150 years ago

AUG. 11, 1876

Gnadenau, a Russian Mennonite town consisting of 35 dwelling houses containing a population of 300 souls, must be seen before a just conception can be had of it.

The houses are indeed queer specimens of domiciles to the American eye. The buildings are mostly made of adobe, some with wooden roofs, but most of them thatched.

One peculiarity is especially strange: Their stables are adjoined to the dwellings so that families and stock literally live in the same building, yet the premises are kept scrupulously clean, and the people themselves are very neat.

Another very noticeable feature, and one which puts to shame most American towns of the west, is the prevalence of flowers. Their yards are immense bouquets. Every other town in the county might well imitate Gnadenau in this matter.

The dress of little girls excited out risibles. Little creatures of 5, 6, and 7 summers all wore long dresses and, with other apparel corresponding, made them look like dwarf women.

The laws and regulations of the colony are enacted by the heads of households at their meetings on Sunday, imme