A Study in Contrasts

I had the opportunity to visit Shipshewana, Indiana last month. I'd heard about it for years and associated it as an Amish-oriented location for flea markets and auctions. As I was joining family members for a pre-planned afternoon, I had no expectations other than enjoying their company.

My cousin's girlfriend was familiar with the town and led us to a grand emporium. The building was the centerpiece of the shopping district and housed fabric, clothing, antique and candy shops, food service, and a full-size carousel on the top floor. The open staircase and building were recently rebuilt around the massive girth of a 386 year-old Douglas fir tree after a mysterious fire destroyed the original complex.

Cynthia introduced us to a friend during the course of the afternoon, a personable, older, gnome-like man with a beard and no mustache, simple, dark clothes that had seen fresher days, socks in sandals, and rough hands that belied work.

He paused to talk with us as we sat on a hand-made wooden bench near the country-decorated-red-painted food court and told the story of his building. A religious verse he referenced with emotion struck me as he recounted personal and professional tragedies, the predecessors of the impressive building that now was. I can't remember the beginning, but the ending was ostensibly God speaking to a biblical character saying, "I'm not here to hurt you, I'm here to prosper you." Interspersed within the story he subtly mentioned a jet had flown him over the building to survey the post-fire damage. Did I hear right? He left us only when his i-Phone beckoned a late afternoon meeting.

We later met an older woman who was wearing traditional Amish-style garb. She apologized that the end bathroom stall was not functional. She pleasantly chatted with us as she adjusted paper towel rolls in the immaculate ladies room while holding an i-Phone in her other hand. Heeding a call, the owner's wife then disappeared into an elevator.

The contrast of 19th century dress coupled with i-Phones fascinated me as did the humility of accomplished individuals performing the most basic of work. I later heard someone describe Mennonites as 'hip Amish' where they believe in simplicity and specific religious doctrine as the Amish, however, may use the benefits of modern technology and transportation. I'm sure this is a matter of gross oversimplification, but it did reconcile the deliciously rich visual of these two lovely people.

©2010 catherine lenard