Saturday, March 7, 2009

Amana Confidential

Warping : Amana Colonies Woolen Mill

Leaving Nauvoo shortly after sunset, we drove about 200 miles north to Williamsburg, Iowa. Just down the road from the 'burg and off of I-80 are the Amana Colonies. Founded by German Pietists who immigrated to America in the mid-1800s, the community is populated by master craftspeople known for their milled textiles, handmade furniture, quilts, and other handcrafted goods that are otherwise largely mass produced and imported these days.

Woolens made in America

These are just a few pictures from the Amana Colonies. And yes, this is the same community that manufactured Amana applicances before being bought by Westinghouse.

Children's handmade rockers in cherry, walnut, or oak

Photo copyright: D.C. Confidential, 03/09

4 comments:

Maya said...

I love the kiddie rocking chairs!

Julie ScottsdaleDailyPhoto.com said...

you are having quite the road trip and sharing lots of interesting history and photos. very fun. enjoy your trip home. I enjoy following your website. Happy Photo Blogging!

The Artful Eye said...

Very cool. Nothing like good old "Made in America" I love stopping at places like this where folk are still milling, weaving, wood carving etc.

Janet Kincaid said...

Maya: I liked them, too. Reminded me of a rocking chair my parents bought for me at the Amish market in Lancaster, Pa., when I was a wee thing.


Julie: I am having quite a trip and enjoying every minute of it! Hope you all are enjoying it, too, albeit vicariously.


Andrea: I love seeing "Made in America" on things and it's always fun to stumble on places like Amana.