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Home My WebLink AboutThe Wingham Advance-Times, 1963-10-31, Page 16Page `1 -- Wingham Advance -Times, Thursday, Oct, : 1, 1903 Way of Life of BY PAUL S. BAUMAN The Old Order Mennonites These people have it:,ill. un- usual customs and qualities. This article tolls ahotst some of these cliracteristics. They do not own Cars, telephones, r'a- d!os, tG'itt is ion sats or musical instruments, '`ecauSt' tl:t'st' are considcrL d unnt cessar. , world- ly int cations, as they firmly h lit , e Viet are separate from the wand. Tilt\ do not have' tilt' regular forms of insurance such as life, fire, etc.., yet Ca. s :.ate a very pratt=cal forts: of fire insurance themseiteS. When a n:Luther's house or barn is destroyed by fire, they replace it and collet from their rnenlhers usuallt enough money to pay for all of the new building. By this method a person gets tate maximum bene- fit, yet pays only the minimum premium, :s they only pay for actual losses and not for re- serves which ordinary insurance premiums cover. Baby bonuses and old age pensions are not accepted as they are conscientious object- ors or pacifists, and should war break out, they feel that they don't owe the government any- thing so they won't enlist inthe army. Also, the British Gov- ernment promised them ex- emption from military service as long as they lived on British soil, when they moved into Canada. However, some of their young men were forced to serve (hauling munitions with their four horse teams and wa- gons) in the War of 1812-14 and also in non-combatant areas during the last two World Wars. They also worked for very low wages (50 cents a day) in conscientious objector camps in Canada during World War II. These people appear to have an affinity for the soil and farming in general. Farming is a tradition with them and very few leave for other work even if they leave this group. Parents encourage their child- ren to stay on the farm by giv- ing them generous help, may - he financially, or by buying an adjoining farm so that they can take advantage of the help situation, etc. Frills and luxuries are also avoided. They never had them, they are considered worldly and avoiding them is probably a carry-over from pioneer days when they were fortunate in having the necessities of life. Similarly with education, an elementary schooling seems suffreitlit for then, as both i hutS and girls learn the art of farming: as apprentices while wor.urg . t hong or for neigtl- hours,wllith ekes them direct conrdatt with their future wont. nit' It mental and physical health compares favourahly with ptopie outside of their group. Doctors and teachers in their area say that such is the cast despite the fact that a considerable number of thein intermarry. Teachers say that their pupils as a rule are the easier ones to control in school, likelt because they are disci- plined and are made to work regularly at home. Courting Regarding their courtship customs, I'll quote two senten- ces from the famous novel about these people, The Trail of the Conestoga, by the late Mabel Dunham, which express very aptly their attitude to- wards this practice. She says that "Among such industrious people as the Mennonites, it is not to be thought of that the precious working hours of the day should he devoted to the billing and cooing of lovers. If they must do it, they must do it at the expense of their sleep'. (pages 49 and 50). The only opportunities that their young people have in getting ac- quainted with each other is at their Sunday evening gatherings commonly called "Singings". A young man in his late teens may take a girl, who appeals to him, home in his buggy or cutter on a Sunday night. He may also meet one that catches his fancy at a wedding or may- be when he comes to get his sis- ter at a quilting. In any case if they are interested in each other, the young man will then follow the old tradition of the church which is to call on his girl friend once a month on a Saturday night and court her in the living room of her home or the place where she works. This "setting up" in the living room of the girl's house may be considered a pleasant recrea- tion in an otherwise uneventful existence and helps to break the dull monotony of their life. He will of course see her at singings, maybe at weddings or quiltings when he takes advan- tage of the chance to take her home. Considerable secrecy pervades the entire period of courtship. Usually young Trust Investment Certificates 5'/4% TERM 4 TOS YEARS 200 Queens Avenue LONDON A. D. MacWilliam Phone 357-1873 Wingham WE'LL RESTORE ITS SHOWROOM CONDITION Give your auto a new lease on looks with an expert job of paint and body work. What a tremendous differ- ence it makes. The cost? Less than you think. Bring your car in today and let us look it over. Free estimates, complete modern facilities. WINGHAM BODY SHOP NORTH STREET - PHONE 357-1102 couples "court" each other in 'this manner fur about two years before they get married. Young then normally marry between the ages of 01 and 2,3 and the young women a year or so ear- lier. The plain clothing of both their then and women is an- other symbol of their non -con- ' fortuity- to the world, They al - Iso take seriously the Scriptural .prohibition against the wearing of gold and pearls and apply it to all jewellery including wed- ding rings, and as a result do not use any of ttiem. Don't Hord Office Old Order Mennonites em- phasize the separation of church and state. Office hold- ing which would infringe on the life of love and non-resis- tance is not permitted. None of their members, therefore, can be a councillor, a reeve in the township or hold any other public office, except that of public school trustee which they seem to allow. They send no cards to any- one at any time such as at Christmas, Easter, or forbirth- days and anniversaries. Child- ren never have any birthday parties nor do they receive any gifts or presents on their birth- days. Card parties, dances, service clubs and lodges are considered as worldly, unneces- sary, time wasting and expen- sive activities and they do not patronize them. No medals, pins, badges or triphies are ever accepted or worn by these people, and they never hold any church suppers or banquets. Their churches are not nam- ed Biblical name's or places but mostly after local geographical areas. Their present churches are known as — ?Martin's, Con- estoga,' West Woolwich, North Woolwich, South Peel and Fourth of Peel, A new church is at present being built two miles north-east of I.inewood, Ontario. A noted Mennonite historian of the Progressite group, uses the following adjectives to des- cribe the early Mennonites of Europe, and most of these words would describe the Old Order group of today — tran- quil, quiet, reserved, indus- trious, peace loving, faithful, temperate, well-mannered, benevolent, kind and pious. They avoid law suits and settle their disputes within the church. No Sacrifice Gifts of any kind are never exchanged or received during the lifetime of these people, except a few useful inexpen- sive ones given to a bride on her wedding day. These peo- ple don't consider it a sacri- fice or selfdenial to practise such a strict way of life. It is the only way they know as they associate mostly with their own class of people. Not one of their people was on relief dur- ing the depression of the thir- ties, a rather outstanding re- cord for those times, There are no orphans or illegitimate child- ren among these people as the church is very strict about these matters. Relatives raise child- ren if one or both of the par- ents are taken by death when the children are young. Despite the fact that these people have many commend- able qualities, one can't help but point out a few weaknesses in their system. First of all they do not allow any of their members to study for the "pro- fessions" such as, teachers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, etc. yet they need and use these ser- vices. Most of them don't vote Demonstration Squad to Visit 21st Regt. Demonstration squads from five Canadian Army Regular Force units will tour Ontario this winter as part of the new emphasis being placed on Mi- litia corps and tactics training. The squads, numbering be- tween ten and twelve highly skilled, professional soldiers from 2 Canadian Infantry Bri- gade Groups will stage 40 de- monstrations in 32 Ontario cities and towns, Major General George Kit- ching, General Officer Com- manding, Central Command, said the demonstrations will aid in the re -introduction of the basic military arts into the militia training program. The 21st Field Regt., RCA will be visiting here on December 11. For the past few years, mili- tia illtia training has been devoted almost totally to National Sur- vival. Changing conditions, said the General, have brought about a need "to revive and update the militiaman's ability to use his weapons and equip- ment under field conditions." The armoured corps demon- stration team will be drawn from the 8th Canadian Hussars (Princess Louise's) from Camp Petawawa, and the artillery team from 4 Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, Camp Peta- wawa. Infantry demonstration teams will come from 1 Can- adian Guards at Camp Picton, 2 Canadian Guards, CampPeta- wawa, and The 2nd Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment, London. In each location the teams which is hardly condusive to a good citizen. A country could hardly function satisfactorily if everybody adhered to their principles. However, they have some qualities which the outside world could copy and perhaps profit by them. will put on two-hour demon- strations featuring weapons, organization and tactics to the troop and platoon level. They will utilize sand table schemes and clout model exercises. They will also assist militia units in establishing their ow..IIF demonstration squads, for con- tinued local area training. A delightful selection of LOVELY NEW CURTAINS has arrived. Why not beautify your windows by choosing from the outstanding styles now on display? For sheer window beauty we suggest WONDERFUL WEARING DACRON This easily laundered fabric comes tailored plain or in lovely flock patterns at $4.95 and $5.95 pair FRILLED DACRON CURTAINS at $6.95 If you prefer a heavier textured Curtain You'll be well pleased with the weight and rich appearance of the fabric known as "Trunet." This very popular fabric launders beautifully and needs little or no ironing and is available in four patterns. Price $4.95 and $5.95 pair A new fabric known as "FORTREL" is now on hand This is a sheer curtain with qualities similar to Fibreglas, yet stronger wearing, Its wonderful sheen adds glamour to your windows, Price $5.95 pair RAYON CURTAINS are available in plain, .honeycomb and chevron designs and are great favourites with many people. Priced $2.98 to $4.95 pair There's still a good selection of ready -to -hang Drapes Size 1 width x 90 inches long—at the special low price of $9.95 pair 0o� b�' ."�'�7fieei �e�o o': lye:�rf� •�-,t,�.�+/' 10 £'DIGHOFF %'•. (Wingham) Limited THE FRIENDLY STORE o`' i 1 lefingaraginfaV FRESH BROILER CHICKENS FOR ROASTING OR FRYING 3-31/2 Ib. Average 5 LB. 4,4 FRESH LEAN PORK CHOPS 59c LB. SCHNEIDERS PURE PORK Country Sausage 43C LB. KENT SMOKED HAM ENDS FULLY COOKED 49C• CHERRY PIE 49 4. Fresh Baked FLORIDA LONG SLICING Cucumbers 2/19c $3.95 VALUE% 6 -CUP PARTY Percolator FOR ONLY 9 • WITH PURCHASE OF MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE 790 I.B. Blue and Gold Fancy PEAS, 15 -oz. Libby's PORK and BEANS, 15 -oz. Green Giant Fancy CORN NIBLETS, 14 -oz. Mix or Match 6/19c Crown Brand CORN SYRUP, 11/2 -lb. 25c Robin Hood Quick COOKING OATS 36 -oz. 29c 51b. 55c AJAX LIQUID CLEANSER, 32 -oz. 69c White Swan Toilet TISSUE (wh. or col.) .8 rolls 88c CALIFORNIA ICEBERG Head Lettuce 2/45( 24s ONTARIO NO. 1 Potatoes 10 LBS. 25( Brodie JELLY POWDERS, (5 flavors), 3 -oz. ... 6 '49c Fluffo SHORTENING, 3c off 2 lbs. 55c �vFN�NG (fteu 'ro/it vi,i[ 3s''/oao gree r pe , OCRt1 York Fancy Frozen STRAWBERRIES, 15 -oz. ..39c Blue Water Frozen FISH STICKS, 10 -oz. 37c York Fcy. Frozen MIXED VEGETABLES, 11-oz...19c Maple Leaf CHEESE SLICES, 3c off, 8 -oz. 30c The ADVANCE -TIMES is on SALE at the RED FRONT GROCERY