Shakerism in America – Legends of America
Ever heard of the Shakers? No, not the kind who make milkshakes (though I bet they could have invented a pretty good one!). We’re talking about a fascinating religious group with a unique history in America. They were all about shaking things up, both literally and figuratively!
Where Did They Come From?
The Shakers, officially known as "The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing," actually started way back in 1747 in Manchester, England. Imagine that – before America was even a country! But they didn’t get the name "Shakers" officially. It was more of a nickname because, during their worship services, they’d get super into it – trembling, whirling, and shaking with religious fervor. Talk about a lively service!
A key figure in the Shaker movement was Ann Lee. In 1758, she stepped up as a leader, and her followers believed she was the embodiment of Christ’s second coming, and they called her Mother Ann. She helped shape their beliefs and practices.
Coming to America for a Fresh Start
Life wasn’t always easy for the Shakers in England. They were often misunderstood and even persecuted for their beliefs. So, in 1774, Mother Ann Lee, along with eight of her followers, decided to pack their bags and head to North America. They hopped on a ship called the Mariah and sailed into New York harbor, looking for a place where they could live, work, and worship the way they wanted.
What were their core beliefs? Well, they had a few big ones:
- Celibacy: They didn’t believe in having children. (Yep, you read that right!)
- Communal Living: They lived together, sharing everything.
- Confession of Sin: They believed in admitting their mistakes to each other.
Since they didn’t have kids the "natural" way, they grew their community by adopting children, recruiting new members, and even taking in indentured children. When adopted kids turned 21, they got to choose whether to stay with the Shakers or go out into the world.
More Than Just Shaking and Celibacy
The Shakers were actually pretty progressive for their time. They believed in:
- Equality: They thought everyone, regardless of race or gender, deserved equal treatment.
- Simplicity: They kept things simple in their lives, avoiding fancy things and focusing on what really mattered.
- Pacifism: They were against war and violence.
In the 19th century, they were also involved in movements for women’s rights and the abolition of slavery.
Their communities were organized with a bishop in charge. Within each community, people lived in "family" units and worked together to take care of daily life.
Shaker Villages Sprang Up
Over time, the Shakers established villages all over the Northeast and Midwest. Here’s a list of some of them:
- Alfred, Maine (1793-1931)
- Canterbury, New Hampshire (1792-1992)
- Enfield, New Hampshire (1793-1923)
- Enfield, Connecticut (1792-1917)
- Gorham, Maine (1808-1819)
- Groveland, New York (1836-1892)
- Hancock – Pittsfield, Massachusetts (1790-1960)
- Harvard, Massachusetts (1792-1918)
- Mount Lebanon – New Lebanon, New York (1785-1917)
- Narcoosee, Florida (1895-1924)
- New Canaan, Connecticut (1810-1812)
- North Union – Cleveland, Ohio (1822-1899)
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1858-c.1910)
- Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg, Kentucky (1806-1910)
- Sabbathday, New Gloucester, Maine (1794-present)
- Savoy, Massachusetts (1817-1821)
- Shirley, Massachusetts (1793-1908)
- Sodus Bay – Huron New York (1826-1836)
- South Union, Kentucky (1807-1922)
- Tyringham, Massachusetts (1792-1875)
- Union Village – Turtlecreek Township, Ohio (1805-1912)
- Watervliet – Albany, New York (1776-1926)
- Watervliet – Kettering, Ohio (1806-1900)
- West Union – Busro, Indiana (1807-1827)
- White Oak, Georgia (1898-1902)
- Whitewater – New Haven, Ohio (1822-1916)
Building a Community
After arriving in America, the Shakers bought some land near Watervliet, New York. It was pretty much wilderness back then, northwest of Albany. Mother Ann started traveling around New York and New England, spreading the word and attracting new followers.
After Mother Ann died in 1784, other leaders took over. They continued to build more communities, starting in New York and New England and then expanding into the Midwest.
By 1836, there were 18 main Shaker communities, with about 60 families in each. There were also some smaller communities that didn’t last as long. They even tried starting communities in the Southeast and in Philadelphia, but those didn’t work out either. They called people who lived outside their communities "people from the World."
Making Things and Shaking Things Up
Shaker communities were mostly based on farming. Men and women lived and worked separately, for the most part. But they were also known for making things. In fact, they invented or improved a bunch of stuff, including:
- Metal pen nibs
- The flat broom
- A prototype washing machine (they called it a "wash mill")
- The circular saw
- Waterproof and wrinkle-free cloth
- An improved plow
Worship and Community
The center of Shaker life was the meeting house, where they held worship services every Sunday. These services included:
- Singing hymns
- Spontaneous dancing
- Sharing personal stories
- A short sermon
- Quiet time for reflection
The Rise and Fall
The Shakers were most popular in the 1840s and early 1850s, with between 4,000 and 9,000 members. But by the mid-1850s, their numbers started to decline.
Even when the Civil War came around, about 6,000 Shakers were still economically self-sufficient, selling things they made. They eventually switched from farming to making handicrafts, especially furniture.
But after the Civil War and the Industrial Revolution, things got tough for the Shakers. The new industrial economy made it hard for them to compete, and it became harder to recruit new members. As the Shakers died out, their communities closed down.
The Legacy Lives On
Even though most of the Shaker communities are gone, their legacy remains. Some of their buildings have become museums, and many of their sites are now historic districts. Today, only one active Shaker community remains: Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine. As of the last count, there are at least three active members.
So, the next time you think of the Shakers, remember that they were more than just people who shook during church services. They were a unique group with a fascinating history, who strived to live a life of simplicity, equality, and peace. And who knows, maybe they could have invented a pretty awesome milkshake, too!