August 4, 2025
From Indiana we headed west towards SD. Our first stop was in the Lake Coralville area near Iowa City, IA. Our stay ended up being an extended stay due to a rather expensive Jeep repair. It's been a rough month for repairs. Ugh!
One of the reasons we stopped in the area is that I wanted to see the Amana Colonies. I had heard of them and was curious at to what they were. They are not Amish as so many mistakenly believe. The Inspirationists fled Germany, settled in Ebenezer, NY, then moved to Iowa as they grew. They maintained a communal lifestyle until the early 1930's. At which point the communal way of living was abandoned. A corporation was formed, and the Amana Colonies preserved examples of their former lifestyle.
Today the area consists of several quaint and picturesque villages with plenty of shopping. I was most impressed with the woolen mill offerings of blankets and throws. Wow, I wished I needed a blanket.
Yes, Amana appliances are from this area. Whirlpool (current owner) maintains a factory in the area. If you say Radarange when someone says Amana, you're right on track.. Amana developed the first microwave oven for residential use in 1967. No factory tours are available, but the Amana Heritage Museum has the first microwave oven on display.
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| American White Pelicans on Lake Coralville |
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| First Amana Radarange |
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| Amana Woolen Mill |
