Visiting Plain Mennonites

[@portialancaster3442]

Pennsylvania Dutch is not limited to Amish and Mennonite people. It is more a regional thing. My Lutheran grandmother, born in Lebanon County, was fluent and went to public school where lessons were taught in Pa Dutch until roughly WWII.

[@worddunlap]

My grandmother was "'Pennsylvania Dutch". Yes it more complex than simply Mennonites and Amish.

[@zachsmith8916]

I have some ancestors that spoke Pa Dutch who were from the Shenandoah valley of Virginia in the 1700’s but they were assimilated into the local Appalachian culture in the early 19th century. I think it’s mostly associated with the Amish and Mennonites today because they are the only people who by and large maintained the language.

[@catherine59226]

Your channel is always so enjoyable! ❤️👍🏻

[@AmishAmerica]

Thank you Catherine!

[@sylviayvette]

I love the Shipshewana Amish Community Shipshewana, Indiana

[@abigailconner9469]

Looks very familiar! I’m in the process of joining a Stauffer Mennonite community and yes, I can attest that they are the plainest Mennonite group I have encountered. I feel confident in saying that they are plainer than some Amish. Wood stove for heat, propane lighting, no screens on windows, and I’ve yet to be in a house with an indoor toilet (outhouses are the norm). Some of my friends have hot water, many only have cold in the house and if they want to do dishes with hot they boil it on the wood stove. We wear cape dresses (long sleeve only-year round), black lace up boots only, and the young girls wear elaborate braids (if you’ve seen “Braided Maidens” by photographer Bill Coleman it’s like that). Little boys wear girls’ dresses and pinafores until they are 9 months old, which I have found is more the norm in plainer communities. One room schools go through 8th grade and use the Amish curriculum (Pathway).

[@AmishAmerica]

Very neat to hear that. I hope your journey goes well. I would not be surprised if they are plainer than a good number of Amish

[@abigailconner9469]

@@AmishAmerica Thank you-I thought of another nuanced technology difference I thought I'd mention here: the buggies in my community do not use battery powered lights. We do not have flashers or reflective markings besides the required slow moving vehicle triangle. We would light propane lanterns and hang them on the sides of the buggy if we needed light. The front of the lantern is clear, and the back has a red tint so it looks like the back lights of a car! Related to this-my community would not use battery power inside the home. We would use 1 or 2 mounted propane lights in the big main room (or "bright brights", as my friend's toddler calls them) and oil lamps in bedrooms, not the "typical" portable Dewalt lanterns used by many Plain communities. The only battery powered things indoors I have seen used are camping-style headlights to go to the outhouse at night. I do have a good friend who uses a solar-powered battery to power an electric fence for cows, though, so I'm not sure about the guidelines regarding tools/machinery etc. I've been following your blog since I was 10 years old back in 2010-joining a Plain church has been what I have been working towards since then and your blog has been really helpful in gaining background information-I feel like I know more about the differences between "higher" and "lower" churches than my Plain friends who actually live it!

[@123canadagirl]

@@abigailconner9469 will you have to give up the internet and I’m assuming a phone? How did you get accepted into the community?

[@piotr277]

This reminds me that scene from the movie 'Warlock'. "- Amish? - Mennonite." 😄

[@TRuth.T]

Thanks, for sharing. We used to live in Upstate NY(Yates Co.) & now in WI. they have very large Groffdale Mennonite communities(Clark Co.). Where we are the Amish are taking over ;)

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

I have a very nice Mennonite published cookbook, a gift from a Shenandoah Valley Mennonite business customer. He was 40 years old & had 11-13 children at the time. I forget exactly. He jokingly said if I can learn how to cook properly, maybe I'll attract a husband & have lots of kids too :)

[@jeanholley5820]

Great video as usual. Love, love, love the snow is it set the scene for the holidays. I can’t imagine that it was not fun to drive in

[@AmishAmerica]

A little extra adrenaline!

[@gj939]

Enjoy visiting the old order mennonites near Wakarusa, IN where they recently opened a large creamery and a bulk foods store. Out of curiosity, I wonder what your amish friends thought about visiting this community?

[@cindynielson4231]

I watch another Mennonite KZbinr that is more modern. Her family along with her husband changed from Amish to Mennonite. Very interesting content. Happy New Year! 🧨🎉🥂👍

[@karenenglish4900]

Lynette or Megan?

[@larrylewis3573]

Dear Erik, Thank you for this video on two Old Order Mennonite communities. Very nice. Sincerely, Larry Lewis Ontario, Canada.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thanks Larry, glad you thought so. Happy new year!

[@danielyoder3396]

Amish use to live in Snyder county Pennsylvania to .

[@peterstevens6555]

Good morning from Auckland, New Zealand ...it's summer over here in NZ at the moment ...

[@lilbatz]

That bakery! WANT! (grabby hands) God, that fruit cake looked wonderful 😋

[@pammcdaniel3580]

Thank you, enjoyed this! Happy New Year!

[@tommuscatello5999]

Glad I found your videos. Grateful!

[@TheLizardKing1967]

I love your channel Erik. I always look forward to seeing new videos from you. Have a Happy New Year and God bless you and your family.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thank you, you too!

[@TheMtggrl]

Gosh what a wonderful market and that bakery, yum. I'm not sure I could resist much of what they were selling and I'd definitely want to try that sauerkraut. Thank you for taking us along for the visit.

[@AmishAmerica]

My pleasure! I didn't try the sauerkraut unfortunately, I think that was for a later meal

[@luckyduckie2000]

Well that's a place to add to the bucket list. I live in PA and this would be a nice weekend trip. Thanks Erik

[@rosalindlively677]

I love your videos. Thank you.

[@crunchyhippiemama]

We moved to Lancaster County (from OR) in 2021. Our neighbors were horse and buggy Mennonite. There are two large old order Mennonite communities on the Northern side of Lancaster County. It’s been neat to learn the differences and similarities.

[@KatInTheNorth]

Nice! Thanks for sharing!

[@raethibodeau9604]

Looks like a great stop. Curious what the address is of the store and bakery. I would like to visit it in the Spring.

[@KiltedDaddyBear]

Interesting video, and yes - there is an Mennonite of all sorts. Quakers, in the past, had a similar range of difference. As for the plain - there was what was called Wilburite Quakers. They broke to keep to the older worship style of Friends and the more Christ-centered. Was a big settlement of them around Mount Pheasant, Ohio area. They kept the old style of clothing, and led very plain lives mostly centered in farms. More education than the Amish, but very 'guarded'. There been some revival of this of late. So, yes - these groups are varied.

[@droolbunnyxo9565]

My maternal grandmother was a PA Quaker. One of the last of her sects, very serious & solemn. She broke away in her mid 20's & married my grandpa, a west coast big band musician & airplane engineer. She was a bit of a free spirit but also a very practical hard working homemaker, gardener, field laborer & laundress. My mom said they were very poor & would've never survived the post Depression years without her strength & ingenuity.

[@michellesunshinestar]

I have German heritage. My mom is on the hunt for Sauerkraut. We'll probably just pick up some from Kroger. It's good luck for the New Year to have sauerkraut.

[@kimfleury]

Looks like you had an enjoyable visit with your good friend. Thank you for bringing us along 🙂

[@HiItzBellz]

Erik, I live in Lewisburg! Born and raised in this area, know all the nooks and crannies, and where the good stuff is! Next time you're in the area feel free to reach out if you need a guide or anything else!

[@AmishAmerica]

Thank you! Will keep it in mind

[@codiwonkanobi9788]

The food at these places are usually pretty good.

[@mariebooze956]

looks quite enjoyable..i loved those placemats..i haven't ventured passed holmes county ohio, but would love to visit the pa area one day..happy new year..marie from🇨🇦

[@Tobitobiify]

I stayed for a short time with some Stauffer Mennonites. They are somehow more Amish than the more liberal Amish and even the mainstream Amish, like Lancaster and more liberal Elkhart-LaGrange Amish, at least concerning outward appearance and technology.

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

I really enjoy your channel I’ve been studying the Amish for several years I just finished reading the book (🎉Amish Peace ) and your book is on deck ( success made Simple) can’t wait to read it. Thank you.

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad you found it! Amish Peace is a nice book

[@beckyray8746]

We have a wonderful horse and buggy Mennonite community near us. I love visiting their stores and bakery. If you’re ever near Bainbridge, Ohio, I hope you stop by.

[@Kneißle]

There is an old, english -speaking Old Order Mennonite community around Dayton, VA.

[@NKRWrestlingVlogs]

Awesome video! I hope one day I can go to Lancaster County I’ve heard lots of awesome stuff about the Amish/Mennonites up there! And also have you been to the Meadows Of Dan/ Laurel Fork Va Amish Community?

[@TreasureFiend]

That looks TASTY!!!! I would also buy up all the kraut. nom nom nom

[@candyrenee2152]

Erik, you were almost in my backyard with that first farm in union county. I love Weavers Bakery's whoopie pies. If you take a road near there then there is a country store that locals call an Amish store but really it is a old order Mennonite store. Come back when you have time to explore!

[@AmishAmerica]

Neat to hear that. I'll be happy to come back!

[@susanschuck8124]

Thought of you today as we drove our hour ride to visit Bird in Hand, Strasburg, Intercourse. I always love your videos. Thank you for taking the time to share.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thanks Susan. How was your visit?

[@susanschuck8124]

@@AmishAmerica It was wonderful as always. Did some country shops, Kitchen Kettle, and ate at Dienners. Have you done a video on New Holland Auction? Haven’t been there since a little girl with my grandma.

[@stantonmagid4126]

Always entertaining and informative

[@ohiosbestpeach770]

Do you know where Mennonite and Amish grocers get their produce? I always have questions about who their suppliers are, if items are organic or not, if fruits and vegetables are sprayed or not, and if they put the dry goods in smaller packages or if they are received that way. I always have questions but I never ask because I don’t want to come off as rude. Also, I’ve wondered why some bake with lard while others do not. I’d think that I could get more natural whole food baked goods from them. Thanks

[@Overhill_Farm]

We have 3 connected horse and buggy Menonnite communties in McMinn, Monroe and Polk Counties in East TN. The communites have evolved over the last 20 years, and didn't start out as Mennonites, but just an unaffiliated plain community in Meigs County. That community no longer exists, but it's members are now part of these 3 new communites.

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Im a new subscriber, just found you. So I have a lot of catching up to do. I think you were the one who had a video on your amishtsxi I washed today (?). Good prices and looks so good!

[@AmishAmerica]

Glad you found it! I have a video on taking Amish friends shopping, a la Amish taxi style

[@lisacraze1]

I wish I had known about these communities when I lived in Harrisburg, many years ago. Happy New Year to you, Eric!

[@AmishAmerica]

Happy new year Lisa, thank you!

[@lisacraze1]

@@AmishAmerica 🥰

[@jenniferr2057]

Our area has large hutterite colonies. Many Mennonites as well.

[@kathymiller549]

Meyersdale, Salisbury and springs, Pa, is southwest Pa. It’s beautiful Amish country and where my one side of family is from. Yoders of course. Spring starts the Saturday morning market at 5 am. All spring, summer &fall it goes on every Saturday. You got to go, it’s amazing. Families all around there have stores that are selling handmade everything from furniture to wood milling what wood you need, to horse needs, to hats, boots, just great workmenship. Better get to market when it opens or all the huge, just made donuts will me gone before it hits 5:20am

[@paul329]

I got my degree from a Mennonite University, lovely people.

[@grahamhayden8969]

I live near the homerville Amish community in Northeast Ohio

[@keithatkins9783]

I've been through that area its very pretty up in that area

[@christinestrassner8166]

homemade kraut! yummmmm! miss it. Originally from Lycoming Cty.

[@stephanottawa7890]

I think that there were descendants of the Stauffers in York County, Ontario. I remember the name, but cannot remember if the family was traditional Mennonite, modern Mennonite or simply evangelical. Thanks

[@funbukit5366]

There is what I believe to be a horse-and-buggy Mennonite community in Orleans County, New York. Some in the community run a bakery and bulk food store, called Miller’s bulk foods. It is somewhat confusing though, because they have decorations that say “Amish country” and would make someone think they are Amish. Kind of like the shop in this video!

[@cabbagesfromhome9412]

We always visit Millers when driving from PA to family in Niagara county mainly for the fresh huge donuts!

[@funbukit5366]

@@cabbagesfromhome9412 I love them too! They’re great people. I was just there last weekend :)

[@stephie3206]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@hanniss9]

What happened to the Amish that used to live here? Did they convert to become Menonites?

[@Montycat92]

Have you ever been to the New Order Amish community in Greenville, PA? They started back in 2006 I believe they said. I went to visit for about 5-6 days. I stayed with the bishop and his family. They were quite nice. I really enjoyed the visit. They are an electric new order. They allow tractors and power tools for work. I was surprised they had a phone in the house. No cell phones are allowed of course. They use a black box phone instead. No idea how it works. I forgot to ask. I was surprised when I walked into the home. I expected it to look like a traditional Amish home. No carpet and minimal decorations. They did have a carpet in the living room and it was nicely decorated, simple. They had Bible verses on the walls. It looked just like a non Amish home minus all of our gadgets of course. No TV, radio, or anything like that. It was very nice. Big as well. They have church in the school which is is right next door. Nice for their kids that are still in school especially with winter.

[@Montycat92]

I got to go caroling with them which was quite fun and the church service was very nice. They did the service in English. The food was really good. Most of the women were friendly. There were some that were very reserved. Quite a few were giving me curious looks. Didn't talk to the men except the bishop and deacon. Men and women don't interest in public. Even married couples. When the husbands is ready to leave he gets his wive and kids otherwise they are on opposite sides of the room and don't interact.

[@AmishAmerica]

I haven't been out there, not even sure I was aware of them unless I think of this community by a different description. I bet you were warmly welcomed though. New Order people I've spent time with have been some of the kindest and welcoming people

[@Montycat92]

@@AmishAmerica They were very kind. I got a lot of curious stares. They're were a few that were very reserved. They didn't seem interested in talking. Some might take it as being rude or unfriendly but I understand some are just reserved. There is quite a bit of separation between the men and women which I expected but maybe not to the extent that it was here in this community. Men and women did not talk to each other especially in public. Even married couples. The husband would get his wive and daughters when it was time to go. Boys always stayed with their dad's in public. When I first arrived and met their oldest son and said hi he just looked at me and said nothing. No friendly smile or anything. Maybe I was overly friendly and loud when I greeted him. I think us non Amish can be overly friendly and loud while the Amish are more quite and reserved. I will add that I'm looking to join their church which is why I was visiting. They thought it would be a good idea to visit once or twice. So maybe that's why some didn't seems as friendly. I sat with the bishop, his wife, and the deacon before I left to talk more about any questions any of us had. Once again when I was introduced to the deacon and said hi, he didn't not respond or give a smile. Most of the women were very friendly though and I got to make a couple friends. I would advise anyone visiting to maybe not be overly friendly when greeting an Amish person especially someone of the opposite gender. They might not take it well. They might just stare at you. As I said not sure if it's the fact I'm a female and they don't talk to members of the opposite gender or the fact I'm a visitor wanting to join.

[@WilliamWeicht]

New Years day sauerkraut and pork.

[@lindajc123]

YUM!!!!!!!!

[@RedneckHillbilly-ho9md]

Is that market along 522?

[@wordawakeningny]

How were the baked sweets Mr. Wesner?

[@AmishAmerica]

Excellent though I ended up giving most of them away - I was pretty loaded down with baked goods this trip! My favorite from this place was the granola squares

[@wordawakeningny]

@@AmishAmerica Awesome. We're about to move to the southern tier of New York state, just 2 and half hours from that hour. We'll have to check it out!

[@mariolinadolcimicimuti7214]

Volevo sapere una cosa ma gli Amish non hanno fatto un reality su Real Time sulla loro storia per spiegare il loro stile di vita ma che differenza c'è tra menonite e Amish?

[@Melissa0774]

What's the difference between the plain horse and buggy Mennonites and the Amish? I thought the difference between Mennonites and Amish was that Mennonites basically just accept technology. But what's the difference when they don't accept technology?

[@AmishAmerica]

There's not a really simple answer but the vid goes into more depth. There can be very conservative Mennonites which use similar tech to the Amish. Others permit more like electricity and tractors. Others permit everything the rest of us do. But comparing horse-and-buggy Mennonites to Amish the more obvious differences are clothing and place of worship (Mennonites gather in large meetinghouses)

[@fyrekrystaal27]

How far away is that from New Castle PA?

[@AmishAmerica]

Several hours. You are near another of my favorite Amish communities to visit (New Wilmington)

[@fyrekrystaal27]

@@AmishAmerica I was there for a martial arts tournament

[@FerdinandFake]

I see you met the sour krauts

[@rajeshnvijo-dj7dk]

😢😢😢 ok 😅😅😅

[@vickie.rogers6324]

Not much difference between old order Amish and Mennonite.

[@myboibill]

This was a great video. You sound so up beat. I do enjoy your channel. Happy Bew Year to you.

[@AmishAmerica]

Thanks I am happy to hear that! Always good energy from these trips

[@robertwendel7920]

Killer food. Everything is awsome