By Kevin Williams
ARRESTS: This is a perplexing story. Four young non-Amish adults were arrested for burglarizing Amish homes. It’s unclear what they expected to find — perhaps the mistaken idea that Amish families keep cash hidden in mattresses or that they lack phones. In reality many Amish households do have phones. Regardless of their motive, it’s reassuring the suspects were caught, though more information about what they were after would be helpful.
BALTIMORE HORSEMAN AND PENNSYLVANIA MENNONITES: This is an intriguing piece about a small group of horse-drawn peddlers in Baltimore and their connections with Pennsylvania Mennonites. Stories about hidden or lesser-known subcultures are always fascinating, and this one highlights how traditions and trades continue to link communities across regions.
MILLIE’S HOMEMADE VEGGIE JUICE: I might give this a try. I struggle to eat enough vegetables, so drinking them might be an easier option. Millie Otto, an Illinois columnist who writes about Amish life, shares a homemade vegetable juice recipe that looks worth trying.
HORSING AROUND ON PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND: The Amish population on Prince Edward Island has grown noticeably since they first settled there. This article profiles an Amish farrier who has found his skills in high demand throughout the Maritimes. The farrier’s surname, Kuepfer, stood out as uncommon among Amish names I recognize, suggesting it may be more local to the Canadian Amish community.
HOMEMADE PENNSYLVANIA LEMON BUTTER: This recipe sounds delicious. While not specifically Amish, the lemon butter was featured in Farm & Dairy and has Pennsylvania roots. Amish restaurants sometimes feature rich homemade butter, so this recipe fits within that regional culinary tradition. Enjoy!