Date and Time: Feb 16 7:00 PM - Feb 16 8:00 PM

Today Pinecraft is a unique enclave that is a popular winter-time destination for Amish and conservative Mennonites. What brought the first Amish and Mennonites to Sarasota all the way from communities in the Northeast and the Midwest in the 1920s? What was life like before air conditioning, paved roads, multiple restaurants, a park with many activities, and electric bikes? A simpler time, no doubt, but a place that was home. JB Miller, a Mennonite who grew up in the Pinecraft community has many happy memories of those years – attending Pinecraft Elementary School, riding bikes on sandy streets, and playing in Phillippi Creek – will share his knowledge of the history of the community as well as his personal experience growing up in Pinecraft. 

JB Miller

JB’s parents were reared in Old Order Amish homes, but later joined a conservative Mennonite congregation. His parents owned the Pinecraft Eat’n House in the 1950s and 1960s. As a child he spoke both English and Pennsylvania Dutch, a German dialect still spoken by the Amish today. He was educated in both private and public educational institutions. He has been a student of Amish and Mennonite history for many years and enjoys observing the many changes that are taking place in the Pinecraft community.

This event is free and all are welcome to attend.

This series is possible thanks to the support of Florida Humanities, Mellon Foundation, Belier Auto Repair, and the Carlisle Inn.

Event Location

Carlisle Inn
3727 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232

More Events in this Series

Life in Pinecraft: A Conversation with Katie Troyer | February 7th, 2023

Amish Across America: Growth and Change among a Traditional People, with Professor Steven Nolt | February 23rd, 2023

Photo above by Katie Troyer