My Visit to the Amish Country

Back in the '50s, Studio City was a much simpler place. I remember the endless orange orchards that punctuated the San Fernando Valley, those slower moving cars, the milkman who delivered fresh dairy items and those wonderful baked goods from the Helms Bakery.

The sweet smell of that bread takes me back to those times when things were easily explained, We weren’t hooked on technology, and actually had time to take in the slow staccato walk of a pigeon crossing the sidewalk, or watch the sun burn its way into the horizon.

On a recent trip to Michigan and Indiana, I was thrown back into a time warp when we decided to take a day trip to Shipshewana, a small town in Indiana, where many Amish people have congregated.

I’ve always been curious about these people, who live their lives in a simple fashion, avoiding the vanities that often plague most of us in LA, where a mirror is our best friend, and ad campaigns remind us of our shortcomings.

Shipshewana showed me a different side of human nature, a way of living that has been bypassed by our fast cars, Monsanto-engineered crops, and densely packed livestock where animals clamor for a sip of oxygen, and some freedom to move around.

We took an Amish carriage ride around town for a half hour, and learned quite a bit from our driver. As we trotted past the bleached-white farms, I asked many questions. He didn’t seem to mind my ignorance.

For those of you not familiar with the Amish, here are a few things you might find interesting.

Did you know that there are Amish living in 21 states in the USA? The largest populations, about 70% of the total, are in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Indiana. They live a simple life, and it seems to work for them.

The men usually wear wide-brimmed hats, black pants with suspenders instead of belts. Zippers are not allowed. The Amish women wear dark simple long-sleeved dresses with white aprons and capes. Their bonnets are worn over their ears.

You’re not allowed to get married until you’re 18, but once a man is married, he begins to grow his beard.  Beards aren’t trimmed, and there are no moustaches.  It’s no surprise that birth control is not allowed

As a photographer, I was anxious to take some photos of the Amish, but they don’t like having their photos taken for religious regions. Don’t ask them to pose for a shot.

In general, there is a high value is placed upon humility and submission. Leaving the Amish community is highly discouraged and the result is shunning.  Individualism, competitiveness, and materialism are discouraged.

Owning a car is not allowed because it is believed it would cause a schism within the community and result in bragging. However, an Amish individual will accept a ride in a car when business proceedings or family emergencies require speed or a great distance.

The Amish also practice conscientious objection to military service and turn the other cheek in the face of personal attacks and confrontations.

This was a wonderful excursion. Seeing the Amish in their simplicity makes me miss those early days in Studio City, where we walked or rode our bikes to school, and burned off so many calories playing that it really didn’t matter what we ate. 

When I was growing up, people actually visited one another instead of scrolling and texting for conversation and entertainment.

Maybe there’s something to be learned from those who live the simple life.