YES! I did, last night and stayed up very late!
I also read the history at
this link in the article. I've always been fascinated by the Amish since I was a little girl. My Dutch Grandmother had such love and admiration for them, so my interest was stimulated at a very young age. She grew up in a little Ohio town, that is no longer on the map, Clives or Cleaves, and all I know about it is that it must have bordered Pennsylvania because it was almost entirely Amish. (I did find and buy an old almanac for my father many years ago that showed that town, but after he died, I don't know what happened to it). Anyway, my grandmother was taught to knit and crochet by the Amish and also to cook and bake wonderful breads, rolls and cakes. I have her hand written recipes. Her cabbage rolls are the best. I must remember to locate that steel box "one of these days!!"
My interest was piqued by my interest and love for quilting. I love the Amish colors — black, majenta, deep tourquise, dark green, etc.
Also, when traveling by car around the upper midwest, you will often encounter groups of them traveling to town — young couples, etc. being driven in a van by an “English” chauffer. Especially in Ohio and Indiana. I’ve never visited Eau Claire, but I guess I should make a trip out there. We have a number of furniture stores around here that deal in Amish furniture.