While the dwellings are plain and the furnishings simple, the interiors are immaculate, for cleanliness is a virtue of these people. Kerosene lamps are used for illumination at night. On Sundays, however, many of the women and girls are attired in the colorful frocks characteristic of that district in Russia from which the early settlers came. The older men wear full beards, but the younger men are clean shaven. They are honest, hard-working, frugal, peaceful, Godfearing people, who have been through numerous hardships and who do not expect rewards except those that come from toil.
Simplicity is the keynote of their lives.
They are friendly to visitors. They freely offered information on the history of the colony and the ideals for which they strive, and invited the visitors to return. These people are not sympathetic with the Communist regime in Russia. With a Christian religion not linked with any denomination, they have a new church, the exterior of which resembles a dwelling. The clergyman serves without pay.