The January 2024 issue features her Amish life in the Casselman Valley, 1850 – 1875. Journey with Ruth Miller Yoder as she reflects on Amish Life during this time frame through the lives of Joel B. and Catherine Miller, their family, and their community with stories, statistics, details, and thoughtful questions.
As I write this, we’re having a continuous winter storm in Grantsville, MD. Snow is accumulating and the wind swirls it into drifts. My great-nephew built an igloo with several additions. Snow plows are busy. My sister has shoveled our walk ways numerous times since January 1. In the last fifteen minutes, two buggies rolled down Ravine Street. I thought of Joel and Catherine Miller and Ruth’s references to cutting firewood, the winters of small pox and diphtheria, and the unpredictable weather. Perhaps today’s Amish of the Casselman Valley understand what winter was like 1850 – 1875 much more than many of us who travel in cars with heated seats and park in a garage.
Ruth, Grantsville, lives on “The Knob” – a piece of Mapleshade Farm, place of her birth and childhood. Ruth enjoys writing, especially poetry, and she savors the old hymns. Ruth holds dear the legacy of our forefathers, The Historians appreciate her interest and support.
Casselman Historians 