The Amish

Branch Hill Joinery features the authentic custom Amish furniture handmade by Old Order Amish craftsmen from Southern Michigan. My Amish neighbors belong to very traditional Old Order sect -- of the most old-fashioned and traditional of all Amish groups. They are very religious and have a strict "Ordnung" (order of rules). Their black buggies are topless, and they do not operate any tourist stores or restaurants since they are not allowed to work "in town" or in large factories.

I have come to really learn about the Amish during for the past twelve years. During this time, I have grown close to several families. I have even come to regard the family that works for me as "my second family." I visit often and eat meals with them, sing with them, travel with them, and just hang out. I have watched the children grow up and the boys become furniture makers now in their own right. The parents, Chris and Emma, are magnificent and I have grown to love and respect them tremendously.

Here is some information about the Old Order Amish in Southern Michigan and their way of life:

• Amish Families
• Amish Daily Life
• Amish Church
• Amish Dress
• Amish Food
• Education and Child Rearing
• Young Folks and Marriage
• Music and Entertainment
• Horses, Buggies, and Transportation
• Amish Houses and Barns
• Livelihood
• Health Care
• Finances and Retirement
• Amish Funerals
• Amish History and Geneology
• Additional links to information about the Amish