Sheds and Flowers...

We’re headed up the road this morning for a long awaited (like 13 years) tour of the White House, so the intended post about DFD will wait a bit. Won’t grow old…

But, just a quick report on a little lecture we went to down at St. Mary’s College yesterday. It was entitled “Amish Businesses: From Plows to Profits” and was given by Dr. Donald B. Kraybill, apparently a world expert on Amish culture. It was a pretty fascinating talk on how due to increasing land prices, population expansion, etc., more of the Amish are changing from farm to “micro enterprises”, or small family run businesses. This movement started in the 20th century and now that 60% derive their income from non-farming sources. He also said that some 20% are owned by women. Those of us who live around here are aware of the produce and flower stands, tack and harness shops, small engine repair, shed farms, furniture shops, etc. He reported that these are generally hugely successful, the national average for failure of “small businesses” is about 65% and the Amish are more like 5%. The reasons are many, low overhead, an eager and dedicated workforce, and so forth. He also mentioned that they have a very good "brand" image. Amish children pretty much have two choices, farming or working in these businesses. They have no education past 8th grade and there is an elaborate apprentice system that trains them in the various skills.

He stated that they are generally a very intelligent and inquisitive group, and enjoy seeing how they can adapt “technology” for their improvement and still remain within their Church and cultural “taboos”, like no electricity, etc. All of their (sometimes quite complicated) machinery is powered by hydraulics or pneumatics. They will remove an electric motor and figure out how to adapt an air motor. All of the profits from the business stay within the family or small group of owners, but they are very community conscious and share with those in need. Pretty much everything revolves around the Church, and each church is pretty much autonomous. For instance one group may decide that cell phones are okay, while the neighboring group does not. There is no overall organization, it’s all at the local church level.

I asked if he spoke the language, and he said he did not. Kind of a conscious decision on his part, because it’s difficult and there are many, many, dialects. Secondly he has found out that he is sometimes better able to talk with them and understand their culture if he works through an interpreter.

Anyway, a fascinating glimpse into our neighboring citizens around here. He has written many books, some of which are available at the college book store.

Too bad there isn’t anything to do around here.. Sorry I didn’t give you a heads up, you would have enjoyed it. It was pretty much a full auditorium (I think because some professors required attendance) of students. That’s a whole other story..

And yes, we eventually will talk about

DFD