Tightening economy reaches Amish country

Jan. 7, 2009
Amish Country thus far has been pretty much immune to the impact of tough economic times.
Some businesses reported a slight dropoff in tourist visits but most didn't seem to be severely affected.

But along with the freezing rain and slippery roads that went with Old Christmas (Jan. 6, Epiphany) the Amish neighbors were talking about layoffs and cutbacks.

Walnut Creek Planing had to lay off 28 employees because of shrinking demand for its hardwood furniture components. As a result, David Miller, owner of Erb's Tarp Shop, has hired on a couple of extended family members who were on the planing mill layoff list.

David has been burning the late night (and early morning) oil in an attempt to catch up since a midsummer car-bicycle crash on the highway out front claimed the life of neighbor Marcus Shetler. When a tragedy of that sort occurs, all the neighbors put their lives on hold and they pitch in to deal with the immediate family's grief, daily chores, funeral arrangements and other unexpected needs.

David reports that last night's sleet and ice made for some eye-widening driving conditions as his family - and others in the neighborhood - were driving their buggies home from Old Christmas gatherings. If you think sliding around on ice is exciting in a car, imagine applying the brakes on a skinny, top-heavy buggy with smooth steel wheel treads just one inch wide . . . as you're rounding a curve while descending the Walnut Creek hill!

Think of it as riding a giant, out-of-control pendulum.