Pennsylvania Dutch Guide-Book

In Short

This volume serves as a comprehensive travel companion to Pennsylvania’s Lancaster County, meticulously curated to guide visitors through the region’s historical, cultural, and culinary offerings. It balances the area's deep colonial roots and religious heritage with its status as a prosperous center for agriculture and commerce. By documenting everything from the "Plain People" of the Amish and Mennonite communities to the industrial development of Lancaster city, the text acts as both a practical itinerary and a respectful introduction to a distinct and enduring American folk culture.

The Story

The narrative begins with a warm welcome to Lancaster County, framing it as an accessible destination for those interested in history, picturesque landscapes, and the "quaint" lifestyle of the local farmers. The guide establishes a clear dichotomy between the "Plain People"—the Amish, Mennonites, and Brethren—and the "fancy" or modern world. It treats the religious convictions of these communities as a foundational element, emphasizing that their customs are not mere performances for tourists, but sincere expressions of faith.

The story of the land unfolds through a series of historical vignettes. It traces the region’s evolution from an early colonial outpost, central to the formation of the nation, to a thriving modern city. Readers learn of the county’s role in the American Revolution, including its brief tenure as a seat of the Continental Congress, and its long association with prominent figures like Robert Fulton and James Buchanan. This historical breadth is balanced by detailed accounts of the diverse religious denominations—Lutheran, Reformed, Moravian, and Methodist—that shaped the social fabric of the county after William Penn’s initial invitation to settlers.

The guide then transitions into the practicalities of the "Dutch Country" experience. It provides an immersive look at local markets, where family traditions of early rising and artisanal craftsmanship persist. The culinary section serves as a cultural survey, explaining the significance of regional staples like Shoo-Fly Pie, "schnitz un knepp," and various boiled dinners. These sections are not merely instructions for the traveler, but are meant to illustrate the resourcefulness and heritage of the people.

The perspective shifts to the economic and physical landscape, highlighting the "remarkable mingling" of old and new. It details the county’s industrial prominence, listing a wide array of modern manufacturing powerhouses that stand alongside the oldest department and tobacco stores in America. The book also surveys the local architectural legacy, from historic covered bridges to the preserved Ephrata Cloister, a monastery that stands as a monument to a past "holy experiment."

As the guide concludes, it broadens its scope to include the surrounding areas, suggesting day trips to Gettysburg, Hershey, and the historic Brandywine Valley. It returns, finally, to the spirit of the folk artist, encouraging visitors to appreciate the "tiny spark" of creativity that survives in modern craftsmanship. It is a story of a region that refuses to fully modernize at the expense of its soul, urging the reader to engage with the county’s bounty, history, and people with respect, diligence, and, ultimately, a sense of "Goot Gluck"—good luck.

How It Unfolds

The Invitation to the Land The text opens by welcoming travelers to Lancaster County, positioning the area as a prime destination for leisurely, scenic exploration. It sets expectations for a journey defined by hard-topped roads, historic associations, and an intersection of modern prosperity with quiet, traditional farm life.

The Historical Foundation The guide delves into the region’s colonial past, documenting its pivotal role during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. It provides a timeline of the city’s incorporation and highlights the influence of local statesmen like President James Buchanan.

The Religious Tapestry A series of essays chronicles the arrival of various European denominations, from the Reformed churches to the Moravians and Methodists. This section clarifies the diversity of the county’s spiritual heritage and explains the significance of its biblical place names.

The Way of the Plain People The guide examines the beliefs and daily habits of the Amish and Mennonites, focusing on their commitment to mutual aid and their distinct, religious garb. It explains the "plain and fancy" distinction while cautioning visitors to respect Sabbath observances and the privacy of those who avoid photography.

The Practical Experience The narrative moves to the sensory details of the county, offering advice on visiting local markets and preparing or sampling traditional dishes. It provides specific, actionable details on market hours and the importance of supporting local craft.

The Modern Industrial Balance The perspective widens to show how Lancaster sustains its economic stability through a mix of agriculture and precision manufacturing. This section connects the county’s industrial reputation to the skilled labor of families who have lived there for generations.

The Regional Excursions The book concludes by mapping out surrounding points of interest, such as Hershey and Gettysburg, to broaden the visitor’s itinerary. It ends with a final encouragement to engage with local art and the enduring spirit of the region.

The People

The guide revolves around three distinct groups: the "Plain People," the "Fancy" residents, and the historical figures who shaped the nation.

The Amish, Mennonites, and Brethren are presented as the heart of the region's identity. Guided by their faith, they stand in the way of modern convenience by rejecting things like insurance or public relief, choosing instead a life of mutual aid. The guide uses the figure of an anonymous Amish blacksmith to embody these virtues, showing how he prioritizes helping a neighbor over personal profit, illustrating the core values of this community.

The "Fancy"—or the modern residents of Lancaster—are the custodians of the region's progress. These are the descendants of the early settlers who managed to maintain a balance between industrial development and historical preservation. They are the market vendors, the museum curators, and the chamber of commerce members who manage the transition from the 18th-century "burgess rule" to modern city life.

Finally, the historical figures—such as Benjamin Franklin, Robert Fulton, and James Buchanan—serve as the bridges between the county and the wider world. Buchanan, in particular, represents the local capacity for leadership, as he moves from a small-town lawyer to a national figure, yet remains eternally linked to his home at "Wheatland." These people exist not as competing forces, but as layers of a single, coherent regional history.

In Its Own Voice

The guide addresses the religious sensitivities of the Amish, who avoid modern technology and imagery in their daily lives:

The Amish believe that the taking of photographs violates this commandment if the face of the individual photographed is recognizable as that individual.

The author emphasizes the importance of respecting the religious traditions of the "Plain People":

It is our purpose to give to those beliefs and customs of the Amish, which are matters of religion, the same respect and reverence which we give to symbols of other religions.

Reflecting on the local dialect, the author defends the character of the Pennsylvania Dutch folk speech:

It has always been and always will be only FOLK SPEECH.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book explores the concept of cultural preservation within a modernizing society. It asks how a community can remain prosperous and connected to the broader world while fiercely maintaining its own distinct traditions and vernacular. The text serves as an argument for the value of "folk culture," suggesting that a society’s strength lies in its ability to balance progress—exemplified by Lancaster's industrial growth—with a commitment to the "old ways" of religion, community, and neighborly charity. Ultimately, it questions whether the modern visitor can learn enough about the "Plain People" to respect their boundaries without turning their lives into a mere spectacle for consumption.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy local history, sociology, and the study of American subcultures will find this guide an invaluable time capsule. It captures a specific mid-twentieth-century perspective on the Lancaster region, offering a blend of practical travel advice and deep-seated civic pride. It is a gentle, observational read, moving at a pace that mirrors the "leisurely travel" it encourages in its audience.

However, the reader must be prepared for the earnest, sometimes didactic tone of a 1960s-era guide. Its views on the Amish and other religious groups reflect the attitudes of the time—protective and admiring, yet undeniably external. Some readers may find the inclusion of detailed industrial history a departure from the "quaint" reputation of the Dutch country, though this is precisely what makes the book a nuanced portrait of the area. It stays with you as a reminder that the "quaintness" tourists seek is often underpinned by a complex, high-functioning society that is very much at work. It is an honest, if slightly dated, look at a place that has worked hard to keep its history alive while moving forward into the future.