NOTE: Thank you to readers who have been pitching to help the Eichers, it is VERY much appreciated! Every bit helps! While there is no formal fire fund, people can help by joining the Amish Cook Friend Club. Click here to join and if you want to forgo the Friend Club rewards just make a note and that will earmark those funds for fire clean-up.
CLEAN-UP: Clean-up continues at the Eicher household in the wake of last week's fire. Her church has been great about diving in and helping with the clean-up and comfort needed in the wake of such a mess. Lovina's oldest daughter, Elizabeth's, bedroom suffered a bit more structural damage than first thought. So the ceiling in her bedroom is being replaced and many of her possessions were coated with a think film of smoke.
Check out this tea set of hers, the color is usually the crisp white seen in the center of the plate where the pitcher was. Instead uncovered parts of the plates are now soot-covered. By the way, everyday dishes among the Old Order Amish - in my experience - are usually low-key no-frills affairs. In fact, plastic seems to be the favored plates and bowls. But many Amish do own a set of really nice dishes, even China, or a tea set like this. They're usually associated with weddings, church or other special occasions. I remember once when I was bringing a newspaper reporter to the late Elizabeth Coblentz's house for supper, she brought out the fine China. So they do have nice dishes, they just aren't for everyday use.
Jolene Rziha
I am so sorry for your loss. I know it could have been worse but a fire is bad anyway you look at it. It is a blessing that no one was hurt.
I Father experienced a fire at their home when he was 10 years old and his sister who had been married for two weeks died in that fire. My Father was also burned himself two years later.
My prayers are with all of you.
Jolene Rziha
3315 24th St.
Great Bend, KS 67530
Marilyn from NY
I owned a store once that had a terrible fire in the middle of the night. It started in one of the apartments upstairs. Even though I wasn't in the store and everyone got out of the apartments all right it still shakes you up. I learned fire can do a lot of damage even in a short time. I am so glad you all got out. You are more important than the house and what's it in. On the other hand - if you wanted any changes in your house-now is the time. When I had the store redone, I changed a lot of things I wouldn't have if it weren't for the fire.
God Bless You and Be With You,
Marilyn from NY