European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - March 20, 1948, Darmstadt, Hesse                                By Marion Reece photographs by the author visitor to mennonite communities finds a god fearing people still resisting materialistic temptations of a modern America what most americans regard As b 1 e s s  g s cars Tele phones washing machines and the myriad of other modern Day conveniences strict men non ites look upon As the curses of Man s vanity. Although emphasizing the need for simplicity of dress and habits they have not allowed conformity to stifle their individuality. In tic United states alone there Are seventeen different branches of this Small religious minority. In visiting Mennon Ite communities t was impressed by the Odd differences in customs and doctrine Between the sects. The Holde Man Church for example orders its male followers to grow Chest length beards insert picture though it is unconcerned with their Mode of dress.  sects however not Only forbid Long beards and mus taches but insist on followers wearing dark clothing lapels and buttons Only permitted on work clothes. Mennonites in general Are noted for being hard headed businessmen but rarely As contributors toward material Progress. David Schwartz of Berne Indiana picture at leftist famous in mennonite circles As an inventor. He developed the barium plated  they prevent shoes from slipping which Are in great demand in Rural America. Mennonites show a similar disregard for culture. There Are Only two mennonite artists in the country the majority adhere literally to. The commandment thou Shalt not make any Graven images " for the same reason mennonites of the less lenient sects discourage picture taking. In Yoder Kansas the Young daughter of Shem Yoder was exceedingly Sharp when she answered a request for a picture. Goad god fearing Folk Don t have their pictures taken she said. Shortly afterwards her father took me out to see his  halted before a tractor which hid him from All onlookers and whispered hurry up and take my picture but Don t Tell anyone i m just doing this to help you  12 old fashioned carriages popular Mode of transportation for Amish Are i asked while owners do their shopping in Arthur 111. Weekend March 20.1948