Arriving in August of 1834 to a sight just two miles from Sauder Village, the Lauber party, consisting of over 27 adults and children, was the first group of permanent European settlers to arrive in German Twp. These Amish-Mennonite immigrants from Alsace Lorain came seeking religious freedom and a better life. They struggled to make a home in the unforgiving Great Black Swamp. Their hastily built homes, such as this replica, were constructed from the materials at hand and served to protect them during that first winter. Guests will hear about the struggles these immigrants faced and learn more about life in the swamp in this the oldest of our four historic homes. Here, too, children can try out a tick mattress and sometimes help churn butter.
