- Amish Buggy in Pennsylvania
History has made a lasting impact on furniture styles and designs all across the world. Here in America, our “melting pot” society has enabled us to incorporate furniture from many different eras and continents into the styles and designs created and used today. Many of these influences are a result of the European continent and the cultures that began there.
As a result of the European Reformation in the 16th century, a sect of Anabaptists, the "Mennonites" had formed. One Mennonite leader, a man by the name of Jakob Ammann, decided that the Mennonites were not strict enough in their religious beliefs, and therefore founded the "Amish" Anabaptist group. In the mid 1700's, Jakob Ammann and his followers fled Europe due to religious persecution. At the time, William Penn was also working on the "holy experiment" regarding religious tolerance. As a result, Penn welcomed the newly formed Amish group, and Lancaster County, Pennsylvania became known as the first Amish settlement in the United States.
Today, Amish communities can be found in over 30 states, with over 60% of the population living in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana. These close-knit communities focus on living their lives "plainly" based on Biblical teachings, and have a strong philosophy regarding the importance of faith, family and community. The Amish are known as hardworking individuals with large families who work without the use of modern day technology. For generations, the Amish have perfected life in America, learning how to use the land to their greatest advantage through farming, hunting, and craftsmanship.
For centuries, Amish craftsmanship in the United States has included a strong emphasis on handcrafted, solid wood furniture. By utilizing their local abundant natural resource, hardwood lumber, skilled Amish craftsmen have perfected custom furniture. Having a shared knowledge and vision of creating quality products made to last, Amish artisans throughout the United States create furniture with no one piece being like another. The grain patterns of the wood, various wood species used and the paint and stain used on the furniture, allow for thousands of variations to be made, including custom made pieces. Due to their commitment and strong value placed on community, woodworkers in Amish communities work together to create beautiful, durable heirlooms. For example, one woodshop may focus solely on creating table tops and table bases, while another shop may focus on creating only chairs and benches. Some shops have their own finishing areas for the furniture, while others only focus on the finishwork, including painting and/or staining of the furniture.
Amish furniture styles have varied greatly over the years, and continue to evolve as the latest trends evolve. The Mission style is considered the most traditional design and incorporates straight lines, whereas the Shaker style is considered plain in design with a simple and basic style. Queen Anne, Rustic, Mid-Century Modern, Coastal, Farmhouse and Cottage, are all other styles that can be found in Amish Furniture.
From Europe to America, the Amish have overcome many obstacles, continuing to thrive in their simple, focused way of life. With them they have brought faith, family, community, and craftsmanship, and have become a staple of quality furniture here in the United States.
Reference Links:
- Igou, Brad. "An Amish Introduction". https://amishnews.com/amish-introduction/. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- Wesner, Erik J. “History.” Amish America. Erik Wesner, 11 Feb. 2015. Web. https://amishamerica.com/history/. Retrieved January 1, 2020.
- https://www.discoverlancaster.com/towns-and-heritage/amish-country/amish.... Retrieved January 2, 2020.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_Amish_population. Retrieved January 2, 2020.