How do the Amish survive without telephones?

Well, most New Order Amish do have phones in their homes. The rest manage to live without them!

Nearly all Amish have access to phones. Little buildings, like phone booths, are here and there, at the end of the lane and in town, where the Amish may use the phone when needed. Most "English" neighbors also let the Amish use their phones, especially in emergencies.

The "Amish Grapevine" is a word-of-mouth way that news travels among the members of Amish communities. Local auctions as well as church and family gatherings provide opportunities to share information.

But, one Amishman warned, "The rumor mill is often wrong. Take what you hear, subtract 70 percent of that and then divide that by two, and you'll have the facts!"