Several weeks ago we had errands in the South Fork community, home to several sects of Amish and Mennonites.
Catching up with or meeting a horse-drawn buggy is a regular part of traveling along the narrow winding roads.
Jim was with me on this excursion. Stopping at Casey County Discount Market [which sometimes has the tinned cat food our resident felines prefer] I noted a buggy at the hitching rail but didn't pay close attention until Jim remarked, 'Now there's a fancy buggy! Wonder what the local bishop thinks of that.'
This buggy has a 'bed' constructed of diamond-plate metal to be utilized as a cargo space.
Metal runs along the base of the 'cab' and frames the edges.
Practical, but rather 'flashy' by the standards of Plain People!
The 'slow-moving vehicle' caution sign is requisite in Kentucky, and there are tail lights as well as reflectors on top of the cab.
A fitted windshield and dashboard cubby are upgrades, as well as the slits to accommodate the reins, sophisticated engineering to add to the comfort of travel in rainy weather.
By now the horse likely wondered why we were hovering around.
There were few customers in the store and we couldn't pinpoint a possible owner of this 'worldly' contraption.
Old Order Amish are especially conservative in dress, household furnishings and farming implements.
Perhaps this splendid buggy belongs to a Mennonite family.
I will keep watch for it on future outings to South Fork.
The horse really is giving y’all a look over. He makes me smile. If only he could talk, he’d probably tell on you. Hilltop Post
ReplyDeleteMary: That horse does have an inquiring expression! The South Fork businesses all have hitching rails for their customers.
DeleteI do love horses and buggies and this one is intriguing. I like their older style of life.
ReplyDeleteTerra; There is much to admire about the Amish/Mennonite lifestyle--yet, at the same time there is little regard for the women, who often have a dozen or more children. Also in some cases there is a great lack of personal hygiene and dental care. We continue to find the South Fork community interesting.
DeleteI love your cheerful header photo. We are having a late cold (and often wet) spring again. I want more than a glimpse of sunshine.
ReplyDeleteSmart rig there - perhaps Mennonite, as you say. The horse looked a bit puzzled as to why you were nearby.
Jennie; We've had our cold spell also just after an early heat wave brought everything into leaf and bloom. We are about in need of rain here.
DeleteHorses are observant creatures, aren't they!
That sure is an unusually souped-up buggy! GM
ReplyDeleteG.M. We were quite intrigued with this unusually 'worldly' buggy. I hope we see it again, maybe along with the owners.
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