History...the Ephrata Cloister
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Cloister building Cloister building
Chris and I visited a place known as The Ephrata Cloister. It was recomended by an Amish man when he learned of Chris's interest in old stone buildings. We saw only wood buildings with stone foundations when we got there, but it was plenty interesting. The Cloisters began as a wilderness retreat in 1732 when a group of religious people sought solitude from the world.
Cloister building Cloister building
They built a community in the woods in Pennsylvania and lived celibate lives in preparation for heaven. The nearly eighty brothers and sisters who lived there were known as the Solitary. They built Germanic-style buildings and engaged in farming, milling and domestic work. The community became known for its charity. During the Revolutionary War the Cloisters was the site of a military hospital. We enjoyed our tour of the buildings and the intriguing view into the way people of that time lived.

Click here for interior shots at the Cloisters


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