16 10 9 lancaster county footage hot air balloon
This next several video are a series of a recent trip I took to the Amish Farm and House in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. On the trip with me is my husband Roy, my mom Edna, my cousin Sue, and her grandsons Austin and Garrett. This video is a record for my family of our experiences.
This is the sun set hot air balloon ride near the Amish Farm and House. Only the very brave would be interested in experiencing this adventure. We stopped and watched the balloon finish filling up and taking off... very cool! but i'm not sure i'd ever go from watching to actually participating!!! That's high!!!!!! Lol!!! They say, you’ll see views of Lancaster County farmland, flying over Intercourse, Bird in Hand, and Strasburg, and on a clear day, you can see the headwaters of the Chesapeake bay! Here's the website if your up for the challenge... It's the United States Hot Air Balloon Team
For over 60 years, The Amish Farm and House has been educating countless visitors about the history and lifestyle of Lancaster's Amish community. This educational farm was the first establishment of its kind in the country. Visitors have included British Royalty, politicians, movie stars, singers, school groups, and individual families. On an average year, all 50 states will be represented.
The Farm was granted to Governor John Evans from William Penn in 1715. The farmhouse was built in 1805 and served as a home for over seven generations including Quaker, Mennonite and Amish. The property was opened to the public in 1955 and is one of the oldest continuously operating farms in Lancaster County.
When the farm was sold in 2004, many of the trees and the front fields were removed. Many of the local and out of state visitors were upset - some down right mad! Some felt the the land had been taken directly from the Amish!
Unknown to most, the majority of the original 25 acre of the Amish Farm and House were zoned commercial and therefore open for commercial development.
Unfortunately, the home and barns were not listed on a historic preservation list. And because most of the land between Lancaster City and Route 986 had already been commercialized, it was only a matter of time until the farm would be developed. The Amish Farm and house's future was uncertain. It appeared that it was destined to close and be torn down...
The new owner purchased the land in hopes to develop it into a large shopping complex, anchored by Lancaster County's first Target Store.
During the sale process, the new owner met several times with The Amish Farm and House's management. The Farm's history, heritage, and cultural importance were explained. The quality educational and cultural experiences were clearly presented to the owner. Because of these meetings, his mind changed and the majority of the farm was preserved.
Not only did the new owner keep the historic buildings. but he also invested a lot of time and money in the farm's conservation, preservation and maintenance.
New fencing was installed, the animal housing was improved, and a very picturesque buggy path was laid out the covers almost the entire 15-acre farm.
In 2006, thanks to the financial support, Lancaster County's only one room school opened specifically for tours. The Willow Lane One Room School House opened on the property!
As for the new development, the Target Store and The Covered Bridge Marketplace were accented with stone to coordinate with the farmhouse and the barn. The new stores have been a big hit with the local Amish. Apparently they love shopping at Target!
Through the 21st century bustle, The Amish Farm and House has remained a quality educational farm museum that has delighted millions. Their slogan is where today touches history. and it truly is!
The Amish Farm and House is located at 2395 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, PA 17602. Their phone number is 717.394.6185. and for more information check out their website at amishfarmandhouse.com. and any musical selection for this video came from bensound.com
B17 at Coatesville.mpg
From our local visit from the Wings of Freedom folks, a B-17 Flying Fortress and a B-24 Liberator on takeoff leaving for another airport for another show in Maryland. These bombers were at the Chester County Airport in Coatesville, PA for a few days at the end of August, 2010