for an unusual and enlightening travel experience, explore the historic melting pot of religious settlements that have helped define American culture. Among them were two extraordinary heritage of the park: Zoar Village and Ephrata Cloister. Both provide a fascinating window into American living history.
*** Zoar Village in Zoar, Ohio *** A group of about 200 German Separatists founded this village, along the Ohio River Tuscarawas in 1817 as a refuge from religious persecution they suffered in their homeland. The appointment of a settlement of Zoar (pronounced Zohra), after the Biblical city where Lot took refuge from Sodom, they came full of hope and determination. As often happened in early America, they also come unprepared for the financial burden associated with establishing a new life. Two years after his arrival, from economic necessity, the village has become a communal society called "Society of Separatists of Zoar ."
By combining their resources and work for the good of all, Zoarites found its way to success - relatively quickly, in fact, though not in the usual način.Ohio and Erie Canal was built, and Zoarites contracted to dig seven miles, which is passed through their zemlju.Platiti was good, allowing them to completely delete their significant debt. More importantly, the channel opened up their trade, and they became entrepreneurs Zoarites, operating canal boats, attracting tourists and selling various products for strance.Rezultat was astonishing: from the mid-1800s, this small group of religious dissidents gathered assets worth more than a million dollars. In 1898, the Company was finally dissolved for a membership vote, the property is divided, and Zoar has become just another small country town where people work for their own gratification
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Fortunately, most historic buildings have survived as a unique reminder of a very interesting past. Although many are now private residences and businesses, ten controlled Ohio Historical Society and the Zoar showcase different aspects of life. They include the number one house (which was the home of Joseph Baumeler leader and two other families), a greenhouse and a gardener residence and Kitchen / Laundry / Magazine Complex, plus a blacksmith shop, wagon shop, Tinshop, Zoar shop, bakery, dairy products and, last but not least, Bimeler House Museum (a commune last decade). Plan a leisurely visit and guided tura.Zgrada are extremely diverse and well appointed.
Zoar Village is located on SR 212 approximately 3 miles southeast of I-77 in Zoar, OH. Take I-77 exit 93-198 Main Street. Open April to October - weekends April-Memorial Day, Wednesday-Sunday Memorial Day-Labor Day, weekends after Labor Day 31 October The entrance charge.
*** Ephrata Cloister in Ephrata, Pennsylvania *** celebrates 275th anniversary, this devout Protestant community has progressed in the spirit of a man, Conrad Beissel, who believed in the intensely personal communion with God, and also stressed the importance of music for the soul and body. Beissel has become one of the first American composer hymns and anthems, as well as publishers in America, the first book of original compositions, Turtel-Taube. At first, the preacher of the German Baptist brethren in Germantown, Pennsylvania, has left Brothers to continue their own form of spiritual mysticism of the 1732nd Many brothers, drew his magnetic personality, he joined the Ephrata (pronounced EH-Fraham-TAH) cloister.
Beissel and his followers living together is characterized by strict discipline and intense self-denial in preparation for Christ's return to Earth. Although many are married, celibacy was viewed as ideal for achieving a reliable channel of communication with God. Living quarters were small and simple, usually with a wooden bench for a bed and wood block for a pillow. Laziness is frowned upon, so the days were very busy. Assigned individuals tend gardens, orchards and wheat fields, produced cloth from the cloister-grown flax, made and repaired clothes, worked in a sawmill, gristmill and paper mills, produces books and hymnals in the printing press, created a poetry, music or decorative writing called Fracture and, of course, preparing meals and took care of all the other needs of the community. When the chores are done, their focus turned to religious activities such as evening choral singing and fellowship.
Inspired by Beissel's commitment to the cause, the cloisters of progress. Until 1750, there were about 300 members. Unfortunately, after Beissel's death in 1768, the community began to dissolve. In 1770, only 135 members and still. Yet, after everyone had left, their unique world was protected from others, simply because they care about. Today, much of what created the Ephrata Cloister remains the world to see and ponder. Ten of the original building has been renovated and furnished to recreate the atmosphere of eighteenth-century communal village. Fascinating!
After the opening of the film center for visitors, conduct tours and costumed guides. Special events are held throughout the year. Ephrata Cloister is located at 632 West Main Street in Ephrata, PA. Take I-76 west to exit 21, Route 222 north to Ephrata, then Route 322 West about 2 miles. Open daily except major holidays. The entrance charge.
By: Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker
Excerpted from the new travel guide "America's Living History-the early years," Red Corral Publishing, May 2007, Suzanne and Craig Sheumaker, authors.
