Who We Are?
OUR HISTORY
Colonial Days
Aaron and Jessica’s family are one of the founding families in the USA. They settled across the river from what is now Philadelphia in 1626.
In 1637 their great-grandfather from which they descended was born here. He is now buried in a little churchyard across the river from Philadelphia. Jessica and her family live in one of the oldest known houses in Lancaster county, circa 1720. The area is referred to as “The Gap in the Hills.”
William Penn came there in 1700 to meet with Indians and purchase the land. Jessica likes to say, “America was born in our front yard”. Their house was originally a trading post which became an Inn. It was the last stage stop on the road from Philadelphia to Lancaster General Lafayette (Washington’s Assistant), Benjamin Franklin, notables and other signers of the Declaration & Constitution Articles of Confederation stayed at the house.
Pioneer Days
In the years that followed, our pioneer ancestors like other Plain groups went west to Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kentucky, and Missouri. One of our Great Grandpas were born in 1865 and lived to be almost 100. Many valuable family stories live on because of his long years and keen mind. Some early Plain folk allowed photographs. Today there are Amish folks in 27 states with Brethren and Mennonite descendants in every state in the union.
present day
Plain & Fancy Farm , an original Amish farm, and home to Aaron & Jessica‘s Buggy Rides, opened and began serving meals and giving Buggy Rides in 1959. This property was born as a result of the popular Broadway musical in 1955, Plain & Fancy, which attracted a growing number of tourists. Pony rides and mini-train rides were available for several decades. In 1991, Jessica’s dream of opening her own rides came true. Operations expanded through the years to offer many choices of rides, buggies, carriages and wagons.
Today, Aaron & Jessica’s is passionate about sharing the stories and voices in the Plain community through our knowledgeable drivers and support staff. Our drivers represent members and former members of many of the Plain community and Anabaptist sects such as Old Order Amish, New Order Amish, Beachy Amish, Old Order Mennonite (Joe Wenger), Horning Mennonites (black bumper), Groffdale Conference Mennonite, Old Order River Brethren, Dunkard Brethren, Piker Mennonites and many more. It is our mission to connect you with a first hand viewpoint and conversations with those who have lived and walked in the Plain community and Anabaptist heritage. Read about Jessica’s personal bio next and come for a ride soon!