High Amana General Store in Amana, Iowa is a Step Back into a Simpler Time of Life

Originally in 1857, this general store has retained all of its original architecture. Looking around this store, visitors can see the tin ceiling, the original glass display cases and even the original brickwork on the exterior of the building. The brick has weathered to a wonderful hue, and is scarred with the passage of time, the harsh winters and the blistering summers the region endures. Yet even though the ravages of time have made their mark, it is still a fine building with character unseen in today's archictecture, with a personality that says "endurance" and "spirit" as well. It is a fine example of a historical "general store" when times were less harried and life was much simpler, a time when communal property was the norm and huge "mega stores" hadn't even been thought of. Fully functional with a variety of handcrafted items such as soaps and candles and unique items as well, this shop still serves today as a general store much as it did almost 150 years ago.

Located at 1308 G Street, this "museum" is a great start to your visit to the colonies as it sets the tone for that simple life that the settlers were hoping to find for their followers. Filled with exhibits and examples of a simpler kind of life, the Amana general store is one which visitors are known to frequent time and time again, if not for the wares tastefully displayed and offered there but for the atmosphere that this store offers. It is a refreshing change from the super stores with their neon signs and "SALE TODAY ONLY" sign. To be able to enter this store is like a step back into a simpler time of life, when family was foremost in the settlers eyes and materialistic wants were virtually unheard of. Gone are the day glo colors often seen today, the garish fashions and trendy items and in their place are handcrafted and carefully chosen articles which reflect the personalities and life style of the Amish people who live within the Amana Colonies.

Upon the shelves is a colorful array of jams, jellies, lace, reading material and other handcrafted items. Each carefully chosen to best fit the store and the clientele it caters to. One is fully aware when entering this store that the Amish people take their lives very seriously and their belief system is reflected in every item upon the shelves in this store.

I encourage all to visit the Amana Colonies with their children and experience firsthand the plain life these early settlers lived. While it is a stark change from our hurried and harried lives of today it is an important part of history and should be shared.