Welcome!
This site is dedicated to Nicholas Stoltzfus, Amish pioneer, and the preservation
of the Nicholas Stoltzfus Homestead.
Here you will find some history on Nicholas, the early Stoltzfus family and
Amish settlements in the
Reading and Lancaster, Pennsylvania area.
On the Wings of a Snow White Dove
The 11th Annual Auction Was Held
Saturday May 11, 2013
I was asked if the dove release had some special significance.
Ervan Stoltzfus has been training doves for some time.
Last year they were not ready, but this year they were.
We released them to the northeast, into an opening which they
entered and circled as they got their bearings, and off they went.
Henry James, 1902, gave the title to the novel he wrote about Milly Theale,
a woman stricken with a fatal disease. Roy Ferguson wrote the gospel song,
On the Wings of a Snowwhite Dove, in 1958.
The theme informs us God does not forsake us.
The doves lost no time finding their freedom from the cages.
They followed their freedom twenty five minutes to the comfort of their home,
cooing as they picked at their favorite grain.
Our heritage is both what we are released from and what we return to.
Noah spent years building the ark for his family, when he drifted many
days he sent a dove to see where he could return to. God did not forsake him.
The dove release seemed to be only an item to add to the auction.
Heritage may be merely an element some find interesting.
It could actually be much more.
Photos: Richard Patrick
PHOTOS from the 2013 auction
Download the Spring 2013 Newletter
Saving The Stoltzfus House
In the Lancaster newspapers 11/20/2012
and lancasteronline.com
Download The 2012
House Restoration Progress Brochure
Read about the July 27, 2012 Barn Raising
View photos of the barn raising on youtube
Recently added articles
Read the Article by Tom Infield in
The Philly Inquirer on 9/5/2011
How Firm a Foundation? The Barn Construction Begins.
Newsletter and Publications Archive
Speech given at Barn Groundbreaking
by Merle W. Stoltzfus
Faith Heritage of the Stoltzfus Familyby Merle W. Stoltzfus
Photos from the 2011 barnraising
Make it a day at historical Berks Parks!
Begin the day at the NSH, have lunch in the local pavilion,
then see the Gruber Wagon Works, the Canal Museum, and take to the trails.
Or canoe on the Tulpehocken.
In 2006 members of the Preservation Committee met with Michael Leader, President and CEO of Country Meadows. He assured the Committee he supports future development based on the Committees's goals. Preservation is assured through an agreement with Country Meadows.
The goals include completing a barn with an apartment for caretakers to replace the house trailer, public restrooms, a heritage room, and a utility room. Inquiries can be made by calling 717-808-7785.
Nicholas Stoltzfus House drawing by Roger Cooke - Used by Permission.