Bon Homme Hutterite Colony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bon Homme
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Limestone House at Bon Homme Colony
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 Bon Homme
Location in South Dakota
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| Country |  USA |
| State |  South Dakota |
| Branch | Schmiedeleut II |
| Status | Active |
| Founded | 1874 |
| Mother Colony | Hutterdorf, Ukraine |
| Daughter Colonies | |
The Bon Homme Hutterite Colony is a unique community located in Bon Homme County, South Dakota. It holds a very special place in the history of the Hutterites, a group of people who live together in a specific way. This colony is known as the "mother colony" for all Schmiedeleut Hutterite Colonies in North America. It is also the oldest Hutterite Colony in the world that is still active today.
Contents
Discovering Bon Homme Hutterite Colony
The Bon Homme Hutterite Colony is more than just a place. It is a living piece of history. It shows how a community can thrive for many years.
What are Hutterites?
Hutterites are a group of Christians who live in communities called colonies. They believe in sharing everything they own. This way of life is called "communal living." They work together, eat together, and raise their children together. Their faith is very important to them. They often speak a special German dialect.
A Colony's Beginning: The Story of Bon Homme
The Bon Homme Colony was started in 1874. It was founded by Hutterite immigrants. These families came from a region that is now part of Ukraine. They were led by a man named Michael Waldner. He was born in 1834 and passed away in 1889. Michael Waldner helped bring back communal living among the Hutterites in 1859. This happened in a place called Hutterdorf, Ukraine.
When the Hutterites came to North America, they settled in different areas. The Bon Homme Colony was one of the first. It became a very important center for their communities.
Why is Bon Homme Special?
Bon Homme is unique because it is the oldest Hutterite Colony still in existence. It is also the "mother colony" for many others. This means that new colonies often started from people who lived at Bon Homme.
During World War I, many Hutterite colonies moved to Canada. This was to avoid problems they faced in the United States. However, the Bon Homme Colony was the only one that chose to stay in the U.S. This makes its history even more remarkable.
Growing the Family: Daughter Colonies
Over time, as the Bon Homme Colony grew, new colonies were formed. These are called "daughter colonies." They are like new branches growing from the original tree. Some of these daughter colonies are in South Dakota. Others are in places like Manitoba, Canada. This shows how the Hutterite way of life has spread.
Life at Bon Homme Today
In 2012, the Bon Homme Hutterite Colony was part of a group called the "Committee Hutterites." They are also known as Schmiedeleut 2. This group is considered more traditional. They follow their customs and beliefs very closely. Life in the colony focuses on faith, hard work, and community.
