish are the largest group and the Swartzentruber
Amish, an offshoot of the Old Order, are the most conservative.
The Amish are Anabaptists (a term which means re-baptizer)--a
movement that also includes Mennonites, Brethren and others. The
Anabaptists were considered radicals during the Reformation and
were persecuted by both Catholics and Protestants. The Amish
continue to believe in many of the conclusions of the 16th
Century Anabaptists, including the concepts of individual
freedom and the priesthood of all believers. They reject infant
baptism and instead baptize adults upon a confession of faith.
They also believe in a separation of church and state and
practice pacifism. Their lives emphasize simplicity, humility,
community, family and separation from the world.
History
The Amish have their roots in the Mennonite community.
Mennonites were part of the early Anabaptist movement in Europe,
which took place at the time of the Protestant Reformation. The
Anabaptists believed that only adults who had confessed their
faith should be baptized, and that they should remain separate
from the larger society. Many early Anabaptists were put to
death as heretics by both Catholics and Protestants, and many
others fled to the mountains of Switzerland and southern
Germany. Here began the Amish tradition of farming and holding
their worship services in homes rather than churches.
The Amish originated in 1693 when a Swiss bishop named Jacob
Amman and his followers broke from the Mennonite Church in an
attempt to restore some of the early practices of the
Mennonites. Amman had been an elder or bishop among the Swiss
Brethren (Mennonite). Amman advocated a strong view on shunning
(or the ban, which is a disassociation with members of the
community who do not conform to the rules of the community--a
form of discipline). The Amish and Mennonite churches still
share the same beliefs concerning baptism, non-resistance, and
basic Bible doctrines. They differ in matters of dress,
technology, language, form of worship, and interpretation of the
Bible.
Coming to North America

The Amish who split from Mennonites generally lived in
Switzerland and in the southern Rhine river region. The Amish,
like the Mennonites, were persecuted for their faith throughout
the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries in Europe. Many were tortured
and killed. Because of this, the Amish were a quiet people and
constantly on the move.
In 1681, William Penn, an English Quaker, received ownership of
the land that would eventually become the state of Pennsylvania.
He decided to try a "holy experiment:" to establish a colony
that would allow religious tolerance. Amish, Quakers,
Mennonites, Moravians, Schwenkfelders and others in Europe
responded to the opportunity by moving to the area. High taxes,
high rents, inflation, wars and rumors of wars, the military
draft, and religious persecution encouraged believers to leave
Europe.
Amish settlers began to immigrate to Pennsylvania as early as
1720. The first sizable group of Amish arrived in Lancaster
County in the 1720's or 1730's. A congregation was organized by
1749, when an ordained bishop named Jacob Hertzler came from
Switzerland to lead the new settlers.
Waves of Amish emigrating from Europe continued throughout the
18th and 19th centuries. They settled in Lancaster County (PA),
Holmes County (OH), northern Indiana and in smaller communities
in Michigan, New York, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, South
Dakota and Ontario. Today they live in numerous states and
Ontario, but the largest communities remain in Lancaster County,
Holmes County, and northern Indiana. More recently some Beachy
Amish have relocated in several locations in Central America in
an attempt to remove themselves from the influences of modern
society. There are no Amish living in Europe today.
Beliefs
Christianity
The fascination that many people (including sociologists) have
with the Amish culture and lifestyle sometimes dwarfs the simple
fact that the Amish are Christian. It is this simple faith that
compels them to the lifestyles they choose and provides them
with the hope in their salvation.
The Bible
The Bible is the sacred text of the Amish people. The Amish
interpret the Bible literally and directly in many cases, which
explains certain aspects of their lifestyle.
The Ordnung
In addition to the Bible, there are unwritten rules on which the
Amish people base their morals and way of life. The Ordnung is
an oral tradition of rules that regulates how the Amish way of
life should be conducted. Specific details of the Ordnung differ
among various church districts. The rules are generally reviewed
biannually and occasionally revised as needed.
Simplicity
The Amish believe that at its core, faith and life are not
complex. As the world around them hurries by with cell phones
and PDAs in a rush to make the next sale or run the kids off to
soccer games, the Amish find freedom for the mind and soul in
their adherence to simplicity.
Community
While the early Anabaptists were concerned with the individual
freedom of each believer, they also believed that it was
important that the believer was solidly rooted in the community
of faith. The Amish believe that faith finds expression in the
way one treats one's neighbors, service and mutual
accountability.
Humility
The Amish believe that Jesus set an example in putting others
before himself to the extent that he denied his own selfish
desires. The Amish model this attitude and lifestyle.
Pacifism
The Amish take very seriously (and literally) the words of
Jesus. So as Jesus commanded his followers to love their enemies
and not to resist an evil person, the Amish take him at his
word. During the Reformation, many Anabaptists went willingly to
their graves, praying for their persecutors right up until the
end. Along with pacifism come other beliefs that follow the
literal words of Jesus, such as an admonition not to swear
oaths.
Separation
The Amish believe that the Church was founded to bear witness to
the world, but that the followers of Jesus are called to be
separate from the world. They believe in remaining quite
separate from the rest of the world, physically and socially.
Part of this may also be caused by the belief that association
with others--often referred to as "The English"--may be
polluting. Part may be because of the intense persecution
experienced by their ancestors as a result of government
oppression.
Lifestyle
Appearance and Attire
Amish women and girls wear modest one-color dresses with long
sleeves and a full skirt. They wear a cape or apron over the
dress and fasten everything with pins or snaps. They do not cut
their hair, which they wear up in a bun. They wear a prayer
covering or bonnet on their heads. They do not wear jewelry or
makeup.
Men and boys wear trousers with suspenders, solid-colored
shirts, and suits or straight-cut coats of one color. They
fasten their coats with hooks. They wear black socks and black
or brown shoes and black or straw hats. Amish men wear beards
after they are married. They do not grow mustaches because of
the long association of mustaches with the military.
Education
The Amish do not value formal education. Although they pay
school taxes, the Amish have fought to keep their children out
of public schools. In 1972, the Supreme Court handed down a
landmark unanimous decision that exempted the Old Order Amish
and related groups from state compulsory attendance laws beyond
the eighth grade. Amish children generally attend school through
the eighth grade, often in one-room schoolhouses with a single
teacher. They learn the basics of reading, writing and
arithmetic. Higher education is considered unnecessary and
something that can lead one away from a life of simplicity and
humility as well as the community. However, the Amish know the
importance of informal education, and many boys and girls learn
the mechanics of farm life or other crafts at a young age.
Modern Conveniences
The Amish avoid modern conveniences as an expression of their
ideals of simplicity and separation from the world. Amish homes
do not draw power from the electrical grid. Generally the Amish
do not use electricity in their homes at all but some have
generators to run machinery for work.
With very few exceptions, Old Order Amish congregations do not
allow the owning or use of automobiles or farm tractors.
However, they will ride in cars when needed.
They do not have radios, TV sets, personal computers, computer
games, etc. In-home telephones are not normally allowed. Some
families have a phone remote from the house or shop for business
purposes or use answering services.
The Amish do not take photographs or allow themselves to be
photographed. To do so would be evidence of vanity and pride.
Also, it might violate the prohibition in Exodus 20:4, the
second of the Ten Commandments: "Thou shalt not make unto thee
any graven image, or any likeness of anything that...is in the
earth..."
Language
Most Amish speak three languages: Pennsylvania Dutch (Deutsch)
at home or when speaking with other Amish, High German in
worship, and English at school and when speaking with anyone who
is not Amish.
Mutual Assistance
There is much neighboring in the Amish community, and helping
each other is the most common way of socializing. The Amish
carry no life or property insurance; the church assists in cases
of major loss. Large families generally give assurance of care
for the elderly. Only rarely do Amish retire to places other
than the dawdyhaus, a small house built next to the main farm
house. Retired Amish farmers do not receive Social Security.
Worship
Amish worship services are held every other Sunday morning. They
are held in homes and conducted in the High German language.
Services usually consist of singing, two prayers, Bible reading,
a short opening sermon, and a main sermon. Singing is slow.
Normally hymns are sung from the Ausbund of 1564--one of the
oldest Protestant hymnals. Worship services often last for four
hours or more.
Communion services are held twice yearly in the spring and fall.
Before the service, a council meeting is held in which the
attendees resolve any disagreements that they have with each
other. They also discuss matters regarding proper lifestyle and
conduct.
The Amish celebrate the traditional Christian holy days. They
also observe a Fast Day on October 11.
Marriage and Family Life

Marriages outside the faith are not allowed. Couples are married
in one of their homes during November or early December, after
harvest season. Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days for
weddings; these are the least busy days of the week.
Divorce is not permitted and separation is very rare. They are
strictly monogamous and generally patriarchal. Sex roles are
clearly defined. The average family size is 7-8 children.
Funerals
Amish funerals are conducted in the home without a eulogy,
flower decorations, or other display. The casket is plain,
without adornment. At death, a woman is usually buried in her
bridal dress. A simple tombstone is erected after burial like
all the other tombstones in the Amish cemetery--in death as in
life, no one person is elevated above another.
Occupation and the Philosophy of Work
Acceptable occupations in the Amish community are ones that
emphasize community, do not require higher education, and avoid
the use of technology, modern conveniences or labor-saving
devises. Manual labor, hard work and thriftiness are virtues. A
strong work ethic is certainly built into the Amish heritage.
In the past, most Amish were farmers. While many continue to
farm, large tracks of land have become more difficult to
acquire, and many Amish are turning to other acceptable
occupations. These businesses generally involve trades that they
have learned since childhood, like furniture building, quilt
making or cooking. While Amish communities try to stay as
isolated from the secular world as possible, the
commercialization of their culture has made these products known
to non-Amish consumers. The Amish dedication to hard work and
the "bootstrapping" business style of the Amish community
contributes to its success as members move from their farms into
entrepreneurship.
Information for this article was collected from several
websites:
http://pittsburgh.about.com/cs/pennsylvania/a/amish.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amish
http://www.religioustolerance.org/amish.htm
http://religiousmovements.lib.virginia.edu/nrms/amish.html
http://www.holycrosslivonia.org/amish/
http://www.amishcenter.com/history.htm
http://www.gameo.org/index.asp?content=http://www.gameo.org/encyclopedia/contents/B435ME.html
http://www.goshen.edu/~lonhs/SamYoder.html
http://www.holycrosslivonia.org/amish/amishfaq.htm
Designers and Volume Contracts

Are you a designer or purchaser looking for a volume discount?
We're happy to work with you, as we have hundreds of designers and purchasers throughout the years.
Call 866-272-6773 or email us at questions@jmxco.com.
|