The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-09-26
WORLDLY IDEAS CHIDED.
WAR ON VAHITIES UN AMONG
sTALD PENNSYLHANIA SECTS.

The Dunknrds, Mennonitcr, ana AmIsh TaLInu
stops to Check the ProErcsa OF woridIJ
Fashions AMONG Their YounE Ncn ana
women-A Return to the Ola Customs.
READING. Sept. 25.-Peoplc who have: Jus,
returned from business trips among the Dunk
ards, Mennonites, and Amish in eastern Penn,
sylvania say that war has been declared
against trotting buRgies and other modern
luxuries calculated to tempt their young meu
and women. There must DO no whipstockS
no ribbons on whips, the hair must be worn
longer, colors of dresses must be limited Ia
black, brown, or dark blue, and purple or any
bright color is absolutely barred.
"The fact Is" said a returned tourist, eth,
Amish. or Omlsh, have just had n very serious
disruption. They number thousands In New
Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and tn,
West. Formerly all worshipped together al
the various farmhouses. They were divided
into congregations, of course. and were
preached to, as they still are. by Bishops chos,
on from among them by lot. A card is placed
in one Of a number Of Bibles. The candidate
picking out the Bible containing the card 10
declared tho chosen one. Finally, 1t became
evident that a few OF the Amish farmers had 10
bear all the expenses OF the meetings, because the
custom was to feed all who came, men, women
and children, horses and mules. The poorer
Amish could not entertain and determined 10
Dullu u mtetlnB nOube WntTc all COuIl come
and worship and then go home to eat, thus do.
ing away with Sunday farmhouse worship and
dinners that required money and labor. The
rich old farmers determined to stand by the
ways and customs of their forcfathcrs, and The
split came. To-day one portion continues The
farmhouse worship. They call themselves The
'Neoerer Amisn,' that is the lower class. This,
Of course. is sarcasm. The masses keep I'D
their Westinghouse worship. Both factions
have service, or, as they call It, 'g'may' once
every two weeks. and the meetings are 50 ar.
ranged that one will not conflict with the other.
But the orthodox Amish do not mix at all with
the meeting. house clan.
''Of late one sect Of Mennonites have noticed
that some of their young people were indulge
ing in top buggies. Others had whip,tucks
and tall whips with ribbons tied about them.
The older folks said it was getting from bad 10
worse, and "A short time ago "A vigorous war
cided that everybody must at once come down
to the orthodox Dearborn wagon, rs they are
built spring wagon. The top is Of thitX "f ima!y.
lin, painted yellow or lead color. The body
125 such wagons in a string at "a funeral. and
every one was exactly alike. One or two men
make them from the same pattern. II Is tAis
plsin-looking vehicle that everybody, young or
old, must use. and II he wants to carry "A whip
at all It must be u short one and must lie IN
the bottom Of the wagon. There is no whip
stock at all. By strictly carrying out this NV
law. they contend that pride is bani-hct,
bud;
at times find it difficult TO restrain The v.sor.
Gus sons and daughters who occasionally visit
the larger cities to see the fashions. Tie
shorter, the brims of their hats become narrow.
er, and the cut OF their clothing become more
Continental front patterned. trousers Tl.nse
sons have been hauled up with n round turn,
and from this date all must allow their hair 10
grow and have II parted in the middle. he
sect makers Of clothes must make their suits;
suits; black hats for winter; straw hat, for
summer, not less than two feet bTitn, no but
tons. nothing but hooks and eyes. These rges
were adopted because our Saviour never lad
MS hair cut. nor did he shave, nor were tl.cre
buttons on his sarmen[s; No buckles are Al.
gathered in with stout cords and Tied. Trou.
sers are lined with gray; White shirts and
bp! low shoes are worldly,
called back to strict account. Frequently they
forgot to put on their white caps. made Of thin
gauzy material. Now they must, wear them
allowed. Many had the habit OF ornaInentins
their caps with lace wider than the regulation.
wear brilliant purple gowns. This has also
been forbidden. Black. dark gray. dark brown,
sleeves are unknown. TIE cut Of the Gown. a
plain Skin, sewed 10 the waist, is the same
pattern as was USED Ibu years ago. some uf
the girls did try a founce or two, or a little
trimming of the same shade as the gown. FOR
fear, that gradually the departure from ne
straight and narrow path would lead To- .u.
heard OF violations of ancient customs. every
innovation in female dress has been stoned.
The dress must be a plain, solid color. no rr,ul-
mlngs. lhey can wear a small black shoulder
cape IN spring or fall. and. Of course. Il Nix
cloak in winter and very dark gloves. Tarir
street head covering is a black silk hood. Rrrn ~
the capes to the hoods were getting a little luG
short. The elders called them down. and low
the girls must adhere Sfri.f'y tn III. rrrFn
control, W heneycr You see such IA glTl yuU AN
know she is "a Christian. The wives must 20
dressed IN the same strict form.
They have the New Testament to r,l!ic Them
entirely in all their habits and customs, rar,r
dress. their worship. their Keeping out a.! ,~...rs,
Taxing no part in politics ana dong Very '.,i!e
put farming and stock, raising and stock IL.
H.. but times are changing. They RUE
That the outside world j. getting very near %
them with all the styles ana new ideas ul LIE,
and for this reason the RiShons and elder, I'D
been compelled 10 draw the line very SHARPLY,
and insist that the world, the flesh. and thr = ii
must be Kept away from them. The yuuus
folks have promptly obcyed the now oricr r
the rule. No matter how little the Young iucn
ike 10 take part in the service OF feet wa.hI.g,
or TO come back to first principles ~ lie on no
farm without a top buggy. they most urri.nrlv
So with the daughters. Their Is mo
consolation left 10 the young incn. They can
drive the very best horse they can nav Tor. and
to see the girls and have a good time. no
matter how plainly they are dressed, The truth
Is those Mennonite, nunkard. or Amish mad.
ems. IN their plain habits and white caps. urs
very pretty pictures Of roSe-ChcGkCd hrH'l
wherever You see them; They are good house.
and make good wives for YOUNG farm
lhoS are not allowed 10 marry outside
'helr own sect, of course"