Caption: Â A group of Old German Baptist Brethren women visit on the train. Â Train is a popular mode of transit for Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren.
This is an interesting story, although, really, it wouldn't take a brain surgeon to figure this out. Â Yes, Chicago is a hub for Amish travel. Â Without owning cars yet still having family in far-flung places trains are a great option for many Amish. Â Amtrak isn't exactly the most speedy way to travel, but if you're used to horse-and-buggy, then train probably suits just fine. Â Amish that fly are more rare. Â But you do have Amish that take to the skies if they live far away or have a family emergency. Â The Amish in Montana, for instance, do sometimes fly back to visit family in Ohio if it's on business or emergency. Â If it's just a family trip from Montana they'll usually take a train. Â Can you imagine trying to buy 10 plane tickets? Â That'd cost a fortune to travel and Amtrak isn't a whole lot cheaper than flying.
An NPR affiliate went to Union Station in downtown Chicago to explore the phenomena of Amish train travel. Â Click here to read the story.
Becky wellington
We were on a train trip from Goshen with them. Had a great time. Becky
Missy
Used to correspond with Amish author David Wagler. After a visit he took to N. CA, we took him to the train station to start the rest of their journey home. This was at Modesto. As we were driving home we thought about how he and his wife had to change trains at Martinez which was on our way home, and as David had a bad leg it could be more difficult for him. So we decided to stop at the station and help them make the change. One of us made a comment about looking for the "only" Amish people in the waiting room. Were we surprised when the entire waiting room was full of Amish people! We found David and did help him get on the next train, But seeing that room full was such a surprise at the time.
Kevin
You are so full of interesting "plain" stories, we are going to have to meet up one of these days!!!
Missy
We became interested in the Amish and other Plain groups in about 1992 and have had quite a journey. I'm sure we could come up with numerous people we have in common. Just let us know when you'll be in the area!
Betsy
Amtrak barrels right through downtown Youngstown around 12:30 AM every morning on its way to Pittsburgh from Cleveland. The speed is around 115 mph give or take. They carry more freight than passengers. It's very sad, rail travel was once such a beautiful way to travel. Sadly once glorious passenger cars from the 30'same and 40'see sit on sidings in out of the way rail yards to be used as makeshift offices.
This is why I love The U Know so. Hop on a train and get to any point in hours. One point on their trains, none have road crossings. You won't hear of a truck or car jumping the gates or getting stuck on the tracks. To have afternoon tea whilst the gorgeous countryside passes by is a lovely day indeed.
Kevin
What is the "U Know?"