A Sympathetic Look at Bergholz (Amish Beard Cutters)

A Sympathetic Look at Bergholz (Amish Beard Cutters)

A reporter from the Cleveland Plain Dealer visited Bergholz recently, and has given us a look at the community from a different perspective. Unlike most previous coverage, this article provides a rather sympathetic look at the group: Last week, members of the Bergholz community scoffed at the government’s portrayal. They said they were tired of being treated like zoo animals by others in different Amish…

The Amish of Rexford, Montana

The Amish of Rexford, Montana

For people living in the East, Montana is one of those romantic Western states that make you think of big skies and freedom. And that also might explain why the state has attracted some Amish. The first permanent Amish settlers came to the Treasure State in the 1970s. Drawn by the scenery and hunting opportunities, Amish living back East visit Montana fairly frequently. The Montana…

Will Amish vote in the 2012 election?

Every four years inquisitive reporters try to discern what the Amish are planning to do in the upcoming presidential election.  I think this is partly due to natural curiosity–what do a “people apart” think about a civic activity such as voting? But mainly I believe people are interested because the largest Amish populations are found in Ohio and Pennsylvania, two swing states heavily contested in…

Bill Coleman’s Amish Autumn (15 Photos)

Bill Coleman’s Amish Autumn (15 Photos)

Autumn used to be my favorite season. I once pitied the folks who lived in areas of the country which don’t really have a legitimate autumn. Since moving to a place with severe winters, I’ve lost a little enthusiasm for the fall (knowing what’s right around the corner – four months of frigid air, ice and darkness – prevents you from enjoying it as much)….

The Amish Christian Custom of Foot Washing: What is it and why do they do it?

Like the holy kiss, foot washing is a symbolic communal act performed by Amish. Foot washing occurs during the twice-yearly communion service. The authors of The Amish Way note the words of the Dordrecht Confession on the custom: footwashing is “the true washing, when we are washed through His precious blood and purified in our souls.” The authors also describe foot washing as “an act…

When a son joins the Amish: How do others react?

You may remember hearing a while back from Anne, whose son Ed joined the Amish.  Anne has just returned from a visit to see Ed and her new grandson in Minnesota.  She also spent some time recently in Pennsylvania.  I think you’ll enjoy this update in which she sheds light on how others, both Amish and non-Amish, have responded to her son’s decision. Two recent…

Another 10 views of Holmes County, Ohio

This is another installment in the 10 views series, featuring photos from my recent visit to the Holmes County, Ohio Amish community.   I’ve included a few comments and links to relevant posts that you might enjoy. Sugarcreek is technically in Tuscarawas County.  It’s often the first little town visitors to the area pass through.  Many of the buildings in Sugarcreek’s “Swiss Village” downtown area…

Quadruplets!

From the editor’s notes of a recent issue (August 2012) of The Diary: The Diary has something this month that it has not had for nineteen years! Under BIRTHS this month, you will see that the very first entry is quadruplets! These four girls were born to Amos Masts of Granton, WI.  Congratulations.  And good luck. Nineteen years ago, Amos Eshs of Lancaster County also…