Amana Colonies, Iowa Day Two

Barbara and I really enjoy getting away from the built up metropolitan areas and out into the country. Frankly, the people are much nicer and life’s pace is, well, livable. The scenery is gorgeous, too.

Many of the early immigrants to this country were fleeing persecution for their chosen way of life or religion. The founders of the Amana Colonies here in Iowa were such people. The Insperationalists left Germany in the mid-1800s and formed a communal culture that grew to six villages. They lived in large communal homes housing 30-40 people and ate in communal dining houses. All of the property surrounding the homes was put in to service as gardens to grow the food that would sustain them through the year. They were farmers and craftsmen that pooled resources. This way of life continued until 1932 when, following the death of the groups leader, the resources and assets were distributed among the member families and they developed a more capitalist economy. The homes and many of the crafts are proudly displayed in museums and shops. Tourism and artisan products augment the agrarian economy. There are plenty of artists, craft shops, and antique shops in the villages. Oh, let’s not forget appliances! Whirlpool’s Amana division is based here.

Fun Rube Goldberg like sculptures. The windmill powers...

...This sawyer. A video would have been better, but he saws the log.

Barber took a little extra off, but we are having fun.

Honey, I shrank my husband.

The two major restaurants in Amana echo the German heritage of the region, and Barbara and I had a great German beer and sauerbraten for lunch. I about lost my head when I told the waitress we were happily done and she strode off. I looked across the table and noted that we were definitely not BOTH happy. Barbara had her eyes on chocolate cream pie. I quickly called the waitress back.

Early in the evening we were bemoaning Oracle USA’s standing in the America’s Cup racing in San Francisco when I noted a weather warning on the iPhone. (Thank you WeatherBug) I looked at the radar and noticed a wall of weather approaching from the west and suggested that we pull in the slides that expand the volume of the motor home and make it a more comfortable abode.  The motor home is more stable and better sealed against the weather with the slides in. Good thing we did. 

A gust front hit us with substantial force and rocked us around a good deal. It brought a torrent of rain. The local airport reported winds of 50 miles an hour, but it was impressive what ever the official reading was.

Tomorrow we are off to Clear Lake, Iowa