Signs of Lancaster County {Book Review}

Signs of Lancaster County {Book Review}

If you’ve never taken the time to explore an Amish community/area, then I think you’re missing out. There are several within easy driving distance of where we live and we enjoy shopping in our favorite places when we’re in the area. One of the more well known areas is Lancaster County, PA. And this book, Signs of Lancaster County, will take you on a photographic journey of this beautiful piece of country.

This journey through Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, captures a glimpse of Amish Country through 240 color photographs of unique signs in their natural settings. The signs and graphics of official markers, one-room schoolhouses, roadside stands, cottage industries, local trades, and many more tell the story of this special place. Zero in on the signage of one farm or one road, as well as the seasonal delights of summer and fall. See the many ways the area supports horses and the transportation and agriculture that rely on them. Join the photographer on a scenic adventure through back roads, expansive farmland, and quaint villages, with informative and entertaining anecdotes along the way. You’ll discover new details every time you page through this extraordinary picture book. It’s a tour of Amish country like none other. For armchair tourists, sign buffs, and photography fans alike.

One of the first ways you know you’re in “the country” is either when the roads change or the types of signs you see along the way.

For instance, you don’t see too many stenciled or hand written signs advertising chicken eggs, cabbage, hay or saddles in the town I live in. But within 20 miles, where most folks live off the land and raise crops or animals, they start showing up.

And that’s certainly the case in Lancaster County. It’s not all Amish folks of course, but I’d say it’s definitely more country/farmland than not.

This book takes readers through a fun, entertaining and educational trip by reading different signs whether they are street names, school houses, crops for sale, or just road signs that many of us wouldn’t see on a daily basis. I really liked the little explanations or local stories about the signs when they author included them. It made me feel like I was on a guided tour that I could take my time on with no one rushing me.

Unexpectedly, I found my grandchildren taking an interest in the book as well, since there was little reading that had to be done. But we could talk about the signs, the icons on the signs and the surrounding area in the pictures which has become a different approach to reading and art.

You can purchase a copy of Signs of Lancaster County at Amazon for yourself. This would make a great coffee table or guest room book too!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned in this article in exchange for my honest opinion. Some of the links in the article may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I may receive a small compensation. Regardless, I will only recommend products or services I use personally or believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”