The produce was the harvest of Amish farmers. While the auctioneer's hum invited the purchase of hundreds of pots of chrysanthemums, I wandered around and took photos of the produce, then of the horses and buggies. As I looked through the camera's lens it suddenly occurred to me that I was looking at a way of life that was akin to that of my rural ancestors a hundred or more years ago.
The adults and children, wearing simple styles of clothing, quietly visited with each other as they watched the auction's proceedings. Little children shyly peeked out from behind their parents' legs. The teams of horses were equipped for pulling farm wagons with heavy loads. Individual horses were harnessed to lighter buggies carrying one or two people. I imagined the homes in which the Amish live and the modern conveniences they live without. The simple lives of the Amish must mirror the simpler lifestyles of my ancestors. As I looked at one of the wagons I thought of my great-great-grandfather who was a wagon-maker. The horses called my mind to my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who farmed with horses. The hand sewn clothing reminded me that my great-great-grandmothers hand-stitched clothing for their husbands, their children, and themselves. I thought of wood-burning stoves and ovens giving service to my great-grandmothers to make meals for their hard-working husbands and sons. Certainly the pre-modern ways of the Amish are akin to the ways of my ancestors.
I'm grateful for modern conveniences and technology but I find it's good to occasionally turn back the clock and visit areas where people live simple lives similar to the ways my ancestors lived. In some small way I think it connects me to them in a way different from finding their names and dates in documents and newspapers. It brings the reality of their lives to life, if only just a little.
--Nancy.
Copyright © 2014 Nancy Messier. All Rights Reserved.
You are so right, Nancy, a window into the past. Don't you just love the autumnal hews!
ReplyDeleteYes, Dara, I love the gorgeous autumn colors. It's my favorite season.
DeleteWhat a lovely post Nancy, and how right you are. I love your pictures the colours are just beautiful right now.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara.
DeleteI've never heard of a produce auction. Is this routine or a special event supporting some cause?
ReplyDeleteHi, Wendy. Produce auctions were new to me, too and I don't know how long this little auction has been in business. It was not for a cause but to support the individuals who grew the produce. They have auctions 3 days/week all summer and are moving to 2 days/week this month. They sell small quantities (usually pecks) by the basket, and larger quantities (many bushels), by the piece for the whole amount. You can see more about the auction at http://owlcreeknews.blogspot.com/.
DeleteI haven't heard of produce auctions either, but it sounds absolutely wonderful. I would have done the same thing Nancy. As much as my head is in the 1800's, I often find myself viewing things through their eyes (or at least how I think they may have viewed it.) This wonderful experience sounds like it set the perfect stage for reflecting back and for envisioning how it "might have been." Beautiful post and I love your pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle.
DeleteThat's so cool! I would be in a canning frenzy :)
ReplyDeleteI should can more than I do, Kassie. I just wanted to buy the beets but our refrigerator was on the fritz and it was too warm to keep them outside. I hope they have beets the next time we go.
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