Welcome to Pinecraft...

by Kimberly Ripley

They’re not a cult. They’re not actors portraying a time long since past. They’re instead a community where past meets present—at least to a certain degree, and many of us in our modern-day hustle and bustle lives stand to pick up a few pointers from them. Their beliefs are Christian and extend far beyond their religion to a strong sense of family, community, and an unstoppable work ethic. They’re Amish. And they’re in right here in southwestern Florida.

Florida? Yes, they’re found in Sarasota. It’s widely known that the majority of Amish communities in the United States are in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Smaller communities are found in more than half of the remaining fifty states. However, Florida boasts a small eclectic community of Amish and Mennonite families all its own. In the midst of modern-day Sarasota—just past malls and restaurants, car washes and major intersections lies Pinecraft. Some visitors come upon it without realizing its significance. A tiny wooden sign depicts one of several entrances into this extremely modest but well-kept community.

Pinecraft is comprised of narrow streets and small homes in a grid layout. Pinecraft Park is a hub of activity on most days. Young men play volleyball. Older men toss horseshoes. Men and women alike spend time here visiting their neighbors while their children or grandchildren play with each other. Since Amish and Mennonite orders in Pinecraft come from many different orders throughout the country, there are a few subtle differences here. Yet the majority of these folk wear what is called “plain” clothing—modest in appearance. The men wear hats and sport beards, but no mustaches if married and are clean shaven if single. The women wear kapps. These are religious head coverings. Their dresses are modest in length. During the warmer months many of the Amish—especially the children—don’t wear shoes. They are a practical and conservative people, who believe in saving resources for necessity. Why wear shoes on warm summer days?

In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, most Amish orders shun electricity and many modern conveniences. They farm or make a living as woodworkers or cabinet makers. Some take factory jobs. In Pinecraft the orders seem a bit more liberal. Most homes have electric wiring running from power lines. Yet not all Amish in Pinecraft utilize the convenience of said electricity. Some keep their washing machines, dryers and refrigerators in garages or sheds. It is their belief that modern convenience leads to the demise of the family unit. By inconveniencing themselves through keeping electric appliances outside, they are not as apt to fall prey to the conveniences of modern living. Many Pinecraft residents sell the citrus fruit that grows in their yards. Some farm celery on nearby acreage. Celery is a traditional dish served at Amish weddings. The conditions in Sarasota benefit growing this crop. Many Pinecraft residents work at local non-Amish businesses.

Since Pinecraft is located within Sarasota’s city limits, the Amish are unable to travel via the traditional horse and buggy. Instead many ride bicycles. It is very common to see older Amish folks riding the large three-wheeled adult tricycles popular among Florida’s elderly population. When nearing Pinecraft, the presence of “plain” dressed Amish folks on these tricycles lets visitors know they have reached their destination.

Another telltale sign of Amish living is the precision and almost artistry with which they hang their laundry to dry. An array of Amish colors—purples, mauves, blues and grays—combined with more traditional black clothing—decorates front yards on dry days. Amish women are serious about the work they do for their families, and aim to always do their very best. Laundry is typically hung uniformly. In rural Pennsylvania, Amish laundry is among the most popular subject for tourist photography. In Pinecraft it is found on a much smaller scale—although no less ornate.

Regarding photography, most Old Order Amish do not wish to be photographed. The Bible says, “Thou shalt not make a graven image…” and they translate this to mean that photographs are sure signs of vanity. The Amish are not vain. More relaxed orders and most Mennonites, however, do allow photos to be taken. It is always best (and certainly exhibits the best manners) to ask these folks before snapping their photographs.

Traditional Amish communities hold church services in homes or barns. This isn’t possible in Pinecraft due to the smaller sizes of homes there. Instead most Amish here attend the local Mennonite Church on Beneva Road. The church’s yearly benefit quilt and craft sale—held in February—draws thousands of visitors over its several day span.

What can we—considered worldly people and often referred to as “the English” stand to learn from these seemingly strict religious orders? Most of us can learn quite a bit. Since church and family are of utmost importance to Amish families, we can learn to do as they do. No, of course we won’t run out and sell the car—relying instead on tricycles or horses and buggies. However we can curb our desire to continually run from place to place—partaking in activities and events that take us away from the family structure. We can’t abandon our reliance on health, home, or life insurance in hopes that our family and friends will care for us in times of trouble. That’s what the Amish do. If a family suffers from the cost of excessive medical bills or if a family’s home burns down, the Amish community works together to raise money to pay debts or rebuild a home. Maybe we could learn to get to know our neighbors. How often we wave to people who live two doors down, yet we don’t even know their names. We read in the newspaper how our neighbors have died or been in accidents and seldom drop by to visit or ask if they or their families need some help. We can learn from the Amish by getting back to the American way of life in the 50’s and re-instilling in our neighborhoods the strong value of community.

The Amish are clever, talented people, best noted for their beautiful quilts, precision woodwork and delicious cooking. Most weekends a Farmer’s Market in Pinecraft allows visitors to sample firsthand the fruits and vegetables—as well as canned goods—grown by the Amish. Hand crafts are often for sale here as well. Local businesses on Bahia Vista—one of the main streets that borders Pinecraft in Sarasota—offer visitors a sampling of Amish food and wares. Not necessary Amish-run businesses, these restaurants and shops feature Amish-made products. Many Amish people are employed here as well.

A visit to Troyer’s Dutch Heritage—a restaurant, banquet facility, bake shop and gift shop under one roof—is a sure bet for those just passing through Sarasota, who are interested in learning more about the Amish. A recent conversation with a young woman waiting tables divulged that many Amish spend only the winter at Pinecraft, while others have lived year round for years. The young woman—named Lydia—explained the origin of some of the Amish dishes on the menu. She even interjected her own opinion based on how the dish is still prepared in her family’s home.

Other local Amish restaurants include Der Dutchman, Dutch Haus, Dutch Oven, and Yoder’s. They are all located within minutes of each other.

Yes, we can learn a lot from the Amish. And if lessons aren’t foremost in your mind during your trip to Sarasota, at least take a peek at this old fashioned—yet very practical way of present day living. Buy a handcrafted item. It beats the typical Florida souvenir! And enjoy potato pancakes or chow chow at a local restaurant featuring Amish food. You may just decide that their way isn’t so old fashioned after all.

Kimberly Ripley is a freelance writer and published author from New Hampshire. Her writing column, "Freelancing for Pleasure and Profit" appears twice monthly at Gather.com.