by Jerry Annunzio
The pre-convention overnight tour is planned for the Amana colonies in east central Iowa. Come with us to explore the unique and fascinating area called Amana.
The Amana Colonies, which are tucked into the rolling hills of eastern Iowa farmland, have been designated a National Historic Landmark. The hard-working people of this area are of German descent. “Gemutlichkeit” is the word in German that connotes “warmth, cheer and friendliness.” You will find “Gemutlichkeit” overflowing from every one of the quaint seven villages which form the colonies of Amana.
Amana was founded nearly 150 years ago. Seeking religious freedom, the early settlers of the Amanas left Germany in 1842, and settled near Buffalo, N.Y. In 1855, the “Community of True Inspiration” moved west, forming their first village along the Iowa River. Eventually, 26,000 acres were purchased and six more villages were settled. Theirs was one of the longest-lasting communal societies in the world.
Their communal system remained essentially unchanged for 89 years. All land and buildings were owned by the community; families were assigned living quarters, and each person over school age was assigned tasks in the kitchens, fields, factories or shops.
In 1932, the people voted to end the communal way of life. They created the Amana Church Society to direct matters of their faith, and the Amana Society, Inc. to oversee their businesses and farming operations. Today, many of the businesses in the Amana Colonies are independently owned and operated.
Our pre-convention tour will leave from downtown Des Moines early on Friday morning, June 29 and return Saturday afternoon, June 30. The drivers of the air-conditioned motor coaches will double as professional tour guides, giving detailed narration, and an ACB representative and ACB volunteers will accompany us on the buses.
An early stop on the tour will be the Community Church Museum, where a local resident will explain the history and highlights of this community’s worship services. Other stops will be the communal kitchen, the cooper shop, the broom and basket shop, which features a giant rocking chair, the woolen mill, the winery with the tasting room and many more shops and attractions.
We plan to eat lunch at the Ox Yoke Inn, where the food is served family style and is so good that you may not want to leave. We’ll eat dinner and see a play at the Old Creamery Theater.
The next morning after breakfast we will finish our tour of Amana. On the way back to Des Moines we plan to stop at an outlet mall where you will have free time to shop and have lunch on your own.
You will treasure your memories of this fascinating tour. We’ll see you there.