This series of images attempts to depict - not represent - the culture and lifestyle of a Mennonite Community in Caldwell County, North Carolina. Although several members of this community transferred here a few decades ago from the Pennsylvania area, they did not leave their heritage behind.
Adult members of the community work hard on their farms, performing many grueling hours of manual labor under the hot Carolina sun. One particular family owns a relish farm and sells their product throughout the Southeast. Another makes state-of-the-art window frames, using limited machinery, providing them to retail shops around the country.
The children attend school, in a one-room trailer, up through the eighth grade unless their parents feel it necessary to continue. Their classes begin at 8am and end at noon because they are needed at home to help with daily chores. The children are also given free time to fish, play with one another, explore the land, and read. Televisions are nowhere to be found.
Many families still practice strict traditions dating back to the Quaker Religion but several of them have incorporated technology into their lives for specific reasons; ease of use, productivity, health and safety reasons, just to name a few.
Sundays are days of worship and I was restricted from photographing that element of their culture, understandably so. They were very gracious to allow me into their lives and I respected their decision. I was, however, invited to attend service but the camera remained outside.
As you view this series, consider the cultural similarities and differences to your own daily routines.
