I didn't think Amish did this...

Normally they have one phone that is shared amongst many families. I lived in Pa. for 4 years. You are correct that they don't have cars, they have horse and buggies. They also use draft horses for farming. However, there are also Mennonites in Pa. They do drive cars, and there are several garden centers/farmer's markets run by them and they have excellent items there. What part of Pa. is the house located in?

I'm the same. I don't know anything more than what I've seen on TV or in movies. I had no idea they used phones! It would seem to me that a phone would be one of those "modern gadgets" that they'd avoid using for the same reason they don't like being tied with the outside world (e.g., electricity). But, as for their workmanship, you can't go wrong. I inherited a pair of rocking chairs, actually gliders, with footstools, that were hand-build by the Amish. They are the most well-made chairs of their kind that I've ever seen. I bought a glider/rocker of my own many years before I inherited these two and that one broke several times and had to be repaired but these chairs are as solid as the day my parents bought them, at least 15 years ago. Good luck with your roof and other repairs!

My understanding of the Amish and the very stricter sects of Mennonites is that if a modern convenience enables them in their business it is allowed. They will have electricity in their barns to provide light for the cattle or to do chores, but not in their house. In this case this roofer needs a way to attract business and communicate so he has a phone. Strict (Holderman) Mennonites will have a vehicle, possibly shared, painted a conservative color like dark green and if there is a radio, they have it removed from the vehicle as that is worldly. They will make a trip into town for a large group to shop, etc. They will take care of this investment and keep it serviced and repaired so that it will last them a very long time. I actually am describing a vehicle that was purchased and used locally.

It depends on which sect they belong to but normally they will not have their own phone. They may have a phone in their barn or use a friend's phone number to receive messages THAT way. I know many who have phone cards and go into town to use a payphone to use them. We have a large population of Amish in our area of Southern Michigan. They shop here in town. Often they will pay a neighbor to drive them places. I believe that they may also go in on purchasing a van together with other Amish families and then keep the van in the neighbor's barn. He drives them around. They believe that an accumulation of material modern things can lead to pride. They are often friendly but rather reserved.