Why is it special? And how is it connected to Alpine Builders?
The Amish culture is a unique and deeply traditional way of life rooted in Christian Anabaptist beliefs.
At it’s core, traditional Amish culture rejects modern conveniences like electricity, cars, and most technology, depending on their specific group (there are variations between Old Order, New Order, and more progressive groups).
Their clothing is plain, modest, and often homemade, reflecting their values of humility and separation from the world.
They typically speak Pennsylvania Dutch (a dialect of German), along with English and sometimes High German for religious texts.
Family is central; roles are traditional, with men typically working outside or in trades like farming and carpentry, and women focusing on home and family care.
Amish children usually attend school until the 8th grade in one-room schoolhouses operated by the community. Education emphasizes practical skills and moral values rather than academic achievement or college preparation.
They emphasize hard work, quality craftsmanship, and self-sufficiency.
The Amish are also notorious for their barn-raising skills. If a member of their community is in need of a barn, they plan a frolic where as many as 10-50 men (depending on the size of the community) raise a whole barn by the end of that day. In very conservative communities, these barns are sometimes built with no electric tools, just hand tools and manpower. This is their way of life, and they are very skilled in it.
As the founder and owner of Alpine Custom Builders, Mike Petersheim remembers his Amish heritage. Although he does not identify with the religion and lifestyle, he still holds to the work ethic and values that he was taught from a young age. He has implemented these values into the projects at Alpine Builders, and we are proud of the work we do.
We hope you give us a try and see what makes us different!