Can The Amish Do It Better?

I had the opportunity to document a local group of Amish moving a large barn by hand and it was quite an interesting and fascinating thing to be a part of.

[@DownEastSaw]

That little Amish kid knows more about working hard and getting stuff done than 90% of American adults. What a treat.

[@ChrisFiggatt]

He’ll be running a construction business one day!

[@marklester161]

I am fortunate to live in an area rich in the Amish community as well. I, as a side hustle, drive semi during harvest season and deliver shucks to the local cattle farmers, most of which are Amish. I feel so fortunate to be able to interact with the community and the individuals that live in it. I echo your every word in this video. We “English” could sure learn a lesson or two from them … even the younger folks of their community.

[@ososkid]

90%, huh? You can say a lot of stuff about Americans. Like, 90% of Americans aren’t really great dealing in large numbers or 99.8% of Americans tend towards hyperbole. What you can’t say about Americans is that they don’t work hard or get things done. Americans work more hours for far less wages and fewer benefits with only as little as 1/4 the vacation time than every other industrialized nation and we have out produced every one of those countries too.

[@yotoma]

Try to find one out of a thousand average kids that age who is as articulate and aware and you would be set for any project in life.

[@cliffpalermo]

Was thinking the same. What great people

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

Neil, there is an Amish community about 60 miles from here… but, in our area we have Mennonites. They have different rules about equipment use, technology and such. But, their work ethic and sense of community is very similar. In 1993 I was wanting to have my first shop built. One of my buddies worked in construction as a carpenter. So I asked him to have his boss quote on building me that shop. After getting their quote, learning that it would be two months before they could start and four weeks to build it… another friend recommended a Mennonite barn builder. So, I contacted them for a quote. The builder quoted me 25% less, a starting date in two weeks and a three day build. I accepted it on the spot. When I told my carpenter buddy that I was going to have them build it, he warned that I wouldn’t be happy. He said that they don’t build barns the same way that his crew does. And, that they don’t pay taxes… so they are taking jobs away from other workers. Just as promised, the Mennonites showed up on time and built the shop in ONLY two days. As far as actual working time, they built it in 14 hours. When it was finished, my buddy, the carpenter came by to look at the job. He began showing me all of the things that he said were wrong… For example: they used 6 x 6 posts instead of 4 x 4’s. They used 2 x 8 purlins instead of 2 x 6’s. The pad was poured after the barn was built… instead of putting it on the pad. They also used trusses instead of rafters. He explained that all of those things ran up the price or cut corners. I listened and told him that I would have to live with my decision. And Neil, I must confess, that I have done so happily. That was in 1993. I kept his number and gave it to friends and neighbors who also used his company to have their garages, barns and sheds built. In 2014 I called that number again to have my shop doubled in size. The man who came out to look was the son of the man who had previously ran the company. He remembered helping his father build the original shop when he was a child. What’s surprised me most was that he remembered not only building it, but who I was. He also knew that I had recommended him to build the garage and shop for my neighbors. And, you guessed it. I hired him to build the extension on my shop. Since then , I also had them build a machine shed… So when I did some work for a family amusement park, I recommended that barn builder to build the visitor center. When I went by to watch the progress, it was not only he but several in his crew who welcomed me like old friends. So yes, they have a great community and a strong work ethic but they also remember others who help them. I wouldn’t be surprised if those Amish remember that you helped them move that barn.

[@digdrivediy]

That is a great recount Dave. Very much the same of the Amish around here. I’m glad you found a lifelong crew that would be back time and time again to assist with any building need. That’s getting harder to find these days too. When we built the addition to our house I asked my Amish neighbors to quote it. They told me they’d do it for the price of materials and wages for their employees, but they wouldn’t charge me. They treated me as a neigh and that’s all I could ask. I plowed the snow from their driveway every time it snowed from there on out until they moved. The Amish community around here is growing by leaps and bounds too! They are the only ones with an expanding birth rate and it has been apparent in the last couple decades. That’s the only beef we’d have is that we’re all competing for the same bits of land. At least we know we’ll have good neighbors! Have a great week!

[@stephenlea5765]

That’s awesome! Thanks for the detailed experience.

[@LordNecron]

'Use 6x6 instead of 2x4, 2x8 instead of 2x6'.......sounds like sturdier to me, not 'worse'.

[@janetdupree6353]

That is a heart-warming story. Thanks for sharing it.

[@sassafrasvalley1939]

@@LordNecron I agree…. I may not have made it clear… the Mennonite builder used superior materials… my buddy argued they were ’overkill’. His crew used the lesser materials…. 4 x 4, 2 x 6, rafters, etc. I never revealed how much less the Mennonites charged…. My buddy assumed I paid more to get it built. Does that help clarify it?

[@tonynieuwlandt5407]

That was fun to watch, that little guy definitely gave you the grand tour. He knew what he was talking about, that's for sure.

[@dooks123]

Quite a neat accent as well.

[@digdrivediy]

Yeah he sure did!

[@countrylifetales2700]

The boy at the end, showing you around and giving you the details of things, was awesome. What a smart young boy. Teamwork and community is a powerful thing. Thanks for sharing.

[@digdrivediy]

The best part of the video happened by accident! :)

[@kurtkisandi1575]

I’ve gone through all your videos, some twice! I hate having to wait until Sunday mornings for the new ones. You do a great job with filming, editing and narration. It really shows in your videos compared to other people’s content. Great job!

[@chengpuzheng3843]

😮😮😮​@@digdrivediy😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😢😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@nanoresmith2697]

​@@digdrivediy🤭 So cool! 🤗

[@TheBroStead]

Great video. The little kid at the end was great. Great community

[@brucemitchell5637]

I bet the boy understood more about construction than most men!

[@muskegonhunterscamp]

IMO this is some of your best work Neil. Accomplished very respectfully, which isn't easy.

[@rchavez5056]

It's funny, Neil, that you say you are a little jealous of there community. I felt the same about your community when you showed the video of your community working together for the fair you all had a few months ago. I even commented that I wanted to move to your town. The world would be a better place if everyone got along and helped each other like the Amish and your community does. Great video.

[@robertmooney571]

AMEN!!!

[@BaberFlave]

One of my favorite videos in a long time. The conversation with the kid was awesome.

[@Yetibiker67]

Amazing people and amazing work ethic. Great community. We need more of that in this crazy world. Thank you Neil. There still is goodness in this world

[@garyc4983]

Kids will be Kids............Neil thanks for taking the time to showcase everyone especially the end with those boys loved it all... Thanks again...........

[@425edsTP]

I watch a lot of your videos. I enjoy their variety. And this is one of my new favorites and I think your comments about their community is very well said. Not very many of us can influence 350 people at the same time.

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks so much!

[@NameNaameNameeNaamee]

That little boy is so adorable with his accent and being all grown up about what worked and what did not :D

[@hunterwilkins3978]

The Amish kid was awesome he's a good worker

[@richardsaxton5201]

I was neighbors with the Amish community in Wyoming, Delaware. Awesome people and amazing craftsmen. Like you, I was always somewhat jealous of the tight bond they all maintained. Very proud to call many of them my friends. Great video!

[@davidurfer7632]

Moving the barn was nice an all, but the son of the new owner was impressive! That young man (I'm guessing 8-10) was plugged in. He knew everything that happened and what still needed to be done. He held a conversation with an adult without his parents present.

[@berryfisher4764]

I have the utmost respect for the Amish people, so hard working and so kind. We have quite a few here in northern Michigan and it’s a pleasure doing business with them. I think they know something we don’t 😂

[@kevinritchie9227]

Little fella at the end has been brought up well. The Amish community is definitely one of a kind. We are lucky we are only a few hours from Lancaster, PA and love going there.

[@booneblackmon7749]

Love how the lil kid at end knows everything going on. He can probably already frame a house. Awesome video

[@maxobara1496]

Great job, shows the best when folks come together. Nothing is impossible!!💪🤗🇺🇸

[@ritterjon]

My favorite part was the young boy telling you all about it! What a cool thing to be a part of. *Keep on tractoring!*

[@seanmclaughlin3077]

The Amish are a national treasure. Thanks for sharing.

[@PurpleCollarLife]

That was awesome! We had some Amish friends who made it possible for us to put our addition on. They're amazing (and fast!) carpenters. I loved that outtake at the end. :)

[@casycasy5199]

so cool ,amazing how they moved it.that little kid was great.

[@frankwrogg2515]

That was 100 percent awesome. Thanks for sharing this with us.

[@gabehill1462]

We became close to an Amish family with 17 kids. They were such a humble family and so loving. Your comment about the Amish community is spot on. My Mom and Dad would be invited to weddings and events as they saw them as part of the family. Thanks for sharing!

[@BigFarles]

Very cool video. Thanks for taking time to record this.

[@jamesharrod8733]

i grew up over hardin/logan counties in western ohio - old order amish was in the area, we always helped other , - got to give respect

[@danchapin7987]

Very impressive! Our country would be so much better if we adopted the community first attitude demonstrated here! Thank you for sharing.

[@ryany1753]

By far one of the coolest videos yet

[@argee55]

We had an Amish construction crew do a job for us seven years ago. They were here for 13 weeks. They were a joy to work with.

[@gilchrist31]

Awesome video, thank you. That little kid knows more carpentry than I do....Impressive. This country could use alot more people like that community.

[@br549rdr]

Amen Neil I agree I wish we all would help our brother/neighbor more. You can feel the power of love in the air when we all work together. 🙏🏻😇

[@ponypwr]

The young Amish boy is very smart and knowledgeable! Very impressed! Most modern of grown men don't have the attitude and work ethic that young man has!

[@digdrivediy]

Absolutely! He pays attention when Dad is talking!

[@kevndo]

Neal, you are absolutely correct. If we could all get along and respect each other like the Amish do, this world would be a much better place. We built a house 2 years ago( my girlfriend actually did the GC) . The Amish and Mexicans were the best contractors to deal with. They came in did the work and we’re gone. All the others would show up, leave early, or not show up at all. Thanks for sharing the move.

[@phooesnax]

That was Awesome

[@Deke1]

WOW, that was pretty impressive....

[@tonysickles9440]

Marvelous video. So much to unpack here. Fascinating to witness. One of the best vids you’ve produced.

[@lilijean]

Little bro tells a story like a wise old man❤

[@cornebistouille]

so nice to see a different look on the amish community. a candide and without bias view or judgement

[@stevebonczyk3795]

Thanks for providing great content. Its nice to see you mixing it up

[@timfontenot5]

Thanks Neil. I have heard about how the Amish raise barns but never actually saw it. All I can say it was incredible. Imagine if all of America lent a helping hand like this our country would be magnificent.

[@digdrivediy]

For sure!

[@tee-steel.0158]

How many little boys have the mindset to explain that. 🥰❤️

[@scottbaughman]

I live in Canada, specifically Perth County in Ontario. We have a large Amish and Mennonite population in this area and in Waterloo Region. They are great people and sell great furniture! Plus their produce they grow and sell at the road is also great. Its always interesting around harvest time when you see the little piles of wheat all done by hand!

[@dubberkm7200]

Like the old saying... Many hands , make light work. Every Harlan Day video you put out, I comment on how great your community is, and it REALLY is. However, we could all really learn from the Amish. Just imagine what all could be accomplished if we all would come together and work as one, it can be a very powerful thing. This was a great video to watch, I believe you are very lucky to have been able to take part and help in this.

[@blackdogexcavator21]

That kid at the end was a hoot. He is wise beyond his years, for sure. Thanks for sharing Neil.

[@leedun7]

Impressive...we would love to live in your area!

[@paulhauter3773]

I love the amish grow up with them all my life (homes county Ohio)

[@BFT88]

Neil that was really cool to watch. Thanks for sharing this with us!

[@mrfarmall-vk4gw]

That was cool! If I could get 3 or 4 people to show up it would be a Christmas miracle 😂😂 nice job!

[@jimmcginty8572]

Neil, one of best parts of your videos they are always about family, community, and hard work. A genuine recipe for a great way of life, keep up the great work.

[@Joey-iy2ls]

That was amazing and thanks for sharing! We lived in PA for 12 yrs and saw the Amish work ethic first hand. You are 100% correct about their commitment to community. We had them build a detached 14’x24’ garage that I wish we could have brought with us to FL. Thanks again for sharing

[@beeroquoisnation]

The tenacity of the Amish is accompanied by their humility. They have committed themselves to He who is all Truth.

[@lisaharvey4373]

I agree the little guy at the end hard working attitude and so knowledgeable for his age!

[@Hey_Its_That_Guy]

Really cool to see that, thanks Neil, for taking us along. The ending was precious, so glad you left that in! I often think the Amish and the Mennonites have it right and the rest of us are wrong.

[@Nicholaskleyn]

Thanks Neil for a great video. The Amish are fascinating people. Hard working and old school.

[@robertrosicki9290]

At the end the little fella and his puppy giving you the tour was just a boat load of cuteness .

[@05xlt]

I live near a few different Amish communities. They have all of the shops you spoke of and really churn out some amazing, high quality products. I’ve heard of barn moving, but I’ve never actually witnessed. It seems more chaotic than what I would have imagined, but very impressive nonetheless. Thank you for sharing!

[@leolarocque-v5v]

Love the video Neil and love that Kid too .

[@Tdale85]

Good morning Neil!! I live about an hour East of a very large Amish community in PA. Their work ethic is incredible!

[@digdrivediy]

Morning!

[@JonneOksanen]

That community is something everybody should aim for. You can do almost everything solo but helping each other makes it a lot better. Team work makes dreamwork !

[@martynnewby6298]

That was heart warming Neil. Thanks for the effort.

[@TinManKustoms]

What an amazing video. The Mennonite and Amish Communities are very hard working people. Ive been very lucky in my life to have worked along side some of these folks here in Ontario Canada. Ive seen first hand how quickly they come together to tackle a project. One good example was when their fertilizer plant burnt they had guys there the next day tearing down the building and rebuilding a new building in a matter of 4 days. The building department didn't even have time to approve the permit before they completed the work. Most will look after their neighbors even if your not part of the community. Thanks for sharing

[@SHOdown13]

The Amish will still be there when we are all but a memory.

[@seanarcher6952]

Neil, your videos are the best part of my Sunday morning routine!! Love watching them!!!

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks!

[@jasondonnelly4509]

You hoped that I liked it? I absolutely loved it ! I look forward to your videos every week Neil, thx, for so many things, like sharing your part of our world, your community and the small parts of your family life are treasures, plus you do a very good job of making entertaining videos.

[@ericreinoehl4350]

Thanks for the view. It is very interesting to see the process and effort in there community. Cool you where able to be a part and show us. Thanks

[@digdrivediy]

Thanks for watching!

[@jasonmoncrieff7449]

Neil, I agree with your sentiment regarding community. I live in Northern Ireland and it is something that has been forgotten..

[@AbolishTheATF2024]

The Amish Community is what we should look to when it comes to a sense of what it means to work TOGETHER on things. Truly impressive.

[@aaronburford5701]

Gm Neil, thanks for sharing this! Was fascinating to watch And listen to the Amish work thru and complete a project. You have a lot in common with their methods too. I hope you had a great weekend, tournaments went well.... Looking forward to catching up this week sir!

[@digdrivediy]

Many thanks!

[@Mr_Timi1]

I got a good laugh off those kids at the end, looks like they got a stern look too. great video. Happy sunday!

[@hpw59]

Thanks for taking us along....AMAZING❤

[@all_the_moga]

That was a nice bit of insight. Thanks Niel ;)

[@cgoad]

What a wonderful effort and community spirit! The two boys in the last twenty seconds are priceless.😊 Boys just being boys! Thank you, Neil!

[@lauraburnett9320]

Brilliant film as usual Neil and I fully agree about your views on the Amish. I am in the UK and involved in animal rescue and have seen several very sad films in the last year of beautiful horses being rescued from slaughter, they were taken there by the Amish and they were in a very sad and unhealthy state, worn into old age rather than retired gracefully in a field. This is such a sad state of affairs. The rescued animals were given an excellent retirement with their own kind.

[@DavidB-Scotland]

What a fascinating and enjoyable video! A case of too many cooks perhaps? Thanks Neil. 👍💪

[@josephpritchard6941]

That was amazing

[@paraweir]

That kid was such a cool little guy...

[@gastbury]

Thank you for sharing this community event. It reminds us of the power of people. No big equipment just human hard work. An excellent glimpse into the Amish way of life. Thank you for keeping the youngins playing with the camera at the end. Doesn’t matter your background… kids are kids!

[@prymtme]

Fantastic! Lift where you stand. Great lesson on what we all can do together, if we lift where we stand.

[@owestyo]

Amazing what any community can do when they work together. You live in an amazing and diverse area. You’re so lucky.

[@jasonmaxfield6y312]

It's pretty cool how the Amish do that. Neat that you got to partake.

[@grayeddolls]

That was wonderful!!!! Thanks, Neil and bravo to everyone involved! 😀

[@terryrogers1025]

Thanks Neil, I lived around an Amish community for a number of years, and your right, the sense of community is strong, really enjoyed watching, brought back good memories.

[@marilynwitherell186]

Amazing, thank you

[@Bill-sp9wm]

Seen it done, but never participated. Nice job documenting the entire move, hiccups and all.

[@ttuck9603]

That was a fun video you put together...love the ending with the kids and the camera! 😄

[@jamowallace]

The Amish Community always amazes me, if the world were to end, the Amish would still thrive! Great video as always Neil, greetings from the UK

[@workingmanrondoyle3287]

Awesome video Neil 👍🏻👍🏻 The Amish are very hard-working people! Thanks for for sharing this with us. Love it, my brother.

[@matthewsavidge6248]

All I can say is WOW how amazing is that , what great people , an amazing place you call home 👍🏻

[@wolfpacva]

Amazing what some people can do. That kid knew what he was talking about.

[@kodypemberton]

The ending lol Kids are kids, no matter what. I grew up in Southern Illinois around the Amish as well, and have done lots of work with them, great people.

[@ianmckay1780]

You asked what the first words would be, to describe the Amish. My first thought was Community! Turns out I was right, Yipee!! That is from a non American! We don't claim to know a lot about other communities, but that is something we do (or rather some of us) know. Yet again Neil, you've done it! Produced something from an idea, and turned it to your advantage into a video! 10/10 for the effort and assistance you all put into the move. The speed of it was incredible, considering the obstacles that were encountered. Thanks for filming it and showing us how they do it! From UK.

[@featheredcoyote5477]

Witnessed your neighbors over by Bull Rapids Rd lose a very large chicken barn and part of home during a tornado 10 yrs ago. The very next day, Amish had the majority of the barn framed up and the house had new sheathing, tar paper, and shingles installed. I'm with you, we have to appreciate the work ethic and how they always come together as a community and get it done.

[@ugoogletube8873]

People helping people, Great Video, thank you Neil

[@lisaleeper9399]

Great video Neil! Saw my amish neighbors farm, and alot of places i recognized. Drone shots were awesome. Little boys in the end were cuties!

[@Oklahoman-in6ph]

AMAZING! Thanks, Neil for sharing this Spectacular event with us, just absolutely AMAZING! I hope to see you on the next one neighbor.

[@terrancesnyder9323]

Good morning Neil, God bless you & your family

[@kevinkenyon7045]

Great video! What an amazing showing of community! There are a lot more of good people than there are bad people! Thanks for sharing! Kevin

[@SusanTaylor-k7c]

Loved this video! I have witnessed this before and think it’s incredible. Seems as if National Geographic did something on this once. As always your videos are in my top 5. That little guy was simply amazing wasn’t he? ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@goodness-mercy]

What a wonderful video. Some of my best friends are Amish - and most honest and straightforward! You helped bring up some great memories. I could keep on telling you Amish stories.