The Amish come to eastern Idaho
There’s a new religion in town. According to a report by the Pew Forum on religion, one quarter of the people who live in Idaho belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. That is followed by 22 percent Evangelical Protestant, and then 18 percent Catholic. Most would agree Idaho is not hugely diversified when it comes to religion, but now we can add one more to the list. The Amish have moved into Lemhi County.
To be specific, several Amish families recently moved to Baker, Idaho. It’s located just 8 miles outside Salmon. One of those families opened a market this summer. You will find products that we’ve never had access to in Idaho. Some come right from the farm next door, and some from other Amish businesses back east. To say the locals are thrilled would be an understatement.
“I think it’s great!” says customer Dave VanLeuven. “They have all kinds of pickled things.”
Pat Jolley adds, “We live just a little ways away, so it’s nice to be able to come here and not go clear to town.”
“To town” means a drive to Salmon. It’s anywhere from eight to 10 minutes away. The new Country Market is the first such store ever built in Baker, and only the second market in the area. It’s on the corner of Highway 28 and Baker Street. Paul Miller’s family runs it, and in our initial tour, we couldn’t believe the number of products available. To begin with, there’s the most delicious feather-light bread and rolls. “The favorite product is probably our baked goods and fried pies,” says owner Miller.
It would be tough to find fresher produce. Miller grows most of it right next to the store. The tomatoes, squash, pumpkins are picture perfect and delicious. This Amish family knows its way around a garden.
“I live out in Tendoy, so it’s convenient for me as I go in Salmon,” says attorney Clark Jordon. “And they have a lot of nice merchandise that you don’t find in the grocery store in Salmon. I like their cheeses, and they have good bread and lots of spices. With the Amish owning the store, they have different selections and different manufacturers that make their stuff. I love the pastrami,” says Jordon enthusiastically.
There are usually horses and buggies tied up in the back of the store. The only thing you won’t find at the market is a member of the family who wants to be on TV.
The Amish don’t really like modern technology. It took a little arm twisting to convince Mr. Miller he’d only have to answer two questions. He finally agreed.
The first question we asked, why did you pick the Salmon area of all places? “Conservative, laid back, community minded people. And we love the mountains,” Miller answered quietly.
Our second and last question, What is your favorite thing about Idaho? “Probably the people. The people, yes.” he said.
If you go to the Baker Country Market, Miller will be happy to talk to you. Stop by for a sandwich made on fresh, fresh bread. Just keep in mind the store is closed on Thursdays and Sundays.
If you’d like to learn more about the Amish religion you can find more information at this website.
