The Amish of Lancaster Pennsylvania (and Indiana) relied on the availability of good farmland for their success. At the time of their settling land was readily available and in large tracts. Even though much of the land needed to be cleared of trees and rocks the Amish were accustomed to hard physical labor so this was not a problem. They were able to establish a very successful farming operation, both grain and livestock. Their lifestyle was very restrictive so their proximity to larger populations in the early days was not even an issue. Today on the other hand, their farms have become centrally located within the state as a result of the continued development around them. They do still own enough land to be self sufficient and successful. The opportunity to sell excess goods and their highly reputed skills and labor as builders and craftsmen has added to their success and allowed their community to expand to other areas of the country. Today, just 18 miles from my house there are a growing number of Amish living today. They operate a highly successful dairy operation and a lumber mill. They also sell baked goods from a roadside stand located just east of Rockville on the south side of US 36. My wife and I look forward to frequent Saturday morning trips to buy fresh baked pies, cakes, cookies and best of all bread. They have adopted very few modern conveniences, but still manage to prosper in today's society while still adhering to their traditional way of life and worship. I say welcome to the Hoosier Heartland!!!
            
             The next of the communities I would like to discuss is the Oneida Community, located in upstate New York. Even though their community failed due to a number of reasons, their geographic location could only be slightly responsible. The fact that the neighboring communities, and the East Coast "New England" area as a whole were for the most part considered to be rather conservative, this led to a lot of r...