An Insight into the Amish Custom of Circle Letters
During a recent conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marlene Lehman about a charming Amish tradition known as circle letters. If you’re unfamiliar with this practice, it’s a heartfelt way for Amish individuals—sometimes from the same community, other times from different regions—to stay connected and share updates. This method is often humorously referred to by outsiders as the “Amish group chat,” highlighting its role in maintaining close-knit bonds across distances.
Marlene, who belongs to an Old Order Amish congregation in Shipshewana, Indiana, and co-founded the well-loved Plain & Simple magazine, explained the process in detail. Our discussion, which you can watch above or read in full transcript below, offers a fascinating glimpse into this old-fashioned communication method.
How Do Circle Letters Work? An Explanation from Marlene Lehman
Erik Wesner: Can you tell us about circle letters? Do you participate in writing them? And what exactly is a circle letter?
Marlene Lehman: Certainly! Typically, a circle letter involves around ten to twelve women who initiate the correspondence. The letter starts with one person’s message, which then gets passed along from one participant to the next. I was part of a group of classmates—friends from the same school—though we belonged to different grades. Even now, some of us are still active in this tradition.
Marlene: The circle usually meets every month or two, depending on everyone’s schedule. Each participant shares updates about their life, family, or community, creating a personal mosaic of experiences.
Erik: So, the process involves each person writing a letter on a piece of paper, then passing it along? How does that work physically?
Marlene: Exactly. Each woman writes her note, then staples or attaches her letter to the previous one. This creates a continuous chain of correspondence. The compiled bundle is then mailed to the next person in the circle, and so on until it completes the round and returns to the original sender.
Erik: When someone receives the completed cycle, do they remove their initial letter before adding a new one?
Marlene: Yes, they do. Upon receiving the bundle, the recipient reads through all the messages, then removes their original letter. After that, they compose a new message to continue the chain. I personally try to write my new letter promptly, usually within a day or two, to keep the circle moving smoothly.
Erik: How long does it typically take for the letter to make its way around and come back to you?
Marlene: Under ideal circumstances, with everyone participating diligently, it takes about two months for the circle to complete. Sometimes, delays happen due to mail issues or personal circumstances, but generally, two months is the norm.
Erik: Is this practice exclusive to certain groups, like friends from school, or has it expanded to other types of circles?
Marlene: While school friends often form circles, the tradition extends beyond that. For example, my sister-in-law, Elsie, participates in an ‘Elsie circle,’ which includes women from various Amish communities across states like Ohio. There are also family circles or special interest groups—perhaps for hobbyists, support groups for those who’ve experienced loss, or community organizers—who maintain similar letter exchanges.
Erik: Are there circles based on occupation, hobbies, or shared life experiences?
Marlene: Absolutely. Some circles are formed around common interests, such as woodworking, gardening, or support groups for grieving families. For instance, there are reunion circles for those who have lost loved ones, where members share their experiences and offer comfort, fostering a sense of unity and support.
Plain & Simple Magazine: A Window into Amish Life
Erik: Moving on to your magazine, Plain & Simple. What are some highlights in the latest edition? What can readers expect to find?
Marlene: The current issue features a variety of interesting articles and projects. For example, Gina Yutzy shares her experience with installing shiplap and wainscoting in her home, bringing a rustic charm to her living space. My husband contributed a custom-built grilling table, perfect for outdoor gatherings. Additionally, there’s a feature on creating a hotbed for starting seedlings in the fall, ensuring a thriving garden come spring, and a DIY project on building a tomato cage plant stand. We also showcase beautiful gourds from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, highlighting the artistry involved in gourd crafts.
Erik: I recall last time I didn’t get a good look at some of the crafts. Can you tell us more about the gourds and other handmade items?
Marlene: Certainly! The gourds are displayed beautifully, and many Amish artisans turn them into functional or decorative items. For instance, in the photos, there’s a chicken sitting on a nest, and some of the gourds are painted with intricate designs by local artists like Don Burke. If you visit Lancaster, Pennsylvania, be sure to explore the Smucker Gourd Farm—they create amazing pieces that showcase traditional craftsmanship.
Erik: Where can people find the latest issue of Plain & Simple? Do you offer both digital and print subscriptions?
Marlene: Yes, you can subscribe online at plainsimplemag.com. We offer digital subscriptions for convenience and also provide print copies for those who love holding a physical magazine in their hands. The publication is released every two months; to ensure you receive each issue on time, it’s best to subscribe before the 19th of the month preceding its release.
Additional Resources
- Learning from Amish Letters
- Marlene Lehman: A Day in Her Life
- Six Homemade Crafts by Marlene
- Traditional Amish Recipes Shared by Marlene