Kutztown in Berks County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

The Plain Dutch

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 3, 2017

1. The Plain Dutch Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The Pa. Dutch folk-culture is divided into two distinct elements: the "Plain" Dutch, who are in the minority, are the Amish & Mennonites: the "Gay" Dutch are, for the most part, Lutheran & Reformed.

The "Plain" Dutch are biblicists: they strictly conform to the Bible & its instructions. Their approach to worship is simple & anti-sacramental. They observe only those Holy Days which are specifically sanctioned in the Bible. They avoid revelry, waste, & "worldly ways": their goal is to be "little & unknown, loved by God alone." With their simple, unadorned, "Plain" way of life, the "Plain" Dutch attempt to separate themselves from the rest of the world.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers.

Location. 40° 31.092′ N, 75° 46.989′ W. Marker is in Kutztown, Pennsylvania, in Berks County. Marker is on the Kutztown Fairgrounds, home of the Kutztown Folk Festival. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 450 Wentz Street, Kutztown PA 19530, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance

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of this marker. New Year's Day Lore (here, next to this marker); The Candlemaker (here, next to this marker); The Bush Meeting (a few steps from this marker); Thanksgiving & Harvest Home (a few steps from this marker); Cider (a few steps from this marker); Dew of Heaven (a few steps from this marker); Pennsylvania Half-Timbering (a few steps from this marker); The Mennonites (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kutztown.

Regarding The Plain Dutch. Excerpt from "Today... and Yesterday" by The Morning Call

Also see . . .
1. Amish and the Plain People. (Submitted on July 12, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Historical Account of the Amish and the Mennonites (1938 book excerpt). (Submitted on July 12, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. The Pennsylvania German Society. (Submitted on July 12, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Pennsylvania German Cultural Heritage Center at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. (Submitted on July 12, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
5. Kutztown Folk Festival. (Submitted on July 12, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)

The Plain Dutch Marker and Other Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., July 3, 2017

2. The Plain Dutch Marker and Other Markers

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 12, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.