Did you know there are only three living Shakers? Three.
What’s worse is that I didn’t know anything about them. Amish people are pretty well established here in the Midwest (and on reality television – thank you TLC), so I mistakenly thought of Shakers as a New England’s version of the Amish. I knew they were religious. I knew they wore hats. I knew they lived in colonies and promoted a simple, less extravagant way of living. I knew they wore old-timey clothes and looked like extras from Little House on the Prairie, and yet, I also knew a professor in art school who credited Shakers as the taproot of all modern design. I knew the Shakers belonged to a religious order that sprung out of the Quakers (true story: they got their name because they would shake when they danced in church), and I knew they made beautiful furniture and cloth loomed by hand. I knew they lived but I did not know that I would live to see their extinction. This year, this season, this very day, will be one of the last for their society. And it is a beautiful one at that.
Last week I read THIS article, which prompted me to watch THIS documentary on Netflix. Fascinating stuff. For one thing, in Shaker communities, men and women live separately. This ensured celibacy, which is why Shakers have always relied on outside recruits and adoption for new membership (urm…that may not be going so well seeing as there are only three of them). Unlike Amish people, Shakers are pro-industry and innovation. Shakers are responsible for the creation of the washing machine and the flat head broom, among other things. The circular saw was created by a female Shaker, Tabitha Babbit, in 1813, in her effort to aid the creation of a reliable set of false teeth (tell that to the fellas at Home Depot!). Shakers espoused that labor saving devices allow for “more time to pray” and sought purposeful efficiency in everyday life. (This ten minute video on Youtube covers this concept of ‘God in Design’ a bit more, but if you have a Netflix account, I really suggest you add the full documentary to your que (or buy it on amazon)).
This is great stuff for any of the American history buffs out there. Or the design buffs. Or the feminist buffs. Or the Jesus buffs. Or students of any age. Or just anyone else who could benefit from learning about another walk of life.
– HEY, that’s all of us!
More sources:
The Shaker Way to Cook and Eat.
The History of the Shakers.
The origin of Shaker dancing and whirling.
Near Maine? Go and visit the last of the Shakers at Sabbathday Lake (then tell me about it!)
Anonymous
We visited a shaker farm as a kid. Now I wish I had paid more attention. Perhaps this is a good excuse to go back.
Anonymous
I have loved visiting Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill Kentucky. You can visit the restored buildings, eat in their restaurant, and even spend the night. The singing was amazing…chills it was so beautiful. Hubby bought me one of their brooms, because he knows I love to sweep!
Alicia
Agreed! Shaker Village is a wonderful place to visit.
PEACHES
Well gosh. I just have to go now don’t I?!
Anonymous
They’ve done an amazing job at Shaker Village. (And you have to try the lemon pie–truly the best lemon pie ever.)
The Yellow Door Paperie
I LOVED that documentary I read books, accounts and got totally geeky about them.
Thanks for highlighting them!
Alexis
There is a wonderful Shaker village in Hancock, Massachusetts. It is not occupied by living Shakers but it is a working farm as well as a museum. I highly recommend a visit! http://hancockshakervillage.org/
Alexis
Eek, sorry — it is in Pittsfield. 🙂
Embley Veronica
I’ve always been fond of the Quakers for their inclusiveness, vegan leanings, etc. I’ll definitely check out the Shakers documentary. If you’re interested in this kind of thing, you might enjoy reading a book called “Without Sin” about the Oneida Colony (yep, the silverware people!) and their Victorian free-love commune. Yep, I said Victorian and free-love, one right after the other. It’s an interesting read.
Kim L
PEACHES….you are mighty fine….from Liberace to Shakers….I love your mind.
Elizabeth
Great topic!!! great coments! I think I need to go consult al lthose resources and head out to Pittsfield, MA. I’m going to echo the first comment and say I think I learned a little about this is school and now wish I had paid more attention.
j. wilson
Saw the documentary as well and it was quite good. Sadly I don;t thin kwe ever had Shakers in Southern California. On a side…the men in the illustration look like they are doing “The Creep” have you seen that video yet?