Driving around the Amish Heartland, you can't miss them: simple, handpainted signs advertising eggs, baskets, even puppies for sale at Amish farms. And as I recently discovered, these little "businesses" give new meaning to the term "home-based."

For many Amish, especially those belonging to the conservative Swartzentruber order, selling items from home is an important way to supplement a farming income. In my opinion, the arrangement works beautifully, since many of us English people are, admittedly, nostalgic for farm life and "the way things used to be," not to mention wholesome, all-natural produce and eggs! (The conservative Amish were organic farmers long before it was fashionable.)

Passing a farm just south of US 250 on Mt. Hope Road, I spied a "handmade baskets" sign and decided to stop in. As I pulled into the dirt lane, I noticed my vehicle wasn't alone. A large milktruck sat in front of the barn, perhaps collecting fresh milk for a local cheesehouse. Several young children stood outside the house to watch (a big truck coming is an event in any childs day!), and they responded to my "Hi!" with shy smiles and a couple giggles.

It was clear by the size and shape of the farmhouse and outbuildings that several generations lived here, a normal arrangement for the Amish. I located the "shop," housed in a small room off the main house.

"Come in, come in," said Ben Swartzentruber* from behind the screen door as I approached. The room was lined on three sides with shelves, all stacked from floor to ceiling with baskets. A pot-bellied stove stood out from the fourth wall, and the faint scent of woodsmoke was present despite the warm day. On one wall, some of the shelves held a rainbow of canned foods for sale -- jams and jellies, pickles and beets. Next to these, a small sign on the wall read, "Quilts and wallhangings; if anybody is interested, please ask."

In the middle of the room, Ben, a pleasant-faced middle-aged man, sat in his wheelchair, surrounded by basket-making supplies. A small desk covered with papers stood beneath a window facing the road. Ben explained he'd been working on a handicapped circle letter, and would I mind if he continued as I browsed? Not at all, I assured him. I had a difficult choice ahead of me -- there was quite a variety of beautiful baskets!

The baskets were of all shapes, sizes and designs, and many were interwoven with burgundy, navy blue or dark green caning. I smiled as I handled some of them, imagining the care that had gone into their crafting.

After looking for a short while, I selected a large honey-colored "egg basket" with a "God's Eye" design. At just under $20, this was a great deal to me! I chose a jar of homemade mulberry jam from amongst the canned goods, and after paying Ben, I was on my way. But not before he made sure he knew who my parents, grandparents, husband and husbands parents were! It was clear Ben loved to talk to his customers, and we made several connections -- even if he didn't know my relatives, he was familiar with the roads they lived on or where they worked.

As I continued on my drive around Amish Country, admiring the scenery and keeping my eye out for signs at the end of lanes, I thought of the many times I'd put together a gift basket for a friends birthday or other occasion. As we all know, this can get quite expensive, after you buy the basket and several items to fill it! With my bargain basket, I not only had the perfect gift package, I had a unique treasure from Amish Country. And filling it could be a memorable afternoon project. Here are some of the other items I saw for sale on that one summer day:

* eggs

* potatoes

* maple syrup

* rabbits

* hanging baskets and plants

* beagle puppies

* quilts and wallhangings

* jams and jellies

* homemade pickles and canned beets

Of course, not all of these items would fit in a basket! But they are all pieces of the country, examples of the homemade, homespun treasures you'll find if you follow the "signs at the end of the lane." Thanks for coming with me.

* Name changed to protect privacy

NOTE: The Amish will never be "open for business" on Sundays.

June 2004 edition