This brief ethnographic study concentrates on certain variables in Amish culture in order to isolate significant values expressed in Amish behavior. The variables investigated have been the setting of the population within the territory, the social organization, the religion, and the cultural dynamics. The borders of the territory and the topographical features found in it, along with residence patterns and economic occupations are outlined. The social organization is described in terms of family, kin, school, church, and the settlement as a whole. The religion is presented through the belief pattern, and rituals of the church meeting, communion, wedding, funeral, and the home. Points of tension in the development of the community are described.The description of these variables leads to the conclusion that the Amish in Allen County find a rural bias of vital importance to close personal relations, and that these two aspects of their culture are an expression of their Christian faith.

Historic rural settlement patterns and agricultural land utilization appear to have been partially influenced by pre-settlement landscape characteristics (especially drainage and soil fertility). Therefore efforts to document, interpret and ultimately protect and manage rural historic resources (sites, structures and objects) must include a broad survey methodology which integrates traditional architectural inventory procedures with natural landscape history and cultural influences.The preliminary findings of a recent rural landscape survey of southern Adams County, Indiana suggest a possible correlation between landscape characteristics and early Swiss Mennonite settlement patterns. While these settlers were probably not cognizant of the region's geologic history, they seem to have had an appreciation and awareness of certain landscape characteristics (elevation, drainage and vegetation as a clue to soils) as an indication of desirable farmland.This creative project uses the preliminary findings of The Southern Adams County Rural Landscape Survey as the basis for an in depth study of the apparent relationship between nature and culture which exists in this locality.The area which is the focus of the project is the historic home of the majority of Amish and Swiss Mennonite settlers in southern Adams County. It includes portions of French, Monroe, Hartford and Wabash Townships and centers on an uneven morainic belt which parallels the northern side of the Wabash River.The goal of the study is to explore the hypothesis generated by the survey, that: natural features and subculture geographic distribution as revealed in building types (the half-timber house, the white frame summer kitchen and the red Sweitzer barn) seem to correlate. The study is not an attempt to prove empirically the relationship between nature and culture. Rather it is an effort to reveal additional information about these variables which might later serve as the basis for analytical models or methodologies for studying other rural, cultural landscapes. / Department of Architecture