Why I Left the Amish by Saloma Miller Furlong

Curious about the Amish Community? Traveling on vacation east one often sees black buggies drawn by horses clip-clopping along the highways of Pennsylvania, Indiana and Ohio. The Amish, also known as Amish Mennonites, are recognized for their simple living, plain clothing and not using modern technology.

Their church began in Switzerland about 1693 when Anabaptists who followed Jakob Ammann were known as Amish. The rules of the church must be obeyed and there is a great importance on church and family relationships. Some of their rules include, limitations in the use of electricity, telephones, automobiles and clothing types. They may not buy insurance, accept government assistance or serve in the military. To separate themselves from a non-Amish environment they provide their own one room schools only through eighth grade, valuing rural life, hard work and humbleness. Choosing to leave the Amish community always results in excommunication and sometimes shunning.

The Algonquin Area Public Library has invited author Saloma Miller Furlong, featured on PBS's "American Experience," to share how her life changed when she left the Amish community, as well as her early life as a young Amish girl. She will present her story on Wednesday May 9,  6:30-8:00 pm at the Harnish location. Please call the Library 847-458-6060 x143 to register for this free program.  Copies of her book "Why I Left the Amish" will be available for purchase and signing.

Read her blog at http://aboutamish.blogspot.com/