Just imagine if your main mode of transportation was a horse and buggy. That’s what makes these Amish “convenience stores” that dot the South East Iowa landscape such a welcome sight to the Amish families who live in this area. Think of these stores as the equivalent of a 7 Eleven in the middle of NOWHERE to you and me.
No…they don’t sell milk. (The Amish farmers already have plenty of that on their farms.) But you’ll find many of the items an Amish family needs on a daily basis, as long as those items don’t require electricity or refrigeration.
This Amish store near Kalona, Iowa doesn’t offer groceries or food items like many others do. It’s strictly a “dry goods” store.
So come inside with me…and I’ll show you how our local Iowa Amish people shop.
Check out these hand made rocking chairs before you even go inside! Almost every Amish family has at least one of these chairs in their living room.
You will find NO ELECTRICITY in these stores. Those are skylights beaming sunlight through those “light fixtures.” And on a dark and dreary day the store will be illuminated by gas lamps. You can see the gas lines and reflectors built into the ceiling. And I’m guessing the fans are solar powered since solar energy is not considered “modern” because it is a “natural” source of energy provided by God, so the Bishop would approve of its use to power the fans.
An Amish bride can pick out her set of china here…along with any kitchen gadgets she may need to set up housekeeping.
From canning equipment to GIANT mixing bowls, you’ll find a good selection here. Remember…Amish women have big families…with even bigger appetites! So from a very early age, the women (and their daughters) know their way around a kitchen, and their gardens are HUGE since they preserve and can many of the foods they enjoy all winter long. The women even preserve meats with a canning process!
When was the last time you saw a wall filled with…
SUSPENDERS! In ALL sizes! All Amish men and even little boys wear suspenders. No belts. No buckles. And most use hooks and eyes instead of buttons to fasten their clothing. (In fact, Old Order sect of Amish people avoid any type of ornaments or dress that could convey a military meaning since they are a pacifistic people.)
Here is a great assortment of shoes and boots. Just don’t ask for any color, except black.
And no Amish man or boy will be seen without his hat…
As you can see, there is something for every Amish family member in this store, and even we “English” like to browse the aisles as well.
Walking through the doors of one of these Amish stores is like taking a step back in time…to a time of a simpler way of life. And sometimes simpler is better, no matter what your beliefs may be.
so neat and I learned some interesting things!!
Thanks Linda! I grew up surrounded by Amish families. In fact, my class in our country school consisted of me…and three Amish boys! Watch for some of THOSE stories on my blog in the months to come. It’s a different way of life in this fast paced world we live in…and one I know so well!
Loved reading this even though I shop there regularly. High quality and so fun to look. Thanks for the great read!
Thanks for your comment Sue! We “English” can always find items we need…just like the Amish shoppers do…can’t we?
I am in love with Amish books and love to learn. This is wonderful.
Thanks Phyllis! I’m glad you liked it. I grew up surrounded by Amish farms…In fact my grandparents were originally Old Order Amish. I’ll be sharing more Amish memories throughout the year…
Is this the new store east of the cheese factory? We have gone to the old one many times but haven’t been able to shop at the new one yet. Isn’t the Stringtown Grocery the one on the dirt road east of Kalona? Their baked goods are wonderful.
Thanks for your questions Joanne! Actually the store I showcased is NOT the new store by the Cheese Factory. The store in my blog post is a “sister” to The Community Country Store…the other store you mentioned! I know it’s confusing, but the best advice I can give you is to talk with anyone at the Kalona Chamber of Commerce in town and they can direct you to any and all of the wonderful Amish stores that dot the countryside around Kalona. (I believe the new store you mentioned near the Cheese Factory is affiliated with the String Town Store.)I’ll try to clear up this mystery (and write more about ALL of them) when I head back to Iowa after my Snow Bird winter is over…so stay tuned!
I have many Amish friends in Kalona and I’m their English friend. I’m involved with their Annual Purple Martin Workshop and Seminar and it provides a place for a kind of annual get together. The Amish community has alway been very welcoming to me and the attendees of the purple martin birding event.
Thanks so much for you comment, Dave! I would love to know more about your Purple Martin Workshop! I know all the Amish farms around our farm still have Purple Martin houses in their yards. And I know the benefits of having those birds around. Kep up the good work in the birding community!
XOXO
Meemaw
Kevin…I enjoy reading your Amish stories and recipes, and thanks for sharing my Amish Country Store blog post! Consider this an open invitation to visit Kalona…I look forward to giving you a tour of the community. (In fact I used to be a tour guide for the Kalona Historical Society.)I’ll be sharing more Kalona memories on my blog, and I’m glad you enjoy reading and sharing them. All the best…from Meemaw to you!
Thanks Meemaw, one of these days I will take you up on that kind offer!