Westminster College - Argo Yearbook (New Wilmington, PA)

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The Amish: Where The Past Lives Upon seeing New Wilmington for the first time, many future Westminster- ites rushed back to their friends and said, I ' m going to college so far out in the country that ail they have are horses and buggies! And four years later, by graduation time, with the horses and the buggies now taken for granted, little else was known about the Amish people. The Amish believed in the New Testa- ment, the Resurrection, and held the Bible literally. Church services were held every other week in the home of one of the mem- bers with the service sometimes lasting all day. The bishops of the 1 1 districts of the area church decided all policy including clothing colors. The Amish could have gasoline mo- tors but not cars or rubber wheeled tractors. They had running water in their homes but no indoor bathrooms or electricity. Floor wax, plastic, overstuffed furniture, and central heating were similarly banned. While accept- ing hospital care, they did not believe in in- surance. Although speaking a German dialect most of the time, English was used in the church- run schools which were attended until eighth grade or 14 years of age. The family unit was the strong point and the most respected people were those with children. Everything was done as a family and the emphasis was work is honor. It was recommended that each work for a year or two for an English (non-Amish) person be- fore joining the church at around age 2 1 . The most honored jobs dealt with nature such as farming, carpentry, and saw mill or cheese- house work. Socially, Thursdays were wedding days and courtship was very private — usually even the family did not know who their son or daughter was dating. Weddings needed the bishop ' s approval. In civic affairs, the Amish were active vot- ers and paid the same taxes as anyone else. The only exception to this was the Social Security tax which was not paid because it was never needed — older people were re- specte d and taken care of by their own fam- ilies. They did not believe in taking people to court and were exempt from serving in the armed forces. Through extensive reading the Amish were knowledgeable of world and na- tional events. - Janice Jeletic Top: Horse-drawn buggies such as this one, heading to work at the Cheesehouse, are a common sight in the New Wilmington area. Permitted on the open road, they are equipped with flashing lights for night driving and pull over to the berm to allow motor vehicles to pass. - J. Jeletic Above: The picturesque Amish community contains much subject matter for the creative photographer. This simple picture of a deteriorating barn- side provides for some a lonely dramatic setting. - T. Fecik Right: This barn, probably built by many members of the Amish commu- nity, now receives a fresh coat of paint from its owner. - J. Jeletic Opposite Top Left: While performing household chores is an enjoyment for growing children, this family — dressed in the same dark colors as their parents — takes a break from their work. - T. Fecik Opposite Top Right: An Amish girl shyly peeks through a wagon her father is pulling across his fields. - A. Dodel 18