It’s nearly 15 years old, but this New York Times article (http://www.cora.org/amish-skate-art.html) remains an interesting look at a “modern” form of transportation used by Amish (and which some may find surprising).
In-line skates, aka “rollerblades”, are popular in the Lancaster County settlement. Amish historian Sam Stoltzfus estimates that (at the time of writing) they may be “tacitly” accepted in one third of settlements. In the article, you’ll find a few Amish opinions on the appeal of rollerblades as well.
The article also sheds light on the process of testing and gradual change that occurs in Amish communities. One informant puts it well:
“The Amish always try to see if something new fits in with their way of life, and sometimes there’s shady areas,” said George R. Smith, national editor of The Budget, an Amish and Mennonite newspaper in Sugarcreek, Ohio. “But when they do change, it’s usually very well thought out. The Amish don’t go in for any fads.”
As far as other forms of wheeled transportation go, driving and owning cars is forbidden among Amish, while bicycles are accepted in many settlements, especially in the Midwest. In the Lancaster County Amish community, however, scooters are used, with bicycles unseen in most church districts (there are some where children, at least, do have bicycles).
Image credit: richard hertzler
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8 responses to Amish on rollerblades
In-line skates are also used in the Dover community. I’ve never been able to get a pic of a skater in Lancaster but have seen several. I remember the 1st time I took a buggy ride out of Bird-In-Hand, we saw a girl on a bike that the driver identified as New Order Amish. There were several dozen bikes parked at the benefit auction for The Clinic for Special Children last year in Leola.
Where do I find a farm that is willing to take in boys that want to work on an Amish farm for the summer
In Hillsdale County, MI the Amish are more conservative than elsewhere in Michigan. Ten years ago my son and I were on a bicycle tour there, on a Sunday afternoon, and a buggy passed us. The buggy had two long ropes and three young men on roller-blades behind. A young woman was driving it at a fast clip. One young man would give himself a forward boost by pulling hard on the rope, then let go as he passed the rope to the 3rd person. Then the young man on the other rope would give himself a big pull and pass the rope to the person who had just let go, in a sort of braiding the rope fashion. My son and I tried to catch up and pass them but we couldn’t go that fast, and I don’t think they wanted to let us pass. They seemed to be having a great time. Finally they had to stop on the side for a breather. They were full of smiles. I told them they were looking good, which they seemed to like hearing even though they’re not supposed to be prideful.
Amish on rollerblades
I love your Amish rollerbladers photo. I have a question are the Amish into things like ice hockey? What about games like lacrosse (very American) or soccer or bowling (I think of Dutch origin) or even golf? All low tech enough to pass in Amish land I think.
To answer Elma’s question, I wonder how old her boys are? There is a bed and breakfast in Ohio that they could stay and work on their farm if they were old enough to stay by themselves. My sister and I have been twice. They are wonderful people. It is called the Farmstead Lodging just north of Mt. Hope, Ohio.
To answer Mark’s question on sports, the Amish very much enjoy skating & hockey. Soccer I expect is more of a recess activity for children. Baseball, softball, and volleyball are all enjoyed by children and young adults. Group sports are preferred so as to shift the focus from the individual player, and organized leagues are frowned upon.
Rick, thanks for the reply. It is interesting that team sports are preferred I guess that makes sense.
i wanted to say i love history anything about the amish i love to read upon thank you for your wonderful emails
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