Tucked away in the tranquil countryside of Smyrna, Maine, The Pioneer Place, USA, stands as a captivating testament to traditional craftsmanship and community spirit. This Amish-owned general store, illuminated by the warm glow of propane lamps, offers an astonishing array of goods, from essential tools to pantry staples and unique local provisions. Imagine shelves brimming with feed buckets, lamp wicks, hearty bags of jerky, and generous pails of raw honey – a true emporium of necessities and unexpected delights.
For nearly 25 years, The Pioneer Place has been the lifeblood of this close-knit farming community of approximately 425 residents, providing quality goods at remarkably fair prices. As local Nancy Leathers from Whitey’s gas station notes, “My husband goes in there at least once a week, and I never know what he’s going to come out with!” This element of surprise and discovery is part of the store’s enduring charm.
Shelves stocked with diverse goods at The Pioneer Place USA, showcasing its extensive inventory
A Cornerstone for the Amish Community and Beyond
The Pioneer Place holds particular significance for Smyrna’s 22 Amish families. Traveling by horse and buggy, access to larger service centers like Houlton, located 17 miles eastward, presents a considerable challenge. Chris Hilty, the store’s gentle and thoughtful owner, explains, “It’s inconvenient, but we also try to avoid going there because of the hostile environment.” His words don’t imply negativity from the Houlton community, but rather the cultural dissonance between the Amish way of life and the pervasive high-tech environment of modern towns. The Pioneer Place offers a haven, a place where their values and needs are understood and catered to.
However, the appeal of The Pioneer Place extends far beyond the Amish community. Approximately 75 percent of its clientele are “English,” the Amish term for non-Amish individuals. These customers are drawn by the store’s unique atmosphere, quality products, and the opportunity to support a local, family-run business rooted in traditional values.
The exterior of The Pioneer Place USA, a traditional general store with a welcoming presence in rural Maine
The Amish in Smyrna: Revitalizing a Rural Town
The Hilty family, arriving from Michigan in 1996, were pioneers themselves, establishing the first Amish community in Maine within Smyrna. Today, Maine boasts nine Amish settlements, with four situated in Aroostook County, some originating from Smyrna while others hail from diverse states like Tennessee, Kentucky, Iowa, and New York.
Chris Hilty, 63, manages The Pioneer Place with the invaluable assistance of his ten children. Despite minimal advertising beyond Smyrna, word of mouth and the store’s distinctive character have attracted a broad customer base. Interestingly, The Pioneer Place even has an unofficial Facebook page, a testament to its unexpected reach in the digital age.
The Smyrna Amish community, while adhering to core Amish principles, exhibits a degree of flexibility. They permit bicycle riding and business telephones and will accept car rides when necessary. Their industrious spirit is evident in various ventures, including greenhouses and the production of metal roofing, wooden storage sheds, and finely crafted furniture. This entrepreneurial drive has breathed new life into Smyrna, a town that was once experiencing decline. Nancy Leathers aptly summarizes their impact: “They’ve revived a lot of the old farms. They’ve brought a lot to this little community.”
Inside The Pioneer Place USA, showcasing the warm, propane-lit ambiance and friendly service
Visit The Pioneer Place USA
For those seeking an authentic glimpse into rural Maine and the enduring appeal of a traditional general store, The Pioneer Place Usa is a must-visit destination. Located at 2539 U.S. Rte. 2, Smyrna, Maine, 207-757-8984, the store welcomes visitors (note: closed Thursdays and Sundays). Discover the charm and community spirit that makes The Pioneer Place a true gem of Smyrna and a unique destination in the USA.
