Amish/Mennonite Communities (St. Louis, Salem, Bowling Green: for sale, home, to buy)

[mish83]

You're welcome Kareybear,
Our Old Order Mennonites have several businesses in their community that they openly advertise for outside customers. There is one that makes coffins and other furniture, one makes lead ropes and bridles, there is a big building that some of them sell produce out of and baked goods, also one family makes soaps. Also there are some that build and sell small storage barns. I have read some books on the Amish but don't know a lot about how they interact with strangers and outsiders. I get the feeling they are more of a closed community than the Old Order Mennonites but I could be totally wrong on that. Just my impression. I was interested in what they believe as far as their faith and religion goes . It was quite different than what I expected. The Amish seem to be big on the Old Testament and the law rather than the New Testament and Jesus' grace. I've not seen much in print about the Old Order Mennonites so I'm unsure as to what exactly they believe but I'd love to know! God Bless!

[piratechick_nerdwood]

I am just a teen in a small town, but I know we have both Amish and Mennonite living on our road. The Menonites are alot more friendly around here, as it seems we are dealing with a property settlement with the Amish, and they also killed our dog. The Mennonites around here wear clothing different from everyone else, but they do drive, while the Amish in normal areas drive horse and buggy-or tractors.

[Versatile]

Originally Posted by piratechick_nerdwood

I am just a teen in a small town, but I know we have both Amish and Mennonite living on our road. The Menonites are alot more friendly around here, as it seems we are dealing with a property settlement with the Amish, and they also killed our dog. The Mennonites around here wear clothing different from everyone else, but they do drive, while the Amish in normal areas drive horse and buggy-or tractors.

In regards to they killed our dog. My sympathies to you for your loss. My question is. Do the Amish and Mennonites use firearms?

[jamie2626]

*pulls out soapbox*

I just wanted to say something in terms of the safety of the Amish/Mennonite. The only experience I have with them is at Aldi's (grocery store), they are driven there in a van by a non A/M and when I drive through Seymore, MO. The community there drives horse and buggies. Quite often using HWY 60, a 4 lane hwy, with children riding on the back. Often I see people blow right past them at 70-80 mph. Not even thinking to get over in the other lane if it is clear. The buggies can be very hard to see. Myself, I drive slower through that area, I would never forgive myself if I hit someone. So please, be alert and show consideration and safety for them. I remember a bad accident involving a buggy and car. It was terrible.

That is all.

[Basspikr]

I have read this thread about the Amish/Mennonites with interest as I am a Mennonite of the more liberal order. People probably don't see me as much different as I dress modern, have a newer home with electric and computer. Also drive three different cars, motorcycle, and motorhome diesel pusher. That aside, people are people when it comes to dealing with or accepting others, altho we do believe and teach love and acceptance for all, individuals sometime fall short. I'm sorry to hear of bad examples shown and hope they can be forgiven as God wants all His people to live and love as He's shown.

As you all have noticed, there are differences in our religions and interpretations of them. But we all should live in harmony and always reach out to anyone. I wouldn't made a very good Amish as they mostly want to live apart from others.

About talking to Amish, I love to talk to any one and will approach any time I have a question. Some will respond and others won't. Just smile and walk on. Some one else will talk to you. The ex-Amish lady had some very valid points about there religion and reason for leaving. My grandmother was Amish at one time but left to join the Mennonites on good terms many years ago. She was from Hutchison, Kansas. Miss her dearly as she passed many years ago. Had a lot to do with what I believe today.

Just found this forum and really enjoy it, thanks to all who contribute!

[ajf131]

Originally Posted by Bird_Watcher

Just out of respect and common courtesy I'm not so sure if the approach in a Wal-mart would be appropriate.
I know when I go shopping I'm in and out of there.

For the record: Ohio and PA has one of the largest communities of Amish.

Don't forget Indiana as well. Indiana and Ohio are practically Amish headquarters. I remember visiting the Cleveland Zoo as a kid and BUSLOADS of Amish families were there...I'd never see so many Amish people in a single place in my life...there had to be at least 100 of them. I don't know how many Illinois has, I would probably suspect more than Missouri. I've never seen them around the St. Louis area.

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by ajf131

Don't forget Indiana as well. Indiana and Ohio are practically Amish headquarters. I remember visiting the Cleveland Zoo as a kid and BUSLOADS of Amish families were there...I'd never see so many Amish people in a single place in my life...there had to be at least 100 of them. I don't know how many Illinois has, I would probably suspect more than Missouri. I've never seen them around the St. Louis area.

LaGrange County Indiana- Large concentrations of Amish. It has sort of a village flavor throughout the county. The Indiana tollroad goes through the county.
Holmes County Ohio- Has a large number of Amish as well. It is a rural county that has 35% of the population under 18. It is south of Canton, OH by a good distance.

[northbayeric]

Thanks, you two for this information! I had wanted to make a quick visit to Jamesport, Missouri back in September when I was driving from St. Joe to St. Louis via U.S. 36 and Highway 79. I didn't have enough time. My better half and I will make Jamesport one of our first places to visit once we're settled in the St. Joseph area.

Time to get out my road atlas and see exactly where these two counties in Indiana and Ohio are located!

[kareybear]

Originally Posted by northbayeric

Thanks, you two for this information! I had wanted to make a quick visit to Jamesport, Missouri back in September when I was driving from St. Joe to St. Louis via U.S. 36 and Highway 79. I didn't have enough time. My better half and I will make Jamesport one of our first places to visit once we're settled in the St. Joseph area.

Time to get out my road atlas and see exactly where these two counties in Indiana and Ohio are located!

When you moving to St.Joe?

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by northbayeric

Thanks, you two for this information! I had wanted to make a quick visit to Jamesport, Missouri back in September when I was driving from St. Joe to St. Louis via U.S. 36 and Highway 79. I didn't have enough time. My better half and I will make Jamesport one of our first places to visit once we're settled in the St. Joseph area.

Time to get out my road atlas and see exactly where these two counties in Indiana and Ohio are located!

Lagrange County Indiana is located just to the east of the Elkhart/Goshen metro area in northern Indiana. The Indiana toll-road goes right through the county. The population density is 95 people per square mile and is growing fast in population because the Amish tend to have large families.

Holmes County Ohio is located in north-central Ohio south of the town of Wooster. This county also has about the same population density as Lagrange County, and is growing fast in population as well. This county might have the highest concentration of Amish in the country.

Jamesport is located in Daviess County Missouri. Interstate 35 runs right through the county, and the total county population is around 8,000. I think Jamesport is located a little distance to the east of I-35, but I could be wrong.