Ohio has the largest Old Order Amish (AH-mish) population. Two of which are located in Holmes and Geauga Counties. In Ashland a new settlment was formed out of Holmes and Wayne Counties. You can see Amish around Ashland shopping at Wal-mart or eating at McDonalds. Many stores have places for their horses to be tied-up. I do not know a lot about the Amish; however, I have had brief encounters with them. While I was working at McDonald's in my younger years ;) a young Amishman asked me if I would like to buy some strawberries. Many of the other times while driving, I have come upon their horse and buggies. In Ashland, you can view some of their homes on St Rt. 96. You can recognize Amish homes by their windmills they use for power, wooden signs by the road advertising goods for sale, plainness of their homes, and during the summertime clothes hanging out on the line drying in the sun.
Children
Children are expected to obey their parents without question. They are
not given religious duties during childhood since they do not become a
member until they are baptized at age 18. Many attend local one room schoolhouses
where they learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. Some even attend public
schools. Mid-teens enjoy "rumspringa" or running around. They go to singalongs
on Sunday night, attend buggy rides, and parties. An interesting note is
that on May 15, 1972 the Amish went to the Supreme Court. They fought for
their right not to send their children to public schools. Before, the police
went to Amish homes and forced the children to attend. The National Committee
for Amish Religious Freedom, mostly made up of non-Amish, discussed and
fought for the Amish.
Clothing
Outsiders tend to think that all Amish dress alike. This is not so. First of all, their religion opposes human vanity. You will see no mirrors in their homes. Moustaches are forbidden. Married men have beards and single men are clean shaven. In many sects, married women wear black aprons and single women wear white aprons. Amish emphasize great detail down to their buttons. These details go to extent of the exact shape of a woman's cape or the number of pleats on a young girl's dress. However, rules regarding daily life are set by each Amish district.
Refuse
to use electricityBible
is strict guide to everyday lifeMeet
in various homes for Sunday ServicesDo
not seek new members, or try to convert peopleEndogamy
is practicedA
great deal of intermarriage