Ada and the Sprankle Farm

Yesterday, I met a woman named Ada. Her family owns the farm that belonged in the Sprankle family since the early 1900's. I can show you pictures of the farm and the house, but not of Ada and her family. They are Amish. 

When it was the Sprankle Farm

For many years, Terry has wanted to find this property that he recalls visiting as a youngster in North Mahoning, PA. Through some research and several strokes of good luck, we finally learned the exact location. So we decided to pay a visit and explain who we were and why we would want to be there. Exiting the local highway, we pulled up a long dirt road. Eventually, the farmhouse, the barn, the cows came into view. We pulled to the side of the drive near the barn. As we did so, a woman emerged from one of the buildings. Terry got out of the car and introduced himself, armed with photographs of his ancestors and the farm. This was Ada.

The Farm today

Ada, her husband Ervin, their three children and their spouses as well as their grandchildren share this home. As expected, Ada is dressed in traditional Amish clothing - a blouse, fastened by safety pins, a long skirt, an apron, and a bonnet. Oh, and she was barefoot. She is a cheerful woman about 45 years of age, soft-spoken, with clear eyes, a friendly smile,  and a smooth complexion. Ada extended a gracious invitation for us to view the property that was once occupied by the Sprankles. She happily introduced us to her husband and her five-year-old grandson, Andy. She spoke of the work they had done on the farm since purchasing it.It was evident that this woman toiled her whole life, as did her spouse. She had an easy rapport with her husband and a loving, but firm interaction with Andy. She spoke to him in a language I did not recognize. When I asked her what it was, she explained that they speak to the children mostly in a form of Pennsylvania Dutch until they go to school. At that time, they introduce them to English. Ada told me the children go to Amish schools, taught by Amish teachers until eighth grade. At that time they are taught at home. I asked if that were considered being home-schooled; she replied no. They come home to be taught farming - planting, harvesting, caring for animals and all the other work involved in their agrarian way of life. All this to continue a simple, humble, uncomplicated existence - a life without the conveniences we take for granted - no electricity, radio, television, telephones.(Interestingly, she did refer to a driver, someone who provides car transportation when their horse and buggy cannot handle a task. Also, on the opposite side of the highway, there was among the bushes a pay phone complete with telephone directories. For emergencies, I assume.?)

The buggies

Despite the rain that had begun to fall, Ada continued - in her bare feet - to show us around the property allowing us to take pictures of the land, the house, but not of the family. She went out of her way to make sure that we saw all that remained of the Sprankle homestead. I was impressed by the generosity of spirit and the openness Ada displayed toward us. I had a chance to ask her if it were difficult to retain her way of life. She said it was not since it was instilled since birth. She also remarked that, "Your people would find it more difficult to adopt our way of life". I agreed. I also recognized that when she spoke of the non-Amish, she referred to us as "your people" and her sect as "our people". I am sure that this reflects the obvious distinction between our ways of life.  She was right that I could not adopt her lifestyle, but I respect her for living hers.