John's Blog

The jokes just write themselves when you visit Lancaster county!

Watching the news updates about the teenagers from PA who were captured recently after the murder of her parents is painful enough. But as a local boy, to hear the repeated mispronunciation of Lancaster by newscasters is like hearing fingernails dragging across a chalkboard. Locals' pronounce it Lank'-is-ter and not Lan-cast'-ter like it is said everywhere else.

Although I'm originally from a town near there I get a blank stare from some people when I tell them my home town. When I tell them Lancaster, I usually get the "ah-ha" since most people have at least heard of it. Sure, everybody knows about the Amish, but Lancaster also has a few more claims to fame. It was the birthplace to both Hershey's chocolate and the Woolworth's 5 &10 stores. It also has the dubious honor of being the home of James Buchanan, who until Dubya came along held the mantle of "worst president ever".

A few more links to give you some "local flavor":

Flickr: Amish Photo tags (seems like an oxymoron)
The North Museum (one of my favorite childhood destinations)
Landis Valley Museum (a must see if you've never been on a farm)
You might be from Lancaster...
Lancasters' Failed Attempt At Urban Renewal
The Covered Bridges of Lancaster County
Amish FAQ
Pennsylvania Dutch
Amish Computer Virus
Amish Paradise
Amish Humor
Jakey Budderschnip: Amish Comedian
Amish Heat
Chicken Corn Soup