When I was growing up, we spent just about every weekend out at Grandma’s farm. We drove out on Friday night and came home on Sunday evening. The farm was as much my home as the little one my parents bought back in 1960. I was a voracious reader. From the moment the alphabet clicked with me and I realized words could transport me to other worlds, I made my escape as often as possible.

My grandparents didn’t have much schooling. My grandma only went through the eighth grade, if memory serves me correctly. I’m not sure about my Pop-Pop. I do know they were literate and could cipher…their term for doing math. Once, I finished my books I brought with me and was rummaging around for something to read. Grandma had a bookcase in the living room with what precious few books they owned. The one that caught my eye was the first Foxfire Book. 

We have talked about the Foxfire books here before. When I was going through my earth mama phase, I had all the Mother Earth News Magazines. And, I had the entire series of Foxfire books. Reading Volume One out on the farm when I was young absolutely cemented in my heart how much I wanted to live on a farm when I grew up.

I did have those three years when we lived in a five bedroom log house on two acres. Then life took me in a different direction. Still, I fulfilled much of that dream by incorporating homesteading skills into my city life as much as possible. Moving back to West Virginia and living on the family farm was a huge deal for me. Not only was it soothing to my soul, but it lit that fire within me again to be more self sufficient. 

Now that I’ve remarried and live on five acres, and we’re in this “new normal”, I’ve been browsing some of my favorite websites looking for the tools of the trade. I found Lehman’s Hardware online many years ago when I was building my house in Colorado. I had a picture in my mind of a country farmhouse look and Lehman’s sell reproduction appliances that look like something you might have seen in an early 1900’s kitchen. Alas, they were too pricey for my budget but there were so many intriguing tools, I’ve always kept them as a resource.

Lehman’s Hardware caters to the Amish community by selling tools and appliances that are non-electric. And, you’ll find old-timey things like butter churns and ice cream makers and all manner of household gadgets and supplies. I have several items I have purchased from them over the years. They are high quality, sturdy, and a fine investment.

It didn’t occur to me till a couple of years ago that Lehman’s is only a two hour drive from here. I still haven’t managed to get there for a visit, but I sure hope to soon. When I go, I’ll take you with me on a virtual tour. Lehman’s is in Kidron in the midst of Amish Country in northeastern Ohio, not far from Beaver Creek State Park where I camp with my dear friend, Gail Bable…the camphost there. We normally hold a Girl Camper outing twice a year and we are really missing it this spring.

You can visit Lehman’s Hardware Store HERE.

❤️

“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”

Philippians 4:12-13 ESV