By Rosie Moore

From the time of the first permanent European settlement in 1643, Pennsylvania has been important for its strategic location, spirit of independence, and economic power. The British gained the colony in 1664, but in 1691 King Charles signed a charter granting Pennsylvania to William Penn in exchange for a debt owed to Penn’s father, Sir William Penn, In 1682, Penn founded the colony of Pennsylvania as a refuge for Quakers and other persecuted Christians Philadelphia, whose name means “city of brotherly love” was the city that Penn encouraged settlers to join his “holy experiment”.

Enough of Pennsylvania, I want to talk about my home town, Lancaster. Although Harrisburg is the state capitol, Lancaster is the largest tourist attraction of the state. Recently, I was fortunate enough to spend some time there. I got a Whoopie Pie at the Central Market, which is located on the square in Lancaster, a warm homemade soft pretzel in the little town of Lititz, Pennsylvania, and homemade ice cream at the creamery in Strasburg, Pennsylvania. But, back to Lancaster. It was founded in 1729 but it wasn’t long until the Amish and Mennonites realized how arable and lush the farmland was in Lancaster County and many of them drifted there from other states, such as Ohio and Indiana. These travelers also made Lancaster a popular tourist attraction.

The Amish don’t like bright colors like orange or red, they prefer blue, green, purple and white. Also they prefer horse and buggies for travel, believing that the automobile was a sign of worldliness. When the buggies become unserviceable or are in an accident, they will take the benches out and preserve them, if they can. I am including a picture of an Amish bench buggy in today’s article, which is painted in a light shade of green. I found it in my son’s antique shop and fell in love with it. I sit on it and dream of Amish families rolling up and down the hills of Lancaster and it takes me back home.

Thought for the day: I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God’s business.    Michael J. Fox

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