Not far away from State College, home to the land-grant university, the Pennsylvania State University where Marica is on the faculty, is an Amish area of large farms and tiny towns. Driving through the area on one of the two-laned roads, is a lovely excursion, a glimpse of a simpler life and a view of much what rural life was for all Amercans until not so long ago.
a simple house of worship, flanked by the January ice
the ever-present road signs warning of the presence of horse-drawn Amish buggies
The farmlands of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country are among the most productive in the nation. But many of the farmers here are different from most Americans; different by choice. For these are the Old Order Amish and Mennonites, also known as the "Plain People".
The Amish have been employing horse-drawn power since the days when horsepower had a whole different meaning! In comparison to our fast-paced society, the simpler, family-centered Amish way of life holds a special fascination.
These people trace their heritage back hundreds of years, and yet, despite all the time that has passed and the many changes that have taken place in society, they still live and work much as their forefathers did. Their families and their farms are their top priorities, second only to God.
The Amish are very devout in their faith. They believe in the literal interpretation and application of Scripture as the Word of God. They take seriously the Biblical commands to separate themselves from the things of the world. They believe worldliness can keep them from being close to God, and can introduce influences that could be destructive to their communities and to their way of life.
Today there are over 25 different Amish, Mennonite, and Brethren church groups in Pennsylvania, all holding to slightly different traditions and their own interpretations of the Bible. The more traditional groups are called 'old order'. They do not permit electricity or telephones in their homes. By restricting access to television, radio, and telephones, the Amish are better able to keep the modern world from intruding into their home life.
The Amish have long preferred farming as a way of life. They feel their lifestyle and their families can best be maintained in a rural environment. While they do not permit the use of tractors in their fields, these old order Amish groups do use modern farm equipment pulled by teams of horses or mules.
These old order groups do not own or operate automobiles, believing that cars would provide easier access to the ways of the world. You will often see their horses and buggies on local roads.
These traditional groups wear plain clothing styles, which has earned them the name "Plain People". It is the simple, peaceful lifestyle of these plain people that attracts such a curiosity today. Many wonder how these people can survive in their supposedly backward ways. Well, they're not only surviving - they're thriving. Since 1960, the Amish population in Pennsylvania has almost tripled.
Their separation from the rest of society actually helps to strengthen their community. Amish children attend Amish one-room schoolhouses through the eighth grade. Amish worship services are held every other week in one of the member's homes. Socializing is an important part of Amish life.
The Amish have a strong sense of community spirit, and often come to the aid of those in need. Their barn raisings are a good example. Neighbors freely give of their time and their skills to help one another.
The Amish are generally private people and often find all the attention and curiosity about their lifestyle disturbing. They believe that the taking of photographs where someone is recognizable is forbidden by the Biblical prohibition against making any 'graven image'.
With our society's current interest in restoring 'family values', much can be learned from studying the Amish way of life. Their devotion to family and community and their strong work ethic are good examples for our larger society.
This information is from an Internet site offering a general overview of the Pennsylvania Dutch - The Amish
the serene beauty of large Amish farms, easily identifiable an an Amish farm due to the lack of power lines running to the property
an Amish cemetery
a round barn
Comments (3)
Mary, I so enjoyed this post. I've never been to Pennsylvania, but have read quite a lot about the Amish. You are right that there is much to be admired about their lifestyle.
And, as always, your photographs are just beautiful. I especially loved the ones of the farms.
Thanks for sharing this.
Posted by Donna in SF | February 26, 2009 10:57 PM
Posted on February 26, 2009 22:57
Having lived the majority of my younger years in Pennsylvania, side by side life with the Amish was a way of life. The communities which surround State College are further veins to the communities started in the southeastern portion of the state, in Chester and Lancaster counties. These veins stretch out into Ohio. One of my most profound memories of life in State College was when I did a summer semester during my BS studies. I used to take my old car in the evening and drive out past Boalsburg and Bellefont where some of the Amish and Mennonite farmland starts. I would just get out, walk along the roads and relax. It is hard to describe the peace to be found in any land which is Amish.
My sister lives in Downingtown, which boarders directly on Amish Country in Chester County. Yes you do swear under your breath when you get stuck on Route 322 behind a horse and buggy but there is something very gratifying about living side by side with that kind of simplicity as well.
Posted by Diana Strinati Baur | February 27, 2009 7:59 AM
Posted on February 27, 2009 07:59
Mary-your photos are beautiful and really capture the essence of the area. I remember a family car trip there when I was young. Thank you for sharing this very unique part of America.
Posted by janie | March 1, 2009 1:07 AM
Posted on March 1, 2009 01:07