New book takes pictorial look at Holmes parochial schools
Luke Wilson, author of the new book “School Bells,” traveled throughout Holmes County to capture black and white photos of every single parochial school in the county. His book includes stories from several local authors, all of whom share their memories and insight on their days in school and how the Plain People school system functions.
Luke Wilson always had a passion for photography.
That passion now plays itself out in a unique way that may well tug at the heartstrings of local people in Holmes County.
Wilson’s recently published book “School Bells” takes a black and white journey through Holmes County’s Amish countryside, courtesy of photographs of all 115 Amish parochial schools that dot the landscape of Holmes County.
While Amish Country’s visual beauty in nature often takes center stage when it comes to being photographed, Wilson delved into a simpler beauty in what is every bit as central to the Plain People of Holmes County, the small parochial schoolhouses that present their own form of simplicity and beauty.
“It’s a photobook I put together, and when I started, I wanted to put together a book of photos that centered around something that was pertinent to this area but was different,” Wilson said.
Wilson said he has always gotten inspiration from local Amish photographer Doyle Yoder but said taking pictures of the Amish lifestyle wasn’t going to work because there was no competing with Yoder’s expertise.
Then one day he drove by a small Amish parochial school building, and his project took flight.
He started talking to people at various local schools and soon found an interest in a collaborative effort that would feature every single parochial schoolhouse in Holmes County.
Wilson took several months planning out his trek around the county as he drew up driving plans to group schools together for photo sessions, and he tried to find the best angles and most uplifting appearances of each school.
As for opting to run the photographs in black and white, Wilson said it was a matter of representing the Amish community in the proper manner, exemplifying their simpler way of life.
“As an artist I felt that it’s focusing on the Plain People. The schools are mostly white vinyl siding, and it fit the subject perfectly,” Wilson said.
He also said with 115 schools featured in the book, there was no way he could sit around and wait to get a perfect sunset for each photo.
“I think the black and white blends everything together so wonderfully,” Wilson said.
“School Bells” doesn’t just feature the beautiful black and white photography of Wilson; it also includes several fascinating and oftentimes touching stories from local authors including Reuben Shetler, Cindy Mast, Amy Schlabach, Roy Hershberger, Leah Wengerd, Emma Miller, Ella Keim, Ben Troyer and Emily Hershberger, all of whom share their memories and insight on their days in school and how the Plain People school system functions.
The authors add insight into the everyday life of Holmes County’s small Amish schools.
“I wanted to include stories from former Amish schoolteachers and other Amish community members who could provide some unique insight into the schools,” Wilson said. “The networking process of getting to know all of those people was really a joy.”
Wilson said his experience in creating the book helped him grow as a person.
One resource he leaned on was Marcus Wengerd, owner of Carlisle Printing, which printed the book. He said Wengerd helped him wade through not only the printing and layout process, but also developing ideas.
One of those ideas was to incorporate Pennsylvania Dutch words that accompany each schoolhouse.
“It’s been such a fun and challenging project, start to finish,” Wilson said, noting Wengerd's brother Marvin helped him out with many of the words. “I knew I was going to need help with that part of it, but I wanted to add something else unique.”
For a 20-year-old photographer, that Wilson has been batting this book idea around for more than three years is an amazing feat.
He said it has been a passion project since it formalized in his brain, and as it came to fruition, he got more and more excited about the finished product.
“It’s more than something people will read and put away on a shelf,” Wilson said. “It’s something that, locally, people will have sitting out as a conversation piece because, for many people around here, these schools have been part of their and their family’s lives. There’s almost a timeless feel to it that appeals to both people who live here and to visitors to our county.”
“School Bells” is available throughout the community and may be purchased at local businesses including Golden Values, Gospel Book Store in Berlin, Charm Fabrics, Country Gatherings at Sheiyah Market, Keim Bros. Country Store, Threads & Home, Faith View Bookstore, Windy Knoll Fabrics, Behalt (Amish & Mennonite Heritage Center), Charm Gifts, Family Fabrics, Sunset Variety, Café Chrysalis, Ashery Country Store, Sol’s in Berlin and more.
Wilson has a website at www.wilphoto.com.