5 Non-Amish People Who Amish Depend Upon

sheriff-law-enforcement

The Amish, contrary to popular belief, are not self-sufficient.

In one of our previous “Ask an Amish Person” posts, PA Amishman John Stoltzfus addressed this topic. John noted that “we are very dependent on the outside world, far from self-sufficient, all of us are intertwined…”

It’s easy to see why some might think Amish live in a bubble. They’ve been called “a people apart,” and sometimes described as “closed” and suspicious of outsiders.

But as John suggests, Amish do in fact depend on non-Amish for many things. Here are five types of outsiders whom the Amish rely upon.


Five “English” People Who The Amish Rely Upon

1. “Amish Taxi” Driver

Amish taxi drivers are simply non-Amish people with vehicles who provide transport services to the Amish.

Every Amish community of size has people that provide this service. In the larger communities, you’ll find dozens of them. One of our readers recently wrote about picking up the job to fill a local need.

taxi-symbol

We also heard the story of one driver with a 40-year career serving the Amish, while an anonymous taxi driver wrote to Amish publication Family Life on the pluses and minuses of the job.

There are a handful of Amish who don’t hire taxi drivers except in emergencies. But besides them, most Amish make use of this service at times, for either local or long-distance travel.

2. Professional Medical Services (Human and Animal)

While more than a few Amish do follow unconventional health practices, nearly all rely on some degree of traditional care offered by English professionals, including optometrists, dentists, family doctors, and hospitals.

Additionally, their animals need professional care, be it to treat disease, or in some communities, to provide services like artificial insemination of dairy cows.

red-cross

Since Amish formal education is limited to eight grades (plus limited supplemental training in some cases), they have to rely on outsiders for professional medical services.

3. Third-Party Business Helpers

Amish businesses have had a lot of success, thanks to things like work ethic and commitment to making quality goods.

But they also have to thank non-Amish people, who in many cases help them bridge the final gap between product and customer.

This might be in providing marketing services, directly retailing products for an Amish wholesaler (common in the furniture industry), or helping an Amish business maintain an online presence.

computer-business

To take one example, an Amish builder friend has a website run by a third party. He receives monthly traffic reports updating him on on-site activity, with analytics showing pageviews and other metrics.

While many learn business through apprenticeship, some Amish entrepreneurs even look outside their own communities for training–attending seminars or reading business books written or led by non-Amish people.

4. Law Enforcement

Amish interact with law enforcement in various situations. These include responses to buggy accidents or while investigating crimes committed against Amish.

In one incident last year, Amish in western Pennsylvania provided female clothing to a male officer who posed as an Amish woman in hopes of catching a culprit indecently exposing himself.

Earlier this year, law enforcement officers visited a Nappanee-area Amish school to discuss bike safety.

sheriff-amish-school-visit

The best-known example of Amish-law enforcement ties is probably found in the tragic Nickel Mines school shootings, and the relationships which developed afterwards.

Lancaster Online reported last month on officer Jonathan A. Smith, who “acted heroically during the shootings, and then became a hero to survivors and parents for years afterward.”

The Amish community was described as “mourning” Smith following his death from cancer. John Fisher, father of one wounded girl and another who was killed, said that “he has impacted many different lives.”

5. Customers

This may very well include YOU, so give yourself a pat on the back 🙂

While some Amish businesses have mainly Amish customers–buggy shops or plain-clothing makers come to mind–many depend on outsiders for their earnings.

Sometimes it’s obvious that your purchase is supporting an Amish family. Like when you buy direct from an Amish farm stand or variety store, or purchase an Amish-labeled product through a retailer.

produce-stand-amishman

But sometimes it’s less clear, because some provide products for retailers who don’t sell them as “Amish.”

For example, when researching my Amish business book, I learned the story of Jonas and David Stoltzfus. The brothers run a Lancaster County leather goods business providing products for the Ralph Lauren luxury line.

The reality is that Amish are less “frontier living” than some might think, and often rather plugged-in to the economy in 21st-century ways. And many survive and thrive thanks to non-Amish people who buy their products and services.

The above noted, it should also be said that non-Amish people depend upon the Amish in numerous ways too.

These include as providers of goods and services, as drivers of local economies (thanks to tourism and other business activity), and through community support (witness Amish aid programs in disaster areas, or local help for non-Amish neighbors).

What other ways can you think of that Amish and English people depend on one another? 

Image credits: Sheriff- thomashawk/flickr; taxi sign- wurfmaul/flickr; red cross- pcw_1333/flickr; laptop- truthout/flickr; produce stand- rclarkeimages/flickr

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    28 Comments

    1. Colleen

      Unfortunately...

      They also must use the services of the undertaker.

      1. That’s one you could add to the list. Here’s a recent post on a related topic if you missed it. https://amishamerica.com/amish-funeral-firsthand-account/

      2. Michael

        Amish Embalming

        While funeral directors tell families that embalming is “customary,” in most states a person doesn’t have to be embalmed unless the body is “on view” for 72 hours. Since the Amish don’t have a viewing, why would this practice be imposed on them, except to enrich the funeral home.

    2. Jeff

      Ironic ad

      Once again, an ironic ad popped up. Right under the list for amish taxis, an ad for Uber came up. Are you planning all these? 🙂

      1. Not at all, you’ll have to talk to Google 🙂 They’re usually automatically matched to the content of the page. Uber probably appeared since taxis were mentioned near the top. But yes, sometimes I find them funny too 😉

        1. Jeff

          Gotta be careful!

          Hopefully you won’t write any articles about “private” matters amongst the Amish. I’d hate to see the ads then! 🙂

        2. Robin

          Amish Rely on the “English” for almost everything!!!

          In reality, the Amish rely on the “English” (non-Amish) for almost everything! Think about it. Let’s start with iron and steel. What farm could produce any crop without this vital product? Are there any Amish iron ore mines? Do any Amish produce modern (or any) steel, which requires a blast furnace/smelter, not to mention all the required associated technologies (i.e. liquid oxygen, cobalt, liquid nitrogen, complex electrical control systems, and so much more)? Pots, pans, spoons, knives and forks! Plow blades, nails, screws, bolts & nuts……anything made of metal(s). The list goes on and on….. bricks, cinder blocks, plastics, diesel motors, fuel…..propane, gas, diesel. Fertilizers, seeds, wood….. where should I stop? Everything!!! And, of course……the Amish Express (drivers), which, the Amish only want to pay $0.80-$1.00/mile of driving! But, the driver’s minimal cost is only $0.55-$0.75/mile!!! Frugal or just downright cheap!?!?

          1. Yoder in Ohio

            I’m happy to pay whatever a driver charges me. AND tip for good service. The cheapest drivers are not always the good ones!

            Yep I rely on the American economy and manufacturing system… just like everyone else in this country. What I can produce myself I do, but I shop in local stores both Amish and not and order from catalogs and eat in non Amish restaurants, use non Amish doctors and the list goes on and on and on — but who is pretending anything else?

          2. Kate

            Apparently some of the the people who “drive” the Amish are not very good at math!

          3. Alex Knisely

            Iron and steel among the Amish - Lancaster's Cattail Foundry

            Robin, you might have a look at websearch results for the Cattail Foundry, an Anish enterprise, and rethink parts of your comment.

    3. Alice Mary

      This is probably far-fetched, but I think that many of us have simple human curiosity about the other, and if both (Amish & English) are willing to get to know the other and ask a few respectful questions, it helps to keep outrageous “generalizations” from being spread.

      Funny about the Uber ad, but I was just wondering (before reading Jeff’s comments) if the Amish had discovered Uber (or LIFT, or others like them) for occasional use? If for nothing else than getting around places the Amish like to visit on vacation. Does anyone know?

      Alice Mary

      1. Tom Geist

        I might be wrong, but don’t you use the internet to connect with rides using Uber and Lift type places? That would not work for the Amish. They might even charge more than the usual English drivers.

        Tom in Lincoln

        1. Uber for Amish?

          I haven’t used it yet but I think you need the app. Some Amish smartphone users would theoretically still be able to participate and maybe some have. I think Uber is more active in cities and highly populated areas though, so maybe an area like Lancaster County.

          I’ve heard that Uber can be cheaper than a conventional taxi but not sure about how it might compare to Amish taxi rates. Amish taxis also tend to be for hauling larger numbers of people and I believe Uber is mainly people using their personal vehicles which in most cases aren’t going to be large passenger vans. Interesting thought though. Maybe someone can develop an Amish-friendly version of this called “Graber” or something like that 🙂

          1. Dave

            Funny Eric 🙂 It is also Ironic that Uber is German…..

            1. You’re right, and come to think of it maybe “Truber” would be a better name for this mythical app, as in Swartzentruber 😉

          2. Tom Geist

            Again, not 100% sure…but I believe the cost for these rides are paid in advance by credit cards… though a debit card might be able to be used as well.

            Good point about the size of the vehicles Erik, unless this was an emergency for just a few people, it would be tough for it to work out.

            Tom in Lincoln

            1. Slightly-Handled-Order-Man

              Truber is a brilliant idea!
              I’m not 100 percent on how it would work, especially for people who don’t use internet connected phones. Bulletin boards somewhere? Maybe market spaces or Amish owned stores…

    4. Shirley Chapel

      construction workers

      About 15 years ago or so my husband and I sold a piece of property and the buyer had a home built on it. We lived next door to the property that we sold. The boiler hired an Amish construction crew to come a.did some of the building work on the home. It’s a beautiful house and very well built .

    5. Pat Huberty

      Another Link

      Let’s not forget the mailman and other delivery persons. My Amish friends get lots of letters and some magazines. They also order from catalogs for both personal and business needs.

    6. Dody

      They took me in

      I was taken in until my parents were found and cared for as one of their own children. Although I think it is a rare thing they do, it happens.

      Also without the Amish locally we would have almost no local food….

      1. Slightly-Handled-Order-Man

        I’ve not read too much of this happen, but your right, it does.
        There was a participant here on AA who had his own blog that detailed the life of a Mennonite family who adopted English children and raised them in that faith, it was an interesting read.

        Erik might remember the man’s name that shared it, Richard something or other, I think he called his blog “Amish Stories” or something (that sounds right to me)

        Anyone know how he’s doing these days? (I think it was late 2012, early 2013 when I last read him here and on that blog)

        1. I believe Richard passed that blog into the hands of another reader a few years ago, but not sure what has happened since.

          1. Linda

            New York State of Mind by Marilyn

            Richard of Amish Stories turned it over to Marilyn. The new blog host, Marilyn, sometimes comments on Amish America.
            “New York State of Mind is about Mennonite, Amish and New York State places of interest.”

            http://theothernewyorkststate.blogspot.com/

            I think Richard has a new blog, Pure Country Living:
            http://amishstorys1.blogspot.com/

    7. Canadian-Anonymous

      Eric;

      If even not having a cell phones in a major 09-11 Emergency; which is Ridiculous:

      Unless; absolutely depending on their Neighbors; how does those Amish get to the eg: to the Mayo Clinic in a hurry? We’re in the Mondern World! Or even near Richester; which now is their own Metro;

      Under very Restricted Conditions; those young Teenager People; obviously live on the Farms; to what I read; due to Teenage Behavior may on drive their Parents or other Trust Adults over age 18!

      I’ve seen phone on Farm Roads: even Phone Booths is becoming Extented; This is the summer time; but wired Emergicies does accurd on the Farms; if in the winter time; how does the Amish call 09-11 or at lease their Neighbors; & you’re not always going to get Cooperation Promptly & Teenagers are not Mantual Enough is because; older People in their Family must be dependable

      Take that near Lancaster School Sooting; which happen right around the Events 09-11-01; why not have the Teacher have a Emergency Cell Phone in her/his Desk & have it chart up when Necessary!

      I respect their lives; they must have Initiative Circumstances prepainess; I’m not trying to change their Custom; Criminals have Ben known to Rent Farm Houses; Landlords hat they are Law Obeying Citizens!

      1. Dave

        (I mangled the comment)

        Amish regulate phone by district, they may call from an office phone on prem or use a work cell. Some sects and districts may be more restrictive so maybe a run to an English neighbor is required. Amish community “defines” communal living.
        A call for help would bring people running from multiple places. It is core to beliefs and culture to care for each other. This is how they self insure, rarely go bankrupt, and raise a Barn in a day or two. I agree a teacher should have an emergency cell, and I imagine they do now. Amish will way change and make exceptions to ordnong on a case by case basis when the good affects human life. Ten – fifth teen years ago a hurricane was coming to central PA so they hired harvesters. It was an exception, and the next year they went back to manual.
        Amish beliefs and culture raises them to live with trust in their God, family member, community, and fellow man. They know that there are bad people, and if they are robbed or assaulted they believe in non-violence. As a group they seem content on average, which beats many of us modern English.
        I respect the strong community & greater levels of trust they share.

        Reply to Comment

    8. Dave

      If even not having a cell phones in a major 09-11 Emergency; which is Ridiculous:

      Unless; absolutely depending on their Neighbors; how does those Amish get to the eg: to the Mayo Clinic in a hurry? We’re in the Mondern World! Or even near Richester; which now is their own Metro;

      Under very Restricted Conditions; those young Teenager People; obviously live on the Farms; to what I read; due to Teenage Behavior may on drive their Parents or other Trust Adults over age 18!

      I’ve seen phone on Farm Roads: even Phone Booths is becoming Extented; This is the summer time; but wired Emergicies does accurd on the Farms; if in the winter time; how does the Amish call 09-11 or at lease their Neighbors; & you’re not always going to get Cooperation Promptly & Teenagers are not Mantual Enough is because; older People in their Family must be dependable

      Take that near Lancaster School Sooting; which happen right around the Events 09-11-01; why not have the Teacher have a Emergency Cell Phone in her/his Desk & have it chart up when Necessary!

      I respect their lives; they must have Initiative Circumstances prepainess; I’m not trying to change their Custom; Criminals have Ben known to Rent Farm Houses; Landlords hat they are Law Obeying Citizens!
      Amish regulate phone by district, they may call from an office phone on prem or use a work cell. Some sects and districts may be more restrictive so maybe a run to an English neighbor is required. Amish community “defines” communal living.
      A call for help would bring people running from multiple places. It is core to beliefs and culture to care for each other. This is how they self insure, rarely go bankrupt, and raise a Barn in a day or two. I agree a teacher should have an emergency cell, and I imagine they do now. Amish will way change and make exceptions to ordnong on a case by case basis when the good affects human life. Ten – fifth teen years ago a hurricane was coming to central PA so they hired harvesters. It was an exception, and the next year they went back to manual.
      Amish beliefs and culture raises them to live with trust in their God, family member, community, and fellow man. They know that there are bad people, and if they are robbed or assaulted they believe in non-violence. As a group they seem content on average, which beats many of us modern English.
      I respect the strong community & greater levels of trust they share.

      Reply to Comment

    9. Larry Simon

      Family and community example

      When I see our society deteriorating and having more separation lines it is refreshing and educational to learn how well the Amish do community. This to me is what is most valuable commodity the non-Amish can receive from the Amish. When community is highly valued Christian virtues naturally are scene and cherished. I pray that the Amish example will spread thought our country so more people will experience the love that Christian’s live together can be.