Mystrey of the Amish Telephone

During a drive alongside horse-drawn buggies in Pennsylvania Amish country, Angelenos Mr. and Mrs. Garey stop to purchase a quilt. Aware of the Amish taboo against technology, they are surprised when the shopkeeper uses a state-of-the-art electronic cash register. More puzzling, a telephone rings in the back of the store.

What does it mean?

Although the Amish have taboos against certain technology, their rules are flexible. They may not use electricity that runs off a public utility line but can use an inverter that converts the power of 12-volt batteries into household current. This powered the cash register and could be used for other devices, for example electric typewriters and soldering irons.

The Amish also employ pneumatic pumps for appliances like sewing machines and food processors whose electric motors have been replaced with air motors, and hydraulic motors (oil under pressure) for tools such as water pumps, washing machines and manufacturing equipment. Although Amish rules forbid telephones inside homes and shops, they are allowed in external buildings. The quilt shop’s phone booth sat outside.

According to Amish beliefs, radio, TV, and video would contaminate their culture. Consequently, the taboo against them is strong. When they need cars, computers and faxes, Amish business people contract with non-Amish, (referred to as “The English’), for these services.

Contrary to the stereotypes of Amish women as homebodies, some of them are successful entrepreneurs despite having no schooling beyond the eighth grade. Many of their quilt and craft shops bring in annual sales of more than $100,000.

The UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History is featuring two exhibits on Amish culture through Feb. 16: “A Quiet Spirit: Amish Quilts from the Collection of Cindy Tietze and Stuart Hodosh” and “Views of an Amish Community: Photographs by Susan Einstein.” Phone: (310) 825-4361.