Amana Colonies

A National Historic Landmark and one of America's longest communal societies, the Amana Colonies began in 1714 in the villages of Germany and continues today on the prairies of Iowa. Because of religious persecution economic depression the group left Germany in 1843 and eventually found a new home in Iowa in 1855. Seven villages were established over 26,000 acres arranged for communal living..all assets were shared and all needs provided by the society. Because of outside influences, such as radio and telephones, in 1932 the group voted to end the communal living. Thursday we visited to learn the history of the area.

We attended a performance of "Stories of Amana", a witty, endearing look at Amana's communal past with historic photos and oral histories. Excellent entertainment!

The Ladies Shopped

This is what men do when ladies shop!

The campground gave us a gift of a pound of local sausage, we went to collect and also purchased cheeses and smoked pork chops. We had lunch at the Ox Yoke Inn, world famous for German food served family style....we ate sausage and drank German beer. Of course we didn't miss the bakery for goodies.

On the three hour Village Voyage tour we saw all seven villages with stops at historical points of interest; communal kitchen, communal house, tinsmith's workshop, an artist's studio in an historic church, and more.

Amana furniture

For further info go to www.amanacolonies.com

Today is rest day...time for laundry, coach cleaning, etc..... then Happy Hour and our communal dinner.  Tomorrow we move on to Des Moines to see the state capitol a short 94 miles.