The so-called Fancy Amish of northern Indiana have found ways of adapting to the modern world while still remaining true to their Amish roots.
I live near a sizable Amish community near Kalona, Iowa, so I thought I knew quite a bit about Amish life. In Indiana, however, I learned that Amish identity is much more diverse than I realized and that other communities find their own one-of-a-kind ways of adapting to the modern world.
“The communities here are sometimes called the ‘Fancy Amish,’” my guide said. “They look after to be a bit more liberal in how they relate to the outside world, in part because many of them have jobs that require a lot of contact with non-Amish people. Farmland prices are so high that it’s not achievable for every family to back themselves in the traditional way.”
I wasn’t surprised to hear that many of these Indiana Amish work in stores, furniture workshops and other small businesses. But would you believe RV factories? The area around Elkhart manufactures about 80 percent of all the RVs sold in the U.S. Many of these enterprises employ Amish men, who are hard-working, highly skilled craftsmen.
Well, once I hear
Some find it baffling that the Amish can not only live without modern amenities and technology, but thrive! So, are they hoarding secret stashes of cash? Are the Amish rich?
The respond isn’t as straightforward as you’d think.
We’ll walk you through what the Amish value, how they make money, and if they’re rich by modern definitions.
What this article covers:
Amish Values
The Amish are a tight-knit community of people who live in rural communities and shun modern comforts and conveniences. They prioritize faith and community over material wealth. In addition, they have managed to preserve their culture and traditions for centuries.
The Amish, known for their simplicity, strong work ethic, and traditional lifestyle, have a unique approach to money. They thrive in agriculture and tiny businesses. As a self-sufficient collective, they’ve accumulated wealth for centuries and continue to defy the odds in today’s modern world.
In times of economic turmoil, such as the current inflation, and recession, the Amish may be comfortable and largely unaffected by these challenges. Here’s a closer look at some reasons for their resilience.
How Do Amish People
Interesting Facts About the Amish
6. Do Amish build houses?
The Amish construct a variety of buildings with highly skilled craftsmanship, including houses, churches, and barns. The community offers a range of businesses in construction, featuring sheds, roofing products, porches, and cabinetry.
7. Can Amish shop at popular retail chains?
Despite a common misconception, the Amish can shop at large retail chains and other stores that aren’t Amish-owned. Visitors in Lancaster, PA may see shopping outlets and stores near Amish houses and settlements. You may even find “buggy-spots” right in the parking lot with priority given to horse and carriage transportation.
8. Do the Amish use batteries?
While the Amish generally aren’t allowed to use electricity in their homes, they are permitted to have batteries and generators. Some uses for batteries include buggies, portable fans, and clocks. There are some Amish communities that also use solar power.
Pennsylvania's richest resident, according to Movoto Real Estate, lives just a hop and a skip from Lancaster County.
Mary Alice Dorrance Malone, grandaughter of the founder of Campbell Soup Co., is worth $2.9 billion, according to Forbes.
That makes her the wealthiest person in the Commonwealth, according to a map recently published on Movoto's blog that identifies each state's richest individual.
Malone, 64, lives outside Coatesville in Chester County. There she is president of Iron Spring Farm, a 1,000-acre estate devoted to breeding display horses. She has been a Campbell Soup board member since 1990.
The farm is about 15 minutes east of the Lancaster County border. Its website describes it as being "in the heart of Amish Country," and the Pennsylvania Railroad Museum and Route 30 outlets are listed among nearby "points of interest."
Created by "Chief Armchair Economist" Chris Kolmar, the Movoto map rounds up Malone's $2.9 billion to an even $3 billion.
It doesn't show the 50 wealthiest people in the U.S., since only one person from each mention is picked.
Besides Malone, the 49 other people listed range from Alaska's Robert Gillam ($700 million) to Microsoft founder Bill
13 Money Secrets From The Amish
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to proposals listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. Spot how we rate products and services to help you produce smart decisions with your capital.
FacebookEmailXLinkedInRedditBlueskyWhatsAppCopy linkImpact Link
SaveSaved Read in app
Add us on
This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.Have an account? .
Flickr/pfala
The number of Amish in the U.S. has doubled since the 1990s.
Though they're typically known for for their traditional, family-based Christian principles and austere lifestyles, there's one thing most people probably wouldn't guess about them –– the Amish are a lot better at managing their money than the rest of us.
"Some Amish execute quite well and have a lot of success in business," Erik Wesner, founder of AmishAmerica.com, told us. “An Amish millionaire is not something unheard of.”
Their business and financial savvy goes far beyond rebuking modern conveniences like ele
