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Shaker Built: A Catalog of Shaker Architectural Records from the Historic American Buildings Survey, September 1994
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Shaker Built: A Catalog of Shaker Architectural Records from the Historic American Buildings Survey, September 1994
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SHAKER BUILT
A Catalog of Shaker Architectural Records from the
Historic American Buildings Survey
Clemson University
[29,74: Shi
3 1604 003 175 264
LIBR CLEMS FEB1 OUTHONS a 1 1975
NMENT
R
RY
1
Cover photograph:
Centre Family Dwelling House, Pleasant Hill
O
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2012 with funding from
LYRASIS Members and Sloan Foundation
http://archive.org/details/shakerbuiltcatal00popp
SHAKER BUILT
A Catalog of Shaker Architectural Records from the
Historic American Buildings Survey
John Poppeliers, Editor
with the assistance of
Deborah Stephens
Historic American Buildings Survey
National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
September, 1974
1708 NSV WILL LUC
CONTENTS
Foreword
1
The Records
1
Acknowledgements
2
Editor's Notes
3
Critical Bibliography
5
Introduction
7
Communities
Pleasant Hill
13
South Union
21
Sabbathday Lake
25
Hancock
29
Harvard
37
Canterbury
45
Enfield
51
Mount Lebanon
53
Watervliet
69
Union Village
80
Whitewater
83
Ministry's Shop, Harvard
Jack E. Boucher, 1963
East Family Brethren's Shop, Pleasant Hill
Jack E. Boucher 1963
ILLUSTRATIONS
Ministry's Shop, Harvard
contents
East Family Brethren's Shop, Pleasant Hill
opposite
Second Family General View, Mount Lebanon
overleaf
Meetinghouse, Harvard
3
Centre Family Dwelling House (third), Pleasant Hill
6
Centre Family Dwelling House (third), Pleasant Hill
12
West Family Dwelling House (second), Pleasant Hill
19
Centre Family General View, South Union
20
Centre Family Dwelling House, South Union
23
View of Village, Sabbathday Lake
24
Meetinghouse, Sabbathday Lake
24
Meetinghouse, Sabbathday Lake
27
Meetinghouse, Sabbathday Lake
27
Church Family Main Dwelling House, Hancock
28
Church Family Main Dwelling House, Hancock
31
Round Barn, Hancock
32
Waterworks, Hancock
35
Church Family 1836 Plot Plan, Harvard
36
Church Family Trustees' Office (second), Harvard
40
South Family Barn, Harvard
41
South Family Barn, Harvard
41
South Family Dwelling and Washhouse, Harvard
43
Church Family Dwelling House, Canterbury
44
Church Family Dwelling House, Enfield
50
Brethren's Workshop, Mount Lebanon
53
Meetinghouse (second), Mount Lebanon
54
Church Family Apple Drying Kiln, Mount Lebanon
54
North Family Barn, Mount Lebanon
61
North Family Barn, Mount Lebanon
62
North Family Washhouse (second), Mount Lebanon
65
Church Family Inner Yard, Watervliet
70
South Family Plot Plan, Watervliet
77
West Family Broom Shop, Watervliet
80
North Family General View, Whitewater
84
Second Family General View
Mount Lebanon, N.Y.
N.E. Baldwin, 1939
FOREWORD
THE RECORDS
For over forty years the Historic American Buildings
Survey (HABS) has documented the history of the building
arts in the United States with architectural measured
drawings, photographs, and historical and descriptive
written data. Under the auspices of the National Park
Service, the Survey was initially organized in 1933 with
architects employed under several Federal relief programs.
The next year the National Park Service entered into an
agreement with the American Institute of Architects and
the Library of Congress to conduct the Survey on a per-
manent basis. Under this agreement, the Park Service
administers the Survey with funds appropriated by Con-
gress; the American Institute of Architects provides
professional counsel through its national membership;
and the Library of Congress preserves the records and
makes them available for study and reproduction.
One of the Survey's most important archival collections
records the communities and structures of the United
Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, pop-
ularly known as Shakers. In addition, this collection
is one of the largest available on Shaker architecture
today, including approximately 250 drawings and nearly
1,000 photographs, and documenting 175 buildings in eleven
communities in six states. For many of the structures,
now demolished or destroyed, these are the only known
records. The early records were acquired by the Survey
through the initial WPA field projects or through sub-
sequent field work and private donations. The two most
significant gifts are those from the New York State Depart-
ment of Education and from Dr. Elmer R. Pearson, Associate
Professor at the Institute of Design of the Illinois
Institute of Technology in Chicago. The New York State
material--photographs and measured drawings dating from
the 1920's through the 1940's--was acquired in 1962
through the offices of Dr. Albert B. Corey, then New York
State Historian and William L. Lassiter, then Senior Cur-
ator of History and Art of the New York State Education
Department. These records are for the Watervliet and
Mount Lebanon communities in New York and the Hancock com-
munity in Massachusetts. Dr. Pearson's photographs are
his own and were taken in South Union, Kentucky; Sabbath-
day Lake, Maine; Hancock, Massachusetts; Canterbury and
Enfield, New Hampshire; and Whitewater, Ohio. These two
gifts make up the greater part of the collection. The
1
balance of the material--such as the measured drawings
developed by Bayard Underwood, AIA, for the Harvard Shaker
community in Massachusetts and photographs of the Sabbath-
day Lake and Canterbury communities by Miller/Swift--was
acquired from outside sources or produced by the Survey's
own field teams and Jack E. Boucher, supervisor, photo-
graphy and pictorial records.
This catalog and the accompanying exhibition of the same
title are both the result of the interest engendered
by the 1974 Shaker bicentennial celebration. The work
of documenting the Shaker legacy continues; the Historic
American Buildings Survey intends to increase its present
efforts to supplement this valuable collection, and hopes
to eventually publish the catalog in an expanded and more
permanent form. In the meantime, the information contain-
ed herein should provide a useful complement to the exhibi-
tion and a guide to the HABS collection.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
In acknowledging the help of the many people who contribut-
ed to the completion of this catalog, the editors would
like first to express their indebtedness to A.D. Emerich--
who presently is engaged in compiling for publication his
own inventory of Shaker architecture--for his invaluable
assistance as a consultant on the catalog and the exhibi-
tion.
The decision to publish a Shaker Catalog in time for the
bicentennial celebration was made at a late hour. With-
out sufficient time to finish making on-site inspections
of all recorded structures, the HABS staff had to call
upon the expertise of others familiar with the eleven com-
munities to verify the accuracy of the catalog entries.
We are greatly indebted to the following people for the
graciousness with which they responded to our questions:
James C. Thomas, Curator, Shakertown at Pleasant Hill,
Inc., and his assistant Edward Nichols for information
on Pleasant Hill, Kentucky; Julia Neal, Co-chairman of
Shakertown Revisited, Inc., and her assistant Timothy
Appling for information on South Union, Kentucky; John
Ott, Director of Hancock Shaker Village, for information
on Hancock, Massachusetts; Bayard Underwood, AIA, for
information on Harvard, Massachusetts; Charles Thompson,
Director, Shaker Village, Inc., for information on Can-
terbury, New Hampshire; Rev. Edmond Bourque, of the
LaSallette Shrine in Enfield for information on Enfield,
New Hampshire; Ronald Emery, Chairman of the English
2
Department at the Darrow School, and Morrison H. Heckscher,
Curator of the American Wing, Metropolitan Museum, New
York, for information on Mount Lebanon, New York;
Jean Olton, Town Historian of Colonie, for information
on Watervliet, New York; Elva Adams of the Warren County
Historical Society, for information on Union Village, Ohio;
Debbie Lynch and Jeff Darbee of the Ohio Historical Center
for information on Whitewater, Ohio.
Special thanks are also due to the following staff members
of the Historic American Buildings Survey for their help
in preparing this catalog for publication: Susan Dynes for
design and editorial assistance; Mary Farrell and John Burns
for editorial assistance; Jane Kulczycki for research as-
sistance; and Deborah Stephens for acting as co-editor.
EDITOR'S NOTES
The Survey's editors, in keeping with long-established
policy, have used the historic name of the structure--
when ascertainable--as the main catalog entry. Names
used thereafter, or currently in use, are given in paren-
thesis after the main entry and are also listed as cross
references. All titles in this catalog appear in alpha-
betical order under the various Shaker community "families",
-
ages
12
GHAK
ER
MEETING
HOUSE
Hae
VARD
3
with the exception of those buildings which were used by
the entire community, such as the Meetinghouse and the
Ministry's Shop. These structures are listed alphabetically,
with miscellaneous cross references, prior to the "family"
listings.
Each structure recorded by the Survey is assigned a num-
ber preceeded by the appropriate state abbreviation, e.g.
KY-315. These HABS numbers, which appear in parenthesis
after the building's name, are to be used in ordering re-
productions of photographs, measured drawings, and written
data pages from the Library of Congress. It will be noted,
however, that many of the structures in the New York com-
munities have in addition another number (e.g. Centre
Family Smithy, Building #15), which identifies the build-
ing as it appears on "family" plot plans made by the re-
cording architects in the 1930's and the early 1940's.
These numbers are useful in pinpointing the location of
a building within a community, but they should not be
confused with the HABS number. The following information
will provide the reader with further assistance in using
the catalog:
Definition of Terms
Destroyed - lost by means of slow deterioration, fire,
or natural disaster
Demolished - lost through purposeful man-made destruction
Deteriorating - still standing, frame relatively intact
Ruinous - frame no longer intact, only ruins remaining,
such as a foundation or several walls
Symbols and Abbreviations
* - records not yet transmitted to the Library of Congress
NHL - National Historic Landmark
NR - National Register
4
CRITICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY
We have given only a brief outline of Shaker history and
community life because so much has already been written on
these subjects. The most extensive work has been done by
the late Edward Deming Andrews and his wife Faith, both of
whom have devoted much of their lives to preserving, docu-
menting, and interpreting the Shaker legacy in numerous
books and articles. Their principal work is The People
Called Shakers (Oxford University Press, 1953). An ear-
lier history titled The Shaker Adventure (Princeton Uni-
versity Press, 1941) was written by Marguerite Fellows
Melcher. Both of these books contain statistical charts
and excellent bibliographies, in addition to which the
Andrews book has reproductions of nineteenth century en-
gravings. A Summary View of the Millennial Church (Albany,
1823) by Calvin Green and Seth Wells, and Shakerism Its
Meaning and Message (New York, 1904) by Anna White and
Leila Taylor, are two helpful contemporary accounts of the
United Belivers.
All of the aforementioned are general histories of the
Shaker movement. None, however, attempt to record in de-
tail the histories of the individual settlements or the
architectural development of the communities. For the most
part, this work remains to be done. It was begun by the
American journalist, Charles Nordhoff, who in preparing his
book, The Communistic Societies of the United States (Har-
per and Brothers, 1875), personally visited each of the
Shaker villages and compiled invaluable statistical and de-
scriptive information on them. During the last fifteen
years, with the growing awareness of the uniqueness of the
Shaker experience, many of the Shaker communities have been
acquired by non-profit organizations intent on restoration
and preservation. With these efforts will come the research
necessary to document more fully the development of the in-
dividual settlements. Work on several publications is now
in progress. The Simple Spirit: A Pictorial Study of the
Shaker Community of Pleasant Hill (Pleasant Hill Press,
1973) by Samuel W. and James C. Thomas is the first to ap-
pear and it sets a high standard for both scholarship and
graphic design. In addition to these general histories
there is a growing literature on Shaker architecture, crafts,
and industries. The contribution made to this literature
by the editors of Antiques should not be overlooked. They
have been providing a stimulus for Shaker scholarship since
the mid 1920's and continue to do so.
5
Centre Family Dwelling House (third)
Lester Jones 1940
leasant Hill
INTRODUCTION
Social and spiritual unrest in Europe during the eighteenth
and nineteenth centuries brought thousands in search of a
new way of life to the American shores. Among the new-
comers were those who attempted to establish communities
based on religious or socio-economic theories; few of
these settlements survived. One of the most successful of
the utopian experiments was begun in the swamplands of
Niskeyuna near Albany, New York by the United Society of
Believers in Christ's Second Appearing, under the leadership
of Ann Lee (1736-1787), an illiterate textile worker from
Manchester, England.
At the age of twenty-three, Ann Lee, a blacksmith's daugh-
ter, joined the United Believers, a sect founded in the
neighborhood of Manchester by two dissident Quakers, James
and Jane Wardley. The group derived many of its beliefs
from the Quakers, and its form of worship, involving the
use of singing, shouting, and frenzied physical movement,
was influenced by the French millennialists, known as the
French Prophets or Camisards. The Believers were at first
derisively referred to as Shaking Quakers, and then simply
as Shakers. Many thought their doctrines smacked of
"popery" and their strange manner of worship suggested
witchcraft. Consequently, they were bitterly persecuted--
physically abused and imprisoned.
In 1770, during one of Ann Lee's terms of incarceration for
profaning the Sabbath, she experienced a vision in which
it was revealed to her that "lustful gratifications of the
flesh" were the "source and foundation of human corruption".
and that only through the celibate life could man gain
perfection. The revelation is not difficult to explain in
terms of Ann Lee's own unsuccessful marriage and the pre-
mature death of her four children. The concept of sexual
abstinence had a substantial basis in the biblical story
of Adam and Eve and in the belief held for so many centuries
by the Church of Rome.
As a result of Ann Lee's revelation, the Believers looked
to her as the female representative of Christ on earth or
their "Mother in Christ", and they thereafter adopted the
rule of celibacy, leaving themselves open to further ac-
cusations of "popery".
7
Several years later, Mother Ann was instructed in
another vision to take her followers to America; in
accordance with these directions she sailed in May of
1774 for New York with eight followers. For two years
after their arrival in the United States the Believers
followed their various trades in New York City and
Albany, and in the Spring of 1776 they gathered together
on their first plot of land in the woods of Watervliet
near Niskeyuna, New York. For three years they concen-
trated on the work of creating a settlement in the wilder-
ness and made little attempt to attract new followers.
In 1779, a revival--part of the eighteenth century reli-
gious movement known as the "Great Awakening took place
among the New Light Baptists in nearby New Lebanon and
the surrounding area. By the spring of the next year,
word of the curious sect at Niskeyuna had reached the
leaders of the revival; among them was the influential
preacher Joseph Meacham. Along with two companions,
Meacham visited the Shakers and was converted on
the day of his arrival. Soon thereafter, as Mother
Ann had prophesied, others followed. People flocked to
the settlement to hear Mother Ann and James Whittaker
expound on the Shaker beliefs: the confession of sins,
the virtues of the celibate life, the equality of the
sexes, and the consecration of labor. After this
"public opening of testimony", Mother Ann and her dis-
ciples traveled throughout New England proselytizing
and arousing antagonism among unbelievers wherever they
went. They were accused by their enemies of destroying
family life and spying for the British. It is a great
irony that while a war for political freedom raged
around them they were denied the opportunity to express
their own beliefs. As a result of the hostility they
encountered, the new converts naturally drew together
to practice their way of life and to provide mutual
support against outsiders. By the time of Mothers Ann's
death in September of 1784, there were incipient com-
munities of Shakers scattered throughout New England.
It was soon evident that to follow their religious tenets
the Shakers would have to separate themselves from the
"world". The separation implied a need to create self-
sustaining communities, and since most of the new con-
verts were poor farmers and artisans, they were required
to pool their resources to survive. Accordingly, strin-
gent rules regarding communal property evolved, as well
8
as a hierarchy of leaders called the "ministry" to direct
and coordinate the individual communities. It is thought
that Mother Ann's immediate successor, James Whittaker,
was the first to ennunciate the rule of common property,
but it was under his successor, Joseph Meacham, that this
rule was clarified and given structure. Under Meacham's
leadership the Shakers were "gathered into society order",
beginning with the New Lebanon community in 1792. The
rules of the society were later codified as the Millennial
Laws in 1845.
Although the Shakers maintained a celibate life and sep-
aration of the sexes, it was not the complete separation
that is observed in monasteries or convents. The Shakers
chose instead to create "families" in which the brethren
and sisters lived, worshiped, and worked together on equal
terms, and to a limited extent even socialized with one
another. As the community plan evolved, the first "family"
was usually called the Church or Centre Family and the
others were named as they related to it chronologically or
geographically, as the Second Family or the South Family.
Under the strong and able leadership of Mother Ann's suc-
cessors, more than nineteen communities were established
throughout the United States and directed from the central
ministry at Mount Lebanon. These included twelve com-
munities in New England, four in Ohio, two in Kentucky,
and one in Indiana. At first, agriculture was the founda-
tion of the Shaker economy, but as time progressed manu-
facturing became more important, particularly in the
northern societies. At the apex of their development in
the decade before the Civil War, there were as many as
6,000 Shakers living in self-sufficient communities in
varying degrees of prosperity. After the Civil War, how
ever, membership in the United Society began to fall off
precipitously. The reasons for the decline were complex
and are still debated. Explanations that recur most
frequently suggest that material well-being, once achieved,
undermined the original ardor. As a religious system
Shakerism had a strong justification and appeal, but as
a socio-economic system it could not compete with the
"world".
Shaker buildings were placed in relation to one another
with fitness and efficiency in mind, presenting a pleas-
ing and well ordered community plan. The principle struc-
tures were usually located around an inner court or yard
9
or along a main access road, the shops behind, and a large
barn sprawling off at a distance. The forms and colors of
the buildings were preordained by the Millennial Laws--"odd
or fanciful styles of architecture may not be used among
Believers
the meetinghouse should be painted white with-
out, and of a bluish shade within
barns and back buildings,
as wood houses etc. if painted at all should be of a dark
hue
unless they front the road or command a sightly
aspect. The Shakers were obviously aware that their spot-
less, peaceful little villages were a means of gaining re-
spect among their neighbors and attracting new believers
to their way of life. Their gardens and fields were care-
fully manicured, their buildings and fences freshly painted,
and their streets generously planted with trees.
The greatest determining factor in the design of the over-
all community was the "family order". Each "family" usually
maintained its own dwelling and service buildings, such as
a laundry, a barn, and various workshops. Some structures,
such as the meetinghouse, the school, and usually the trus-
tees' office, where business was transacted with the outside
world, were used by the whole community, and these were
ordinarily located in the Church Family.
Building forms were dictated by the needs of the community.
The functional patterns established at Mount Lebanon were
repeated at all subsequently founded communities. This is
not to imply that they all appeared to be stamped out of
the same mold, for each was a variation on a theme, with
subtle differences influenced by the time of the community's
founding, the geographic location, and materials available,
as well as the ability of the builders.
These communities which now seem in some respects models
of modern planning--including such concepts as the cluster-
ing of dwellings and service buildings in small groups to
create the proper balance of activity and privacy and to
make optimum use of the surrounding land--evolved as a
result of the Shaker demand for order and efficiency. Far
from being the products of sophisticated schools of arch-
itecture and environmental design, Shaker builders and
planners had little or no training. With the exception of
two young carpenters, Micajah Burnett (1791-1879) of
Pleasant Hill, Kentucky and Moses Johnson (1752-1842) of
Enfield, New Hampshire, their names are forgotten. The
latter probably had the greatest influence on Shaker com-
munity design; his name is generally associated with the
10
gambrel-roofed meetinghouses he built throughout New
England, but he was also responsible for the design and
construction of many other buildings, including shops,
mills, and even a hogsty at Watervliet, New York.
The meetinghouse, as the focal point of the society, was
among the first buildings to be raised. Not unexpectedly,
most did not differ greatly from the vernacular style of
the rural architecture of the surrounding countryside.
Because of the law of celibacy and the size of the Shaker
"families" that had to be housed under one roof, the dwel-
ling house presented the most interesting design problem.
The solution was a dormitory-like structure separated with-
in by dual hallways and stairways, and without by dual
entrances. There were also dwelling houses designed spe-
cifically for children, as the Shakers often brought their
own offspring with them when they joined the society, and
the society made it a practice for many years to take in
orphans. The spacious interiors of these buildings were
in perfect keeping with the exteriors--spare, well-pro-
portioned rooms, perfectly maintained in accordance with
every detail prescribed by the Millennial Laws.
As the social and economic aspects of the Shaker's lives
followed naturally from their religious tenets, so too
did their community plans, their architecture, and their
crafts. Elder Frederick Evans, a scholar, political theo-
rist, and deeply religious man, who saw in the Shaker eco-
nomic system a fundamentally Christian way of life, prefer-
red to explain the Shaker aesthetic in terms of the econom-
ics of equal distribution, rather than in terms of honesty
and simplicity. When asked if the Shakers would build
things differently if they were to start anew, Evans replied,
"No, the beautiful, as you call it is absurd and abnormal.
It has no business with us. The divine man has no right
to waste money upon what you would call beauty, in his
house or his daily life, when there are people living in
misery."
The year was 1875, a time when the fashionable portraits
of John Singer Sargent, the opulent country houses of
Richard Morris Hunt, and the ornate furniture designed
by John Henry Belter were held in the highest esteem. In
the hundred years that have passed since that question was
directed to Elder Evans, prevailing tastes have changed and
an appreciation for functional design and fine craftsman-
ship has developed, as evidenced by the thousands of people
who annually visit the several Shaker villages which are
gradually undergoing restoration.
11
ntre Family Dwelling House (third)
Jack E. Boucher, 1963
KENTUCKY
PLEASANT HILL (SHAKERTOWN)
Mercer County (84)
Location: Northeast of Harrodsburg, north of U.S. Route
68 and State Route 33 intersection, on Village Road.
Historical Summary: A great religious revival similar in
fervor to the one that occured in New England at the end
of the eighteenth century flourished in Kentucky and the
surrounding states early in the 1800's. Recognizing the
similarity and welcoming the opportunity for new conver-
sions, the Shaker ministry sent missionaries into the area
in 1805. After establishing the first western community
at Union Village, Ohio, the missionaries traveled south to
Kentucky where they founded two more communities at Shaw-
nee Run (Pleasant Hill) and Gasper Springs (South Union).
One hundred forty acres of fertile bluegrass land on the
Shawnee River, donated by Elisha Thomas, formed the nucleus
of the Pleasant Hill community. By 1820 the community had
amassed 4,200 acres and numbered almost 500 members. Dur-
ing the major years of growth, Micajah Burnett, a young
Shaker carpenter, served as principal architect and general
planner. His fine work was noted by several nineteenth
century chroniclers and today Pleasant Hill still provides
an outstanding example of Shaker community planning and
architecture.
Farming, preserving fruits, and raising livestock provided
the economic base for the community. Pleasant Hill also
manufactured brooms and other goods and produced silk to
be marketed in the "world", but as their population de-
creased they no longer had the manpower or the economic
need to continue. The Civil War, in particular, precipi-
tated the decline of the community. As egalitarians, the
Shakers were opposed to slavery and sympathetic to the
Union cause, but during the War they were preyed upon by
both armies for food and provisions. The War exhausted
their supplies and claimed some of their men. By 1875
there were only 245 Shakers left at Pleasant Hill; thirty-
five years later, in 1910, the society was dissolved,
when Colonel Bohon of nearby Harrodsburg purchased what
remained of the Shaker property. Over the next fifty
years the dwellings and shops were leased to various ten-
ants until, in 1961, Shakertown at Pleasant Hill, Inc.
was formed to purchase the community for restoration.
Many of the buildings are now restored, and the village
is open to the public as a museum. NHL, NR
13
KENTUCKY
PLEASANT HILL (cont.)
Blacksmiths -Carpenters' Shop (Broom Factory) (KY-79),
S. side of Village Rd. Brick, one story, sloping site
reveals random ashlar basement, gable roof. Built
1815; remodeled for use as a store; now restored for
use as a visitor's center. 1 ext. photo (1940).
Broom Factory (KY-79). See Blacksmiths'-Carpenters' Shop.
Church Family House (KY-76). See Centre Family Dwelling
House (third).
Coopers' Shop (North Workshop) (KY-83), N. side of Village
Rd. Frame with clapboarding, four by two bays, two-and-
a-half stories, gable roof, double entrance doors with
straight transoms. Built C. 1830; moved to present
location and enlarged 1847; restored after 1963. 4 ext.
photos (1940, 1963*).
Dr. Pennebaker House (KY-90). See West Family Dwelling
House (first).
Farm Deacon's Shop (KY-77). See Centre Family Dwelling
House (first).
First House (KY-77). See Centre Family Dwelling House
(first).
Guest House (KY-81). See Centre Family Trustees' Office.
Meetinghouse (Shakertown Baptist Church) (KY-78), S. side
of Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding, 60' (five-bay
front) X 44' (two bays), two-and-a-half stories on
regular ashlar foundation, gable roof, double entrances
with stone steps. Built 1821; adopted for use as a
Baptist Church; restored after 1963. 4 ext. photos
(1940, 1963*).
Men's Shower House (KY-93). See Centre Family Washhouse.
Ministry's Old Yellow Frame Shop (KY-113). See Ministry's
Shop (first).
Ministry's Shop (first) (Ministry's Old Yellow Frame Shop)
(KY-113), N. side of Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding,
one by two bays, two-and-a-half stories, gable roof,
double entrances, two porch additions. Built 1812;
14
KENTUCKY
PLEASANT HILL (cont.)
asbestos siding and porches removed during restoration
after 1963. 2 ext. photos (1963*).
Ministry's Shop (second) (KY-114), S. side of Village
Rd. Frame with clapboarding, three by two bays, two-
and-a-half stories on random ashlar basement, gable
roof, shed-roofed front porch, one-story shed-roofed
rear addition and porch. Built 1820-1821; porches
removed during restoration after 1963. 2 ext. photos
(1963*).
North Family House (KY-80). See West Family Sisters'
Shop.
North Workshop (KY-83). See Coopers' Shop.
Old Stone Shop (KY-90). See West Family Dwelling House
(first).
Outbuilding (KY-92). See East Family Broom Shop.
Pennebaker School for Girls (KY-91). See West Family
Dwelling House (second).
Shakertown Baptist Church (KY-78). See Meetinghouse.
Shakertown Inn (KY-20-12). See East Family Dwelling
House.
Silkworm House (KY-89). See East Family Sisters' Shop.
South Workshop (KY-82). See East Family Bretheren's
Shop.
Water Tower Building (KY-84), N. side of Village Rd.
Frame with brick nogging and clapboarding, two by one
bays, two-and-a-half stories on random ashlar foundation,
gable roof, entrance door with straight transom, in-
novative water system. Built 1833; restored. 5 sheets
(1963*, including plans, elevations, section, details);
2 ext. photos (1940).
Centre Family
Dwelling House (first) (Farm Deacon's Shop) (First
House) (KY-77), N. side of Village Rd. Random native
15
KENTUCKY
PLEASANT HILL (cont.)
limestone, three by two bays, two-and-a-half stories
with partially exposed basement, gable roof, flat
arches with voussoirs and keystone, small gabled cel-
lar entrance on side. Built 1809; replaced original
log dwelling; restored after 1963. 4 ext. photos
(1940, 1963*), 3 int. photos (1940, 1963*).
Dwelling House (third) (Church Family House) (KY-76),
N. side of Village Rd. Regular native limestone,
T-shaped, 55' (six-bay front) X 60' (four bays), two-
and-a-half stories on partially exposed basement,
gambrel roof with two dormer-like cupolas, double
entrances with stone steps and iron railings, two-
and-a-half story gabled rear wing with "call bell",
34' (two bays) X 85' (nine bays), one-story rear
frame addition (removed), double interior stairs,
meeting room with semi-elliptical arch ceiling.
Built 1824-1834 (date stone); Micajah Burnett, archi-
tect; restored after 1963. 9 ext. photos (1940,
1963*), 9 int. photos (1940, 1963*).
Smokehouse (KY-86), N. side of Village Rd. Brick,
two by one bays, one story, gable roof, double entrances.
Built 1862; demolished after 1940. 1 ext. photo (1940).
Trustees' Office (Guest House) (KY-81), S. side of
Village Rd. Brick laid in Flemish bond, L-shaped,
three by three bays, two-and-a-half stories on sloping
site fully exposing regular ashlar basement, gable
roof with one gabled dormer, double door with ellipti-
cal fanlight and sidelights and surrounding paneled
elliptical arch, stone steps with iron railings, triple
windows on facade, one bay side porch addition with
scroll brackets, two-and-a-half story gabled ell (six
by three bays), four arched doors on E. side of main
block and ell, double interior spiral stairs. Built
1839-1841; Micajah Burnett, architect; restored after
1963. 8 ext. photos (1940, 1963*), 10 int. photos
1940, 1963*).
Washhouse (Men's Shower House) (KY-93), N. side of
Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding, one story, gable
roof, high windows. Built 1860; restored for use as
a shoemakers exhibit. 1 ext. photo (1940).
16
KENTUCKY
PLEASANT HILL (cont.)
East Family
Brethren's Shop (South Workshop) (later used as the
Trustees' Office) (KY-82), N. side of Village Rd.
Brick, T-shaped, five by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories on regular ashlar foundation, gable roof,
front door with straight transom, front porch ad-
dition (removed), two-and-a-half story gabled frame
wing with clapboarding, shed-roofed porch on E. side
(removed). Built 1845-1846; restored after 1963.
6 ext. photos (1940, 1963*).
Broom Shop (Outbuilding) (KY-92), N. side of Village
Rd. Frame with brick infill. Built C. 1820; shows
construction details; ruinous. 1 ext. photo (1940).
Dwelling House (Shakertown Inn) (KY-20-12), N. side
of Village Rd. Brick, T-shaped, 54'-4" (five-bay
front) X 44'-4" (three bays), three-and-a-half
stories on partially exposed random ashlar basement,
gable roof, double entrances, two-and-a-half story
wing (five by two bays), two one-story frame ad-
ditions (one removed), double interior stairs.
Built 1817-1819 (date stone); Micajah Burnett, archi-
tect; restored after 1963. 9 sheets (1934, including
plot plan, plans, elevations); 13 ext. photos (1934,
1940, 1963*), 4 int. photos (1934, 1940, 1963*); 2
data pages (1936).
Sisters' Shop (Silkworm House) (KY-89), N. side of
Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding, 53' (five-bay
front) X 25' (two bays), two-and-a-half stories on
slightly raised random ashlar basement, gable roof,
double door with straight transom, stone steps with
iron railing, small gabled cellar entrance on side.
Built 1855; restored after 1963. 5 ext. photos
(1940, 1963*).
Washhouse (KY-88), N. side of Village Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, three by two bays, two-and-a-half stories,
gable roof, slightly lower side wing (four by two bays)
with small shed-roofed rear addition, three front doors
(one in main block, two in wing). Built C. 1835;
addition built 1849; deteriorating; restoration in
progress. 4 ext. photos (1940, 1963*).
17
KENTUCKY
PLEASANT HILL (cont.)
West Family
Barn (KY-87), N. side of Village Rd. Frame with board
and batten, one-and-a-half stories, triple gabled roof.
Built mid 19th c.; ruinous in 1940; now demolished.
1 ext. photo (1940).
Drying House (KY-112), N. side of Village Rd. Small
brick outbuilding, one story on random ashlar founda-
tion, gable roof, wood framed door and window. Built
1862; restored. 1 ext. photo (1963*).
Dwelling House (first) (Dr. Pennebaker House) (Old
Stone Shop) (KY-90), N. side of Village Rd. Random
native limestone, three by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories on partially exposed basement, gable roof,
stone steps with iron railings, small gabled cellar
entrance on W. side. Built 1811-1812 (date stone);
rear frame section and gingerbread porch additions
removed during restoration after 1963. 3 ext. photos
(1940, 1963*), 1 int. photo (1940).
Dwelling House (second) (Pennebaker School for Girls)
(KY-91), N. side of Village Rd. Brick laid in Flemish
bond, T-shaped, six by three bays, two-and-a-half
stories on partially exposed regular ashlar basement,
gable roof, double entrance doors with straight
transoms, stone steps with iron railings, two-and-a-
half story wing (six by two bays), shed-roofed
additions at rear, side addition (basement entrance),
double interior stairs. Built 1821-1822 (date stone);
Micajah Burnett, architect. 9 ext. photos (1940,
1963*).
Preserve House (KY-85), N. side of Village Rd. Frame
with vertical board and batten, six by one bays, one
story, gable roof, double entrances (later one removed).
Built 1859; altered; restored after 1963. 2 ext. photos
(1940, 1963*).
Privy (KY-115), N. side of Village Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, one-bay front, one story, gable roof.
Built 1858; asbestos siding removed during restoration
after 1963. 1 ext. photo (1963*).
18
KENTUCKY
PLEASANT HILL (cont.)
Sisters' Shop (North Family Home) (KY-80), N. side of
Village Rd. Brick, five by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories on slightly exposed regular ashlar foundation,
gable roof with single gabled dormer, door with
straight transom and sidelights, double windows on
side. Built 1844-1846; restored after 1963. 3 ext.
photos (1940, 1963*).
Washhouse (KY-116), N. side of Village Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, four by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories, gable roof, single entrance with straight
transom, double entrance doors of vertical planks at
corner (removed). Built 1842; asbestos siding re-
moved during restoration after 1963. 1 ext. photo
(1963*).
West Family Dwelling House Jack E. Boucher 1963
19
D
Centre Family General View
Elmer R. Pearson, 1969
KENTUCKY
SOUTH UNION
Logan County (71)
Location: Approximately 15 miles southwest of Bowling
Green, southwest of Warren-Logan County line, on U.S.
Route 68.
Historical Summary: South Union at Gasper Springs was,
like Pleasant Hill, founded during the great Kentucky
Revival. The first converts were New Light Presbyterians,
and the first land was donated in 1807 by Jesse McComb, a
large landholder in Logan County. The community was
"gathered into society order" two or three years later,
with the Shaker missionary, Benjamin Youngs, appointed as
its leading elder. Among the early members were slave-
holders, some of whom prompted their slaves to join the
sect. Consequently, for many years there was a black
"family" at South Union, which was ultimately absorbed
into the other three "families" when it became too small.
The Shakers at South Union eventually owned about 6,000
acres of land, much of which was cultivated or planted
with orchards, but the community concentrated less on
farming and more on raising livestock than did the Shakers
at Pleasant Hill. Its cattle, sheep, and chickens were
highly regarded in Kentucky and the surrounding states.
The community also manufactured brooms, put up seeds,
milled flour, made preserves from the produce of its own
orchards, and spun silk produced on its own mulberry trees.
The Civil War took an even greater toll in South Union
than it did at Pleasant Hill. Though they were Union sym-
pathizers, the Shakers cared for soldiers from both sides
impartially. With both Union and Confederate forces mov-
ing back and forth across their land, the Shakers estimated
that they lost over $100,000 in livestock, provisions, and
buildings. Moreover, they were compelled to accept thou-
sands of dollars of worthless Confederate money in payment
of debts. Losses sustained during the War, as well as sub-
sequent financial losses through unpaid debts, and a dimin-
ishing membership all contributed to the decline of South
Union. In 1922, when only ten members remained, the estate
was sold at auction for $229,000. The Roman Catholic Order
of Saint Benedict purchased the property for use as a mon-
astery in 1949. In 1972, Shakertown Revisited, Inc., a
non-profit educational corporation, acquired the buildings
from the Benedictines. The corporation is restoring the
community and opening it to the public, including a yearly
festival in July. NR
21
KENTUCKY
SOUTH UNION (cont.)
Ministry's Shop and Dwelling (KY-108), E. side of U.S.
Rt. 68. Brick, three-bay front, two stories on exposed
regular ashlar basement, gable roof, flat stone lintels,
stone steps and walk. Built 1846 (date stone). 4 ext.
photos (1969*).
South Union Hotel (KY-111). See South Union Tavern.
South Union Tavern (South Union Hotel) (KY-111), E. side
of Rt. 73. Brick, five-bay front, two stories, full-
height arcaded portico with pediment, second story
balcony across three central bays under portico, door-
way with segmental transom and sidelights, face of
building is articulated with two-story brick arcade,
stone steps with iron railing, two-story central hall
with spiral stairs. Built 1869 (painted date in pedi-
ment). 2 ext. photos (1972*).
Centre Family
General View (KY-107), off of U.S. Rt. 68, S.W. of
Warren-Logan County line. 1 ext. photo (1973*).
Dairy (KY-106). See Centre Family Preservatory.
Drying House (KY-109), W. side of U.S. Rt. 68.
Small brick outbuilding, one story, gable roof, stone
basement. Built mid 19th C. 5 ext. photos (1971*).
Dwelling House (KY-105), W. side of U.S. Rt. 68.
Brick, T-shaped, approx. 60' (five-bay front) x 135'
(three bays), three-and-a-half stories on exposed regu-
lar ashlar basement, tile gable roof with dormers,
stone steps with iron railings, two-and-a-half story
wing (six by two bays) with stair tower at rear and one-
story addition at corner, double interior stairs.
Built 1822-1833 (1824 date stone). 15 ext. photos
(1969*, 1970*, 1972*), 20 int. photos (1969*, 1972*);
8 photo-copies of floor plans (1969*, 1970*).
Preservatory (Centre Family Dairy) (KY-106), W. side
of U.S. Rt. 68. Brick, two stories, gable roof,
stone belt course, stone quoins on first story. Built
C. 1835. 1 ext. photo (1969*).
22
KENTUCKY
SOUTH UNION (cont.)
Washhouse (KY-110), W. side of U.S. Rt. 68. Brick,
L-shaped, nine by two bays, three-and-a-half stories
on exposed regular ashlar basement, gable roof, three
entrances in second, fifth, and eighth bays of main
facade, one-and-a-half story brick ell, flat stone
lintels. Built 1854. 5 ext. photos (1970%, 1971*).
Centre Family Dwelling House
Elmer R. Pearson, 1969
23
NOVITIATE ORDER, POLAND HILL
LIMETER
PUBRS
SHAKER VILLAGE, VIEW FROM THE NORTH WEST WEST GLOUCESTER MAINE
eetinghouse
Gerda Peterich, 1962
MAINE
SABBATHDAY LAKE
Cumberland County (3)
Location: Approximately 20 miles north of Portland, west
of State Route 26, south of North Raymond Road.
Historical Summary: The New Gloucester Society, later call-
ed Sabbathday Lake, was founded during the early 1790's.
Nathan Merrill of New Gloucester is reported to have been
the first convert. In 1794 he and his neighbors, most of
whom were New Light Baptists, and other believers who had
joined them were "gathered into society order." Their
meetinghouse was erected that same year, the tenth one to
be built under the direction of the Shaker architect Moses
Johnson. The society began with a few wooded acres on the
side of a hill that sloped down to Sabbathday Lake, and
over the years acquired through gifts and its own industry
2,000 acres. Even at its peak Sabbathday Lake had only
150 members, divided into two "families", making it one of
the smallest Shaker communities.
The village soon became self-sustaining, the believers
having built within the first few years of the society's
founding, a grist mill, a saw mill, linen weaving and
carding mills, a tannery, and a coopers' shop. The
surplus to be marketed to the "world" was not so much the
produce of their fields--as it was in the Shaker settle-
ments farther south--but the products of their mills and
machine shops, such as textiles, casks, pails, and spin-
ning wheels. Nordhoff, a nineteenth century journalist,
noted in 1875, for example, that their most profitable in-
dustry was the manufacture of oak staves for molasses hogs-
heads which were exported to the West Indies.
Sabbathday Lake's population declined less precipitously
than that of the other Shaker societies, even those in
Maine. The other two Maine societies were both absorbed
by Sabbathday Lake--Gorham in 1819, and Alfred in 1932.
Until the 1930's its mills continued to turn out packing
cases for the nearby town of Poland, and the last Shaker
craftsman, Elder Delmer Wilson, was still producing oval
boxes and carriers until the time of his death in 1961.
Even today, visitors to the community can purchase craft
items made by the Shaker sisters who still remain at Sab-
bathday Lake, and can visit the three museum buildings
open to the public. NR
25
MAINE
SABBATHDAY LAKE (cont.)
Meetinghouse (ME-107), N.W. edge of Church Family area.
Frame with clapboarding, 55'-9 1/4" (five-bay front)
x 32'-7" (two bays), two-and-a-half stories, gambrel
roof with dormers, two-story side stair wing, first floor
open meeting room, second floor modified central-hall
plan. Built 1794, stair wing 1839; Moses Johnson,
architect. 6 sheets (1962, including plot plan, plans,
elevations); 9 ext. photos (1962, 1969, 1970*), 8 int.
photos (1962, 1969), 2 photo-copies of views from 1850,
1880; 5 data pages (1962, 1963).
Ministry's Shop (ME-163), N.W. edge of Church Family
area, N. side of Meetinghouse. Frame with clapboarding,
L-shaped, three by two bays, two-and-a-half stories on
partially exposed basement, gable roof, box cornices,
central entrance with straight transom, one-and-a-half
story gabled ell. Built 1839. 3 ext. photos (1970*).
Church Family
General View (ME-165), W. of State Rt. 26, S. of N.
Raymond Rd. 1 ext. photo (1970*, including Herb
House 1824, Boys' Shop (ME-166) 1850, Office Wood-
shed 1816).
Barns (ME-167), S. edge of Church Family area. Frame
with clapboarding, three by two bays, sloping site
reveals two-and-a-half stories, gable roof, central
loading doors on front and side. Built 19th C.
2 ext. photos (1970*, showing two similar barns).
Boys' Shop (ME-166), centrally located in Church Family
area. Frame with clapboarding, three by two bays, two-
and-a-half stories, gable roof, central entrance with
straight transom. Built 1850. 1 ext. photo (1970*).
Washhouse (ME-164), centrally located in Church Family
area. Frame with clapboarding, five by two bays, two-
and-a-half stories on sloping site revealing basement
in rear, gable roof, porch across facade with hood
supported on four posts over central entrance, water
pump in front. Built 19th C. 1 ext. photo (1970*).
26
NOTE 1459 DATE ON
433
NSIDE
LOSET DOOR
UNDER STAIR N ELL(RMI)
8.
z
7'33/4"
35'
0'-4
4
O
it
30
O
STOVE
2
146
STP
DWIM
RISER
RISER
BOXED
+
01/4
BEAMS
®
.
-
ROOM FINISH
FLOOR, OINE BOARDS
3BooT
SCRAPERS
B" 12' WIDE PAINTED
$ UNPAINTE
WALLS, WOOD BOARD
WAINSCOT (BLUE)
FORMS BACKS OF
BENCHE S( BLUE &
YELLOW OCHRE)
2-8%
2
3
32
2*
5
z
3½
4.6
4
4
WOOD STRIPS WITH
WOOD PEGS FOR
HANGING WEARING
ADPAREL
CEILING, WHITE
55.94
PLASTER BOXED
BEAMS PAINTED
BLUE
NORTH
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
SCALE ************************* O'
012545678
DEL W G. BRAUN, 1962
4
BRUNSWICK HABS FIELD OFFICE
NAME OF STRUCTURE
SURVEY NO
- -
HISTORIC AMERICAN
-
MAINE MID-COAST SURVEY II
SABBATHDAY LAKE SHAKER COMMUNITY MEETINGHOUSE
ME.
BUILDINGS SURVEY
UNDER DIRECTION OF UNITED STATES DEP ARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BRANCH OF PLANS AND DESIGN
SABBATHDAY LAKE
CUMBE&LAND COUNTY
MAINE
07
SHEET OF SHEETS
Meetinghouse
Elmer R. Pearson, 1969
27
hurch Family Main Dwelling House
Jack E. Boucher, 1962
28
MASSACHUSETTS
HANCOCK
Berkshire County (2)
Location: Junction of U.S. Route 20 and State Route 41,
5 miles west of Pittsfield.
Historical Summary: In 1890 the third Shaker community
was founded at Hancock, Massachusetts, just a few miles
across the state line from Mount Lebanon. Daniel
Goodrich, on whose farm the society was located, was
the son of a Baptist deacon and one of twelve brothers,
most of whom, with their neighbors, joined the Shaker
sect. As one of the earliest communities, Hancock was
subject to some of the harshest persecution at the
hands of nonbelievers. In August 1783, when Mother Ann
and a group of elders came to visit the incipient com-
munity at Hancock, they found a hostile mob waiting for
them. They were served with a warrant, fined for dis-
turbing the peace, and ordered to leave the state.
When they refused to do so, their supporters were impris-
oned. Soon thereafter Mother Ann and the elders were
again attacked by an angry mob, which temporarily drove
them from the state.
Several years after Mother Ann's death, Hancock was
"gathered" under the leadership of Calvin Harlow and
Sarah Harrison. Several personal accounts of those
early years left by Hancock Shakers describe a life of
poverty, deprivation, and ceaseless toil. However, grad-
ually they began to prosper and with prosperity came the
respect and admiration of their neighbors. In time the
village acquired 300 members and 3,000 acres of land, and
developed a number of industries including the production
of seeds, herbs, and patent medicines, and the manufac-
turing of brooms, swifts, pails, stoves, and tinware. It
was for the latter that the Hancock Shakers were partic-
ularly well known, as well as for their famous round barn,
according to oral tradition designed by Daniel Goodrich.
In 1960, when few Shakers remained at Hancock, the parent
ministry at Canterbury put the property up for sale. The
non-profit corporation Shaker Village, Inc., was formed to
acquire it. The corporation has restored most of the
Church Family and opened it to the public as a museum.
NHL, NR
29
MASSACHUSETTS
HANCOCK (cont.)
Meetinghouse (first) (MASS-692), N. side of U.S. Rt. 20.
Frame with clapboarding, six by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories, gambrel roof replaced by gable roof 1874, box
cornices, double entrances with stone steps and iron
railings. Built 1786; Moses Johnson, architect;
demolished 1938, replaced by Meetinghouse moved from
Shirley, Mass. in 1962 (MASS-724). 1 ext. photo (1931*),
1 int. photo (1931*).
Meetinghouse (second) (MASS-724), N. side of U.S. Rt. 20.
Frame with clapboarding, five by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories on regular ashlar foundation, gambrel roof with
shed dormers, double entrances with stone steps, double
interior stairs, living quarters for elders and eldresses
on the second floor. Built 1792-1793 at Shirley, Mass.;
Moses Johnson, architect. Moved to Hancock, Mass. 1962;
restored C. 1962. 16 ext. photos (1962*, 1968*, 1970*),
4 int. photos (1962*, 1968*); 2 data pages (1962*).
Ministry's Barn and Wagon Shed (MASS-1083). See Church
Family Frame Barn.
Ministry's Shop (MASS-725), N. side of U.S. Rt. 20.
Frame with clapboarding, L-shaped, three by three bays,
two-and-a-half stories on regular ashlar basement,
gable roof, box cornices, typical Shaker "hood" over
entrance, stone steps, clapboarded ell (three by one
bays). Built 1874; restored 1968. 3 ext. photos
(1939*, 1970*), 1 int. photo (1970*).
Ministry's Washhouse, Building #4 (MASS-729), S. side of
U.S. Rt. 20. Brick, one-bay front, one story on regular
ashlar foundation, gable roof, box cornices. Built
C. 1810; restored 1963. 3 ext. photos (1962*), 1 int.
photo (1962*).
Church Family
General Views (MASS-721), U.S. Rt. 20, 1/4 mi. W. of
intersection with State Rt. 41, 5 mi. W. of Pitts-
field. 10 ext. photos (1931*, 1939*, 1962*, 1968*).
Brethren's Shop (MASS-722), S. side of U.S. Rt. 20.
Frame with clapboarding, five by two bays, two-and-a-
half stories on slightly raised basement, gable roof,
30
11.11
20 DORMITORY
SILO
B
9 LAUNDRY AND
E
w
18 STORE MACHINE JHOP
8
Round
16 DAIRY 7 WOOD
6
4
Barn
15 BROTHERS SHOP
7
9
13 STORES 14 BARN
8
12 AUTO GARAGE
chieking
" ICE HOUSE
=
O
Ю TANNERY
7
19
D
3
CROSS SECTION
789 MORSES YOUNG
STOCK WACOMS
N
14
D
6 FODDER U WACONS
2
20
5 MILK CATTLE
Y
4 ROUND BARN
3 MINISTRY LSHOP
20 Pittsfield
OLD POST
From Albany
ROAD
from Lsbanon
2 FAMILY RESIDENCE
1 TRUSTEES OFFICE
14
3
11
Key Plan of Hancock Shaker Village.
SURFACE
10 10x12 Posts
14 around
CIRCLE
Drive
WACONS
About
55
free
PLOOR 92
WACONS
and
maxim
um
apm
am
ter
and
N +
DRIVE WAY
for
storag
or
Hay
DRIVE WAY
35
Acst
igh
were
cat
H
Y
10x12 POSTS- 28
I
I
A
S
OR
CE
around CIRCLE
Doorway
with
32
ABOUT
THIRD
IN
NC
THIS
Arched Stone
CATTLE
CONSTRUCTION
NOT
VIS
LE
CATTLE
Hsad dated
STANCHEONS ETC
STANCHEON! ETC
NOW REMOVED
NOW REMOVED
1826
INDICATING 2 WAY
INDICATING KEY
Basement
Basement
Man ure
SKELETON BRACINGS
TO CONSTRUCTION
Manure
Storage
Storage
About 90 feet diamster outside External walls
PIT
Access
OUTLINE ELEVATION ASSEEN FROM
THE ALBANY TO PITTSFIELD OLD POST ROAD.
8
6
Memo. The Hancock Shakers
Memo. The HANCOCK Shakses had a
were organised between 1780 and 1790
very efficient water supply from
The Round Mone Barn was built
Riservar placed higher up the
1826 best about 1870 was accidentally
Mountain to the North.
burnt out Ths framing of the
Building no 19 for example has
structure was replaced by new.
/2 inch cast mar water main utilising
More recently a new Cattls shed
pressure to operate a 12 inch Jurbine
was Ericted to the South to furnish
MAR
EPR
ST
furnishing ample sower for this large
larger accomodations and to avoid
Building containing LAUNDRY with
reconstructing the cattle floor with
Machine and Repair shops
reinforced concrete as required by
A sparate inch Jurbine sowes
the new Sanitary Code of the Stats
when a smaller powse only is requisite.
L Massachusstts.
SCALE TO MAIN CROSS SECTION ONLY
$432,0
5
10
15
20
25
Jof
MATERS
1
6
7
10"
A.K Mosley mins st die!
Tketch of Hancoch Thaheri Round Lions Gattle Born
Troy NY Hby 1945
GIFT OF NEW YORK STATE
SURVEY NO
HISTORIC AMERICAN
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT 1961
HANCOCK SHAKERS ROUND BARN
MASS-674
BUILDINGS SURVEY
. DIRECTOR TON it 1111
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CRANC OF PL ANY AND DESIGN
WEST PITTSFIELD, MASS.
THE CF 2 SHEETS
MASSACHUSETTS
HANCOCK (cont.)
one pair of doors and one double door on main facade,
shed-roofed porch (removed). Built C. 1820; restored
1962, foundation rebuilt 1973. 7 ext. photos (1939*,
1962*, 1971*), 4 int. photos (1962*); 2 data pages
(1962*).
Cast Concrete Barn (MASS-1082), S. side of U.S. Rt. 20.
Frame with concrete facing covered with stucco (upper
two levels) and poured concrete (lower two levels),
three-and-a-half stories, sloping site reveals ad-
ditional story on E. side, gable roof. Built 1880;
rebuilt after fire 1910; third barn on foundation.
2 ext. photos (1970*).
Dairy and Weave Shop (MASS-726). See Church Family
Sisters' Shop.
Frame Barn (Ministry's Barn and Wagon Shed) (MASS-1083),
N. side of U.S. Rt. 20. Frame with clapboarding, two
stories on stone foundation, gable roof. Built 1834;
foundation rebuilt and interior remodeled 1974.
1 ext. photo (1971*).
Icehouse (MASS-1084), S. side of U.S. Rt. 20. Brick
with shingled attic story, two-and-a-half stories on
N., one-and-a-half stories on S., gable roof, large
cross gable, square louvered cupola. Built 1894;
restored C. 1970. 3 ext. photos (1939*, 1970*).
Main Dwelling House (MASS-723), S. side of U.S. Rt.
20. Brick, eleven by three bays, three-and-a-half
stories on exposed regular ashlar basement, gable
roof with "call bell" cupola, cove cornices, stone
string courses, stair tower on S., typical Shaker
"hoods" projecting over two main entrances on E. and
one on W. and N., double stone steps with iron railings
on E. facade. Built 1830; restoration in progress.
11 ext. photos (1939*, 1962*, 1970*, 1971*), 39 int.
photos (1931*, 1939*, 1962*, 1968*, 1970*).
Round Barn (MASS-674), S. side of U.S. Rt. 20. Rubble
masonry and frame, two-and-a-half stories with basement,
circular plan (diameter 90'), polygonal clapboarded
clerestory, slightly pitched roof with octagonal cupola,
exposed radial framing, central air shaft. Built 1826;
33
MASSACHUSETTS
HANCOCK (cont.)
wooden portion rebuilt and brick section added after
fire of 1864; later clapboarded addition with wooden
silos; restored 1968. 2 sheets (1945, including plot
plan, plans, elevation, section, details); 14 ext.
photos (1939*, 1962*), 8 int. photos (1939*, 1962*);
2 data pages (1962*).
Sisters' Shop (Church Family Dairy and Weave Shop)
(MASS-726), S. side of U.S. Rt. 20. Frame with clap-
boarding, four by two bays, two-and-a-half stories on
regular ashlar foundation, gable roof, box cornices,
double entrances, stone steps with iron railings.
Built 1795, enlarged C. 1830; extensive remodeling
and restoration 1962. 9 sheets (1960*, including
plans, elevations, sections, details, isometric view);
8 ext. photos (1962*, 1970*), 2 int. photos (1962*);
2 data pages (1962*).
Tannery (MASS-727), S. side of U.S. Rt. 20. Rubble
masonry and frame with clapboarding, five by three
bays, two-and-a-half stories on sloping site, gable
roof, typical Shaker "hoods" over entrances on W.
and E. sides and over double entrance on S. side.
Built 1835; exterior restored 1973. 10 ext. photos
(1939*, 1962*, 1970*, 1971*), 2 int. photos (1962*);
1 data page (1962*).
Trustees' Office (MASS-728), S. side of U.S. Rt. 20.
Frame with clapboarding, irregularly spaced six-bay
front, S.W. side of facade articulated with cross
gable, hexagonal bell cupola, two first-story bay
windows, one second-story bay window, modified Palladian
window and decorative shingles in gable, Palladian win-
dow in second story of S. elevation, pedimented doorway
with sidelights, N.W. side of facade articulated with
shingled tower in re-entrant angle, one-story porch,
two-and-a-half story clapboarded additions, rear porch.
Built C. 1800 (main portion), additions 19th c.,
facade 1895; presently being restored. 3 ext. photos
(1939*, 1970*).
Washhouse and Machine Shop (MASS-730), S. side of U.S.
Rt. 20. Frame with clapboarding, eight by four bays,
three-and-a-half stories on regular ashlar foundation,
gable roof, box cornices, two-and-a-half story shed-
roofed addition, one-and-a-half story shed-roofed
34
MASSACHUSETTS
HANCOCK (cont.)
addition, one-story addition. Built C. 1790; con-
siderably altered; restored 1966. 9 sheets (1963*,
including plot plan, plans, elevations, isometric
detail of waterworks); 10 ext. photos (1939*, 1962*,
1970*), 12 int. photos (1930's*, 1939*, 1962*); 2
data pages (1962*).
MOOTS
240 FLOOR PLATE
25
"Ment EQUIT 30073 SHAFT
HEAM
1st FLOOR SILLY
7 STATE STATE of the
DRIVE
SHAFT FOR
SAW fir isr FLOOR EQUIPMENT
ISOMETRIC OF WATERWORKS
SCALE 1/2" = I'-o"
TERRY F HALLOCK DEL
35
W A T E B COURSE
|
)
I
V
OF
DELINE ITED
BY
M
Garge
Church Family 1836 Plot Plan
Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, Mass.
MASSACHUSETTS
HARVARD
Worcester County (14)
Location: Approximately 2 miles west of Worcester-Mid-
dlesex County line, 1 mile south of State Route 2A, on
Shaker Road.
Historical Summary: From the first settlement at Nis-
keyuna, New York, Mother Ann Lee and a small group of
followers embarked on a missionary journey through
New England in May 1781, pausing for short periods
wherever sympathetic listeners could be found among
the usually antagonistic crowds. This trip laid the
foundation for most of the communities that were later
established in New England. Mother Ann was drawn to
Harvard because of the religious fervor in that area,
initiated by the radical New Light preacher Shadrach
Ireland. A mystical vision directed her to Ireland's
"Square House" where she established headquarters for
two years, until she was driven from the town by an
angry mob.
In spite of the continued hostility of the townspeople,
organizers from Mount Lebanon returned in 1791 to help
found the Harvard community on the basis Mother Ann
had laid ten years earlier. That same year a meeting-
house was erected by Moses Johnson permanently estab-
lishing the Shakers in the Harvard area. Father Eleazar
Rand and Mother Hannah Kendal were given charge of the
development of the community, which prospered, growing
to 200 members and 1,800 acres of fine farmlands by 1823.
An assortment of industries produced the necessities for
the self-sufficient village as well as popular items for
sale to the "world": high quality pressed and packaged
herbs of fifty different types; wooden objects including
brooms, boxes, and furniture; and the typical Shaker
stoves which were produced at Harvard's own foundry.
Many industries had to be abandoned because of the de-
cline in membership that plagued all Shaker communities
at the end of the nineteenth century and the competi-
tion that mass production introduced. The South Family
area was forced to close and sell their property in
1899, and the remaining "families" were only able to
survive until 1918 when they sold the remainder of the
Harvard estate. All of the buildings are now occupied
under an unusual land tenure system.
37
MASSACHUSETTS
HARVARD (cont.)
Meetinghouse (MASS-806), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, five by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories on exposed basement, gambrel roof replaced by
gable roof mid 19th c., double entrances with stone
steps and iron railings, N. and S. side additions
(stair towers with storage areas) and E. rear addition.
Built 1791; probably by Moses Johnson, architect.
8 sheets (1966*, including plans, elevations, section,
details); 6 ext. photos (1963*), 4 int. photos (1963*);
2 data pages (1964*).
Ministry's House (MASS-807). See Ministry's Shop.
Ministry's Shop (Ministry's House) (MASS-807), E. side of
Shaker Rd. Frame with brick veneer, four by two bays,
two-and-a-half stories on exposed basement, gable roof,
box cornices, recessed door with straight transom and
sidelights, stone lintels. Built 1847 (date stone in
foundation wall); two additions on N. side mid 20th c.;
altered. 4 sheets (1963*, including plans, elevations);
3 ext. photos (1963*), 5 int. photos (1963*); 2 data
pages (1964*).
Shadrach Ireland House (MASS-804). See Church Family
Square House.
Church Family
General View (MASS-862), approx. 1 mi. S. of State
Rt. 2A, along Shaker Rd. 1 photo-copy of 1836 water-
color (original at Fruitlands Museum, Harvard, Mass.).
Barn Ruins (MASS-861), W. side of Shaker Rd. Remnants
of stone foundations (approx. 140' X 48') and stone
walls. Built C. 1830; burned 1935; before destruction
building had wooden frame on stone foundation and stone
walls at first level (five levels in all). 2 sheets
(1964, including plot plan, elevations); 4 ext. photos
(1963).
Dwelling House (second) (Church Family Second House)
(MASS-810), W. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with clap-
boarding, four by two bays, three-and-a-half stories
on exposed basement revealed by sloping site, gable
roof (changed by Shakers from a gambrel roof C.
MASSACHUSETTS
HARVARD (cont.)
1860), box cornices, added shed-roofed entrance at
rear. Built 1795; altered. 8 sheets (1968*, in-
cluding plans, elevations); 5 ext. photos (1963*),
1 int. photo (1963*); 2 data pages (1964*).
Office Building (MASS-809). See Church Family
Trustees' Office (second).
Second House (MASS-810). See Church Family Dwelling
House (second).
Square House (Shadrach Ireland House) (MASS-804), E.
side of Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, T-shaped
(formed by addition), five by two bays, two-and-a-
half stories on exposed basement, wood shingled hip
roof replaced by slate gable roof 1845, box cornices,
added pediment over front entrance, rear clapboarded
addition on N. Built 1769; Shadrach Ireland, builder;
purchased by Shakers 1782; remodeled 1805-1806 and
1845. 8 sheets (1965*, including plans, elevations);
5 ext. photos (1963*), 2 int. photos (1963*); 2 data
pages (1964*).
Tailors' Shop (MASS-805), E. side of Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, three by two bays, one-and-
a-half stories on sloping site fully revealing
random ashlar basement on S. side, gable roof, stone
steps with iron railings, rear shed-roofed addition.
Built C. 1800. 2 ext. photos (1963*); 2 data pages
(1963*).
Trustees' Office (second) (Church Family Office
Building) (MASS-809), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, five by five bays, three-and-a-
half stories on exposed regular ashlar basement,
gable roof, box cornices, recessed door with
straight transom and sidelights, two-story rear wing.
Built C. 1835; altered. 6 ext. photos (1963*),
4 int. photos (1963*); 2 data pages (1964*).
South Family
Applesauce Shop (MASS-890). See South Family Shop
#1.
20
Church Family Trustees' Office (second)
Jack E. Boucher, 1963
40
RANDOM
T&G PINE BOARDS
LOPT
[ ]
Fb.
PLATES
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14" FL
EAR-H
EAST ELEVATION
NORTH DINATION
FINE SHINGLET
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SOUTH ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
5
10
20
35
SCALE 0.1.0"
BAYARD UNDERWOOD AIA 963
SHAKERTON FOUNDATION INC.
NAME OF STRUCTURE
SURVEY NO
-
I
HISTORIC AMERICAN
I
FOR HABS
HARVARD SHAKERS - SOUTH FAMILY BARN
MASS
BUILDINGS SURVEY
IRECTION THE
606
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE OF
SHEET SHEETS
& APPROX TOP OF . IDCE TIMBER
RIDGE
*12.12
SECTION "A-A"
O
5
o'
SCALE % .1:0"
8
TYPKAL TRANSVERSE SECTION
FOR LOCATION SEE PLANS
42
8
PINE SHINGLES (ODKINGLLY)
LOFT FL.
COARDS
LOFT FLOOR
" BOARD SHEATNING
0.8 BEAM
SHAPED POLE JOISTS rup.
-
TIPICAL 6.5 RAPTERS
A
TYP'C.- 4.5 PUCLINS
@ 12.5 OC
weze
OUTTER
6.8
0
TOP OF
2' 0' APPROX
WALL
THICK STONE
6
WALLS OF NA-
TIVE STONE
LAID IN LIME
MORTAR,
PLANT
THIRD FLOOR
BRD FL
R
SHAPED POLE jast
TYPICAL "4
OAK KNEE BRACING
TYPICAL 5.8
Pos FEAM
2* PLANK
SECOND FOOR
OAK WEDCES
A.O WOOD POST
TYPICAL
PLIT CRANITE POST
0
LEVEL OF WOOD FIRST FLOOR
8.0 WOOD SILL
EARTH FLOOR
BYONE FORTING
MARY
STONE &OOTING.
BAYARD UNDERWOODAIA was
SHAK ER TON FOUNDATION INC
NAME OF STRUCTURE
- -
-
FOR HABS
HISTORIC AMERICAN
HARVARD SHAKEDS-SOUTH FAMILY BARN
MASS
BUILDINGS SURVEY
-
-
- MEDY -
606
- SHEETS
41
MASSACHUSETTS
HARVARD (cont.)
Barn (MASS-808), N. side of S. Shaker Rd. Rubble
masonry, sloping site reveals three-and-a-half
stories, gable roof, lower story entrance arch
through building, gabled ends of horizontal wooden
planks, exposed roof framing. Built 1835; deterior-
ating in 1963; now demolished. 4 sheets (1963*,
including plans, elevations, section); 9 ext. photos
(1940*, 1963*), 8 int. photos (1940*, 1963*); 2
data pages (1963*).
Dwelling House (MASS-888), N. side of S. Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, five by eight bays, three-
and-a-half stories on sloping site exposing coursed
rubble basement, gable roof with square louvered
cupola, recessed front and side doors with straight
transoms and sidelights, two-story rear addition
connects Dwelling to Washhouse (MASS-889). Built
C. 1835; deteriorating; some woodwork moved to Boston
Museum of Art c. 1963. 8 sheets (1971*, including
plans, elevations); 12 ext. photos (1940*, 1963*,
1969*), 13 int. photos (1963*, 1969*); 1 data page
(1965*).
Laundry (MASS-889). See South Family Washhouse.
Privy (MASS-1085), off of S. Shaker Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, one-bay front, one story, gable roof.
Built mid 19th c.; demolished. 2 ext. photos (1969*).
Shop 1 (South Family Applesauce Shop) (MASS-890),
N. side of S. Shaker Rd. Frame with cement stucco
(now covered with asphalt shingles), two-and-a-half
stories, gable roof, pent roof over entrance. Built
C. 1800. 1 ext. photo (1963*), 3 int. photos (1963*);
1 data page (1965*).
Shop 2 (MASS-891), N. side of S. Shaker Rd. Frame
with brick veneer, four by four bays, two-and-a-half
stories on exposed stone basement (sloping site
reveals lower story), gable roof, box cornices, stone
lintels and sills, coursed rubble retaining wall.
Built C. 1830; deteriorating 1963; demolished mid
1960's. 4 ext. photos (1963*); 1 data page (1965*).
Washhouse (South Family Laundry) (MASS-889), N. side
of S. Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, five by
42
MASSACHUSETTS
HARVARD (cont.)
two bays, two-and-a-half stories on sloping site re-
vealing uncoursed rubble basement, gable roof, one-
story ell connects Washhouse to Dwelling (MASS-888),
shed at rear (removed mid 1960's). Built C. 1800;
deteriorating. 4 ext. photos (1963*, 1969*), 8 int.
photos (1969*); 1 data page (1965*).
....
....
.
IIII
1111
.... ....
.
WEST ELEVATION
BRAWN BY ROBERT T NEWMAN
NAME AND LOCATION OF STRUCTURE
SURVEY NO.
SHAKERTON FOUNDATION INC
HISTORIC AMERICAN
HARVARD, MASS
HARVARD SHAKERS SOUTH FAMILY DWELLING AND WASHSHED
BUILDINGS SURVEY
UNDER DIRECTION OF THE NATIONAL PARR SERVICE
SHEET 8 OF 9 SHEETS
UNITED STATED DEPARTMENT THE INTERIOR
43
Church Family Dwelling House
Elmer R. Pearson, 1969
44
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CANTERBURY
Merrimack County (7)
Location: Approximately 12 miles northeast of Concord and
4 miles south of the Belknap-Merrimack County line, east
of Canterbury, on Shaker Road.
Historical Summary: The Canterbury community was founded
in 1782 when Mother Ann Lee sent two of her followers to
New Hampshire to preach among a group of New Light Baptists
living in the Canterbury Hills. Among the converts made
at that time were the farmer Benjamin Whitcher and his wife
Mary, both of whom became leaders in the society. The
Witcher farm became the nucleus around which the community
grew, eventually encompassing 3,000 acres and attaining a
membership of 300 believers, divided into the Church, the
Second, the North, and for a brief time, the West Family.
Within a few months of the society's "gathering" in 1792,
a meetinghouse, similar to the one at Mount Lebanon, was
erected under the direction of Moses Johnson. Thereafter
building continued to increase for the next twenty years
in order to accommodate the growing community. One histo-
rian noted that 1815 was the first year that there was no
major construction, repair, or remodeling projects at
Canterbury.
Because the poor quality of the soil precluded relying
solely on agriculture for their livelihood, the Canterbury
Shakers manufactured a variety of farm implements, tex-
tiles, and household goods to sell to the "world people",
including stoves and washing machines. (It is said that
a washing machine was invented at Canterbury and that the
patent for it was held by that society for some time). The
community also raised livestock which was generally admired
for its fine quality, and for many years served as the
publishing center for the northern communities.
In 1875, the American journalist, Charles Nordhoff, record-
ed upon his visit to Canterbury only 145 members. "They
have not gained in numbers in ten years, and few applicants
nowadays remain with them." The decline continued gradu-
ally over the next century, and today there are only four
sisters left at Canterbury. The one remaining North Fam-
ily building is privately owned, but the Church Family
buildings are still occupied by Shakers. In 1973 the non-
profit foundation, Shaker Village Inc., was formed to per-
petuate the Shaker legacy at Canterbury.
45
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CANTERBURY (cont.)
Meetinghouse (NH-186), S. edge of Church Family area, E.
side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding,
42' (five bays) X 32' (two bays), two-and-a-half stories
on slightly raised regular ashlar basement, gambrel
roof, fireplaces removed and stair tower added at E.
rear. Built 1792; Moses Johnson, architect. 2 ext.
photos (1969*, 1970*).
Ministry's Shop (NH-187), S. edge of Church Family area,
E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding,
three-bay front, two-and-a-half stories on slightly
raised regular ashlar foundation, gable roof, central
entrance with sidelights and gabled hood on scroll
brackets, one-story rear addition. Built 1848;
partially restored 1974. 1 ext. photo (1969*).
Church Family
General Views (NH-183), E. of Canterbury, on Shaker Rd.,
approx. 4 mi. S. of Belknap-Merrimack County line. 2
ext. photos (1970*).
Barn and Granary (NH-177), N. edge of Church Family
area, E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Barn: frame
with asbestos shingles, two-and-a-half. stories, gable
roof with three gabled ventilator cupolas, enclosed
bridge on E. side with adjacent shed-roofed addition,
central storage wing (two levels) and Milk House
with cupola on S. side, adjacent open cattle shed.
Granary: frame with asbestos shingles, irregularly
spaced six-bay front, two-and-a-half stories, gable
roof, adjacent wood shed, Granary attached to S.W.
corner of Barn. Built 1857-1858 (Barn), 1862
(Granary); both destroyed 1973. 2 ext. photos (1970*,
1971*).
Boys' House (NH-178). See Church Family Creamery.
Brethren's Shop (NH-179), centrally located in Church
Family area, W. of the Creamery (NH-178), E. side of
Shaker Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding, irregularly
spaced six by four bays, two-and-a-half stories on
partially exposed regular ashlar basement, gable roof,
gabled hood on scroll brackets over entrances, cellar
entrance. Built 1824. 2 ext. photos (1971*).
46
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CANTERBURY (cont.)
Broom and Carpenters' Shop (NH-191), centrally located
in Church Family area, W. of Firehouse and Powerhouse
(NH-182), E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, three by four bays, one-and-a-half
stories on partially exposed uncoursed rubble base-
ment, gable roof with three shed-roofed dormers,
gabled hood with scroll brackets over front entrance.
Built 19th C. 1 ext. photo (1970*).
Children's House (Church Family East House) (Church
Family Girls' House ) (NH-184), S.E. edge of Church
Family area, E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, five by four bays, two-and-a-half
stories on partially exposed ashlar basement, gable
roof, box cornices, entrance hood with scroll brackets,
stone steps. Built 1810; moved to present location
1833. 2 ext. photos (1969*, 1970*).
Creamery (Church Family Boys' House) (NH-178),
centrally located in Church Family area, E. side of
Shaker Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding, six-
bay front, two-and-a-half stories on partially
exposed regular ashlar basement, jerkin-head roof
with two dormers, hood supported by scroll bracket
over front entrance, one-story central back porch
flanked by two one-story hip-roofed additions, hip-
roofed cellar entrance. Built 1904-1905. 1 ext.
photo (1971*).
Dwelling House (NH-180), centrally located in Church
Family area, E. of Church Family Trustees' Office
(NH-181), E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, T-shaped, ten-bay front, three-and-a-
half stories on partially exposed regular ashlar
foundation, gable roof with dormers, front entrance
with stairway sheltered under pedimented porch with
classical details, two-and-a-half story wing with
octagonal-roofed open belfry, first story bay window
at rear of wing, gabled porch and two cellar entrances
on side of wing. Built 1793; alterations and ad-
ditions 1814, 1842. 2 ext. photos (1969*).
East House (NH-184). See Church Family Children's
House.
47
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CANTERBURY (cont.)
Enfield House (NH-181). See Church Family Trustees'
Office.
Firehouse and Powerhouse (NH-182), centrally located
in Church Family area, E. side of Shaker Village Rd.
Frame with tin siding impressed with imbricated pat-
tern, one story, hip roof, square tower in S.W. corner,
adjacent Powerhouse addition on E. side. Built 1908
(Firehouse), 1910 (Powerhouse); now used as a garage.
1 ext. photo (1970*).
Girls' House (NH-184). See Church Family Children's
House.
Schoolhouse (NH-188), N.W. edge of Church Family area,
E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding,
four by two bays, two stories, gable roof, box cor-
nices, corner pilasters, side entrance tower with
projecting gabled hood over entrance and adjacent
one-story addition with cupola. Built 1823; moved
to present location 1862; remodeled 1863. 4 ext.
photos (1971*).
Syrup Shop (NH-189), centrally located in Church Family
area, E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with clap-
boarding, three-bay front, one-and-a-half stories on
partially exposed basement, gable roof with two gabled
dormers, one-bay corner entrance with gable roof.
Built 18th c.; additions 1797, 1847-1848; moved to
present location 1841. 2 ext. photos (1969*, 1970*,
also showing Washhouse (NH-185) on right and North
Shop on left).
Trustees' Office (Enfield House) (NH-181), centrally
located in Church Family area, W. of Dwelling House
(NH-180), E. side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, eight-bay front, two-and-a-half stories
on partially exposed brick basement, gable roof, two
entrances with stairways sheltered under pedimented
porches with classical details. Built 1826; ori-
ginally Middle Family Trustees' Office; moved to
present location 1918. 4 ext. photos (1969%, 1970*).
Washhouse (NH-185), E. edge of Church Family area, E.
side of Shaker Village Rd. Frame with clapboarding,
T-shaped, two-and-a-half stories, gable roof, long
48
NEW HAMPSHIRE
CANTERBURY (cont.)
two-and-a-half story rear wing, frame with clap-
boarding (upper levels) and brick (lower level),
gable roof with gabled dormers, one stone door frame
on W. side, one-story passageway connecting Washhouse
with two-story utility building at E. rear. Built
1813; additions 1816, 1844. 2 ext. photos (1971*).
49
Church Family Dwelling House
Aubrey P. Janion, 1959
50
NEW HAMPSHIRE
ENFIELD
Grafton County (5)
Location: Overlooking Mascoma Lake, 4 miles northwest of
Enfield Center, on State Route 4A.
Historical Summary: When the two New Lebanon missionaries,
Israel Chauncey and Ebenezer Cooley, arrived at Enfield,
New Hampshire, in 1782, they were openly received by
James Jewett and several of his neighbors, all of whom
adopted the Shaker faith after hearing their testimony.
In 1787 more converts came to Enfield, eager to consoli-
date Shaker holdings by purchasing or bartering for land
in the area. The story is told of one recalcitrant
farmer who refused to sell his land, but was driven away
by the noise of the dancing and singing that the Shakers
engaged in to change his mind. The society ultimately
acquired about 3,000 acres and 350 members, divided into
three "families": the Church Family, the South Family,
and the North Family, established in 1793, 1800, and
1812, respectively.
The industries of the Enfield Shakers were not unlike
those of other Shaker villages--the production of an as-
sortment of useful household products and farm implements.
However, at Enfield, there was more emphasis on the pro-
duction of textiles. Until the 1840's their mills pro-
duced large quantities of linen, cotton, and woolen goods.
In addition, they sold applesauce, maple sugar, and patent
medicines, and initiated the practice of packaging seeds,
which was soon adopted by all the other Shaker communities.
The village was also distinguished in being the home of
the architect Moses Johnson, who designed and built meet-
inghouses in Shaker communities throughout New England,
and in having some distinctive architecture of its own.
While most Shaker communities erected buildings of frame,
brick, or limestone, some of those raised at Enfield were
of granite, the most outstanding example being the Church
Family Dwelling House, built in 1837. The Shakers have
left Enfield, but many of their structures endure. The
last seven believers sold the property to the LaSallette
Fathers, a Roman Catholic order, and moved to Canterbury
in 1923. The LaSallette Fathers presently maintain the
thirteen remaining buildings.
51
NEW HAMPSHIRE
ENFIELD (cont.)
Enfield Center Second Dwelling (NH-75). See Church Family
Dwelling House.
Shaker Great Stone House (NH-75). See Church Family
Dwelling House.
Church Family
General View (NH-190), State Rt. 4A, 4 mi. N.W. of
Enfield Center, overlooking Mascoma Lake. 1 photocopy
(1940).
Dwelling House (Shaker Great Stone House) (Enfield
Center Second Dwelling) (NH-75), E. side of State Rt.
4A. Coursed ashlar, 120' (twelve-bay front) x 60'
(six bays), four full stories and two attic stories on
slightly raised basement, gable roof with central
wooden cupola, box cornices, double entrances on N.
and S. sides with straight transoms and sidelights,
single entrances on E. and W. ends, complex interior
plan. Built 1837 (date stone); interior woodwork
from two rooms moved to Winterthur 1957. 7 ext.
photos (1959, 1971*), 2 int. photos (1959), 1 copy of
1904 photo (1960); 4 data pages (1959).
Machine Shop (NH-175), W. side of State Rt. 4A.
Variegated coursed rubble with contrasting quoins,
four by six bays, three-and-a-half stories, gable
roof, stone lintels. Built 1849. 2 ext. photos
(1971*).
Brethren's Workshop, Mount Lebanon
William F. Winter, Jr. 1920's
53
BURLINS
ROOF COVERED WITH SHEET
made
BRICK SMOKE
PLUE
TIM OVER 12 TOC ROOP
SUPPORTED
By
Two
BOARDING ROOF
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RAFTER FOUR
RAFTER The Beam
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PLANKS
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526
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/
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-
Brook
CEILING BAFTER
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PLASTER
WALL AND
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North
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mor
CROSS SECTION OF AUDITORIUM LOOKING NORTH :
COMMUNITY CHURCH
BUILDING
NAME OF STRUCTURE
SURVEY NO
HISTORIC AMERICAN
-
Meeting House of the Lebanon Shakers County Columbia BUILT 182
NY
BUILDINGS SURVEY
3254
SHEET 9 OF SHEETS
Church Family Apple Drying Kiln William F. Winter, Jr. 1931
54
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON
Columbia County (11)
Location: Just west of New York-Massachusetts State line,
approximately 1 mile southeast of New Lebanon and junction
of State Route 22 and U.S. Route 20, on Shaker Road.
Historical Summary: As the number of conversions to the
Shaker faith increased, it seemed most practical to form
communities where the faithful could worship and practice
their way of life free from persecution. To that end, in
1787, three years after Mother Ann's death, the Shaker
leader Joseph Meacham sent word from Niskeyuna to the
scattered faithful in New York and the New England states
that those who were prepared should gather at New Lebanon,
New York, in the hill country near the Massachusetts
border. Here a group of believers had already donated land
and built a meetinghouse for this purpose. Although not
the first Shaker community founded, New Lebanon, or Mount
Lebanon, as it was renamed after 1861, was the first to be
formally "gathered into society order", and it became the
governing or parent society for all the other villages.
The community plan and the architectural forms created out
of necessity at Mount Lebanon were used as models by all
subsequently established societies. For example, the
meetinghouse designed by the architect Moses Johnson in
1787 was duplicated under his direction in most of the other
New England communities.
By 1823 the New Lebanon society, the largest and most pros-
perous of the Shaker communities, numbered between 500 and
600 members who were divided into eight "families", two of
which lived at nearby Canaan. Together they owned approxi-
mately 3,000 acres in New York, as well as additional farms
in other states. The village produced garden seeds, brooms,
mops, herbs, extracts, and dry sweet corn, but it was
through the manufacturing of chairs that they made their
greatest profits and their reputation in the "world".
There were only 120 Shakers left at Mount Lebanon by 1903,
most of whom were women. In 1933 the society sold its
Church Family buildings to the Lebanon School for Boys,
which was renamed the Darrow School in honor of George
Darrow, donor of the land on which the first meetinghouse
was built. In time the other buildings were either sold or
demolished, and the last of the Mount Lebanon Shakers moved
to Hancock, Massachusetts in 1947. NHL, NR
55
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
Hinckley House (NY-3297). See Church Family Nurse Shop,
Building 13.
Medicine Shop (NY-3338). See Centre Family Washhouse.
Meetinghouse (second), Building #2 (Church Family
Meetinghouse) (NY-3254), W. side of Shaker Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, 108'-2 1/2" X 65'-6", high one-
story main block with lower three-story S. wing on
regular ashlar foundation, segmental roofs, segmental
projecting canopies over main entrances, paneled wooden
exterior doors (two double doors on E. side, three doors
on S. side, one door on N. side), stone steps and iron
railings, large open meeting room with central-hall
plan wing. Built 1824; mezzanine added when remodeled
for use as a library by Darrow School 1962. 13 sheets
(1941, including plan, elevations, sections, details);
9 ext. photos (1920's, 1931, 1963, 1970*), 8 int.
photos (1920's, 1938, 1939); 6 data pages (1963).
Ministry's Shop, Building #5 (Church Family Ministry's
Residence) (NY-3255), W. side of Shaker Rd. Brick,
38'-2" (five-bay front) X 32'-3" (five bays), two-
and-a-half stories on regular ashlar foundation, gable
roof, enriched cove cornices, paneled double door with
sidelights, flat stone "pediment" over main entrance,
brick segmental arches over windows, one-story gabled
ell (14'-2" x 17'-2"), central-hall plan. Built
1875; earlier Ministry's Residence built 1841, de-
stroyed (date stone from original located in ell
foundation of present building). 4 sheets (1940,
including plans, elevations, details); 6 ext. photos
(1920's, 1930, 1938, 1962).
Schoolhouse, Building "SS" (Church Family School)
(NY-3259), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding
(upper levels) and coursed rubble (lower level), 23'
(four-bay front) x 25'-6", two-and-a-half stories,
gable roof, cove cornices, enclosed wooden entranceway
added (removed during remodeling as faculty residence),
typical Shaker "hood" over W. entrance. Built 1839;
rear wing added by Darrow School. 4 sheets (1940, in-
cluding plans, elevations, sections, details); 5 ext.
photos (1930, 1931, 1938, 1962).
56
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
Wickersham House (NY-3298). See Church Family Dwelling
House, Building #1.
Centre Family
General View (NY-3337), on Shaker Rd., approx. 1 mi.
S.E. of New Lebanon and junction of State Rt. 22 and
U.S. Rt. 20. 1 ext. photo (1920's).
"Ann Lee" Cottage (NY-3339). See Centre Family
Dwelling House (second).
Dwelling House (second) (Centre Family "Ann Lee"
Cottage) (NY-3339), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, seven by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories on regular ashlar basement (fully exposed on
S. and W. sides), gable roof, typical Shaker "hoods"
over two entrances and enclosed wooden porch ad-
dition, one-story shed-roofed utility wing. Built
19th c.; remodeled C. 1930 to house remaining Church
Family Shakers after sale of Church Family property.
3 ext. photos (1920's, 1930, 1931).
Medicine Factory (NY-3341), E. side of Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, three by two bays, two-and-a-
half stories, gable roof with square cupola, cove
cornices, lower side wings. Built 19th c.; demolished.
1 ext. photo (1931), 2 int. photos (1920's, 1931).
Smithy, Building 15 (NY-3256), W. side of Shaker Rd.
Coursed rubble with ashlar quoins and lintels, 44'-3"
(four-bay front) X 34'-4", two-and-a-half stories,
gable roof with square louvered cupola, cove cornices,
one-story S. wing, overshot water wheel in basement.
Built 1846 (wrought iron numerals); presently being
restored as private house. 3 sheets (1939, including
plans, elevations, sections, details); 3 ext. photos
(1931, 1939, 1962).
Southwest Work Cottage, Building 13 (NY-3266), W.
side of Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, five by
two bays, two-and-a-half stories on rubble masonry
foundation, gable roof with two horizontal sections
of imbricated shingles, typical shaker "hood" over
entrance. Built 19th c.; originally a Printing
House; demolished after 1942. 1 sheet (1942, including
plan, sections, details); 1 ext. photo (1939).
57
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
Washhouse (Medicine Shop) (NY-3338), E. side of Shaker
Rd. Frame with clapboarding, five by four bays, two-
and-a-half stories on partially exposed basement,
gable roof, typical Shaker "hood" over entrance.
Built 19th c.; remodeled for use as a dormitory and
faculty residence for Darrow School. 3 ext. photos
(1920's, 1930).
Church Family
General Views (NY-3291), on Shaker Rd., approx. 1 mi.
S.E. of New Lebanon and junction of State Rt. 22 and
U.S. Rt. 20. 1 sheet (1939, general plot plan);
2 ext. photos (1920's, 1939); 9 data pages (1963).
Apple Drying Kiln (NY-3304), E. side of Shaker Rd.
Coursed fieldstone with ashlar window frames and
staggered quoins, one story, gable roof with sheet-
metal covering and louvered ventilator. Built 19th
c.; demolished. 1 ext. photo (1931).
Brethren's Workshop, Building #3 (NY-3293), W. side
of Shaker Rd. Brick, five by four bays, three-and-
a-half stories on partially exposed coursed rubble
basement, gable roof, cove cornices, typical Shaker
"hoods" over entrances, wide interior. eight-paneled
doors. Built prior to 1856; remodeled for Darrow
School faculty residence and dormitory C. 1930. 3
ext. photos (1920's, 1931, 1938), 4 int. photos
(1920's, 1939).
Dwelling House, Building #1 (Church Family Main
Dwelling) (Wickersham House) (NY-3298), W. side of
Shaker Rd. Brick, cruciform plan, eleven by five
bays, three-and-a-half stories on sloping site re-
vealing elevated basement on N. side, gable roof
with square bell cupola, enriched cove cornices,
projecting center wing of facade, brick main entrance
arch, stone lintels, three-story gabled wing (six by
three bays). Built 1875 (date stone); Elder George
Wickersham, designer; used for classrooms and offices
by Darrow School. 5 ext. photos (1920's, 1930, 1938),
1 int. photo (1939).
Herb House (NY-3305), W. side of Shaker Rd. Nine by
three bays, two-and-a-half stories on exposed base-
58
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
ment, gable roof with cupola. Built early 19th c.;
destroyed by fire 1850. 1 photocopy of C. 1853
engraving.
Infirmary (NY-3297). See Church Family Nurse Shop,
Building #13.
Main Dwelling (NY-3298). See Church Family Dwelling
House, Building #1.
Meetinghouse (NY-3254). See Meetinghaise, Building
2.
Ministry's Residence (NY-3255). See Ministry's Shop,
Building #5.
Nurse Shop, Building 13 (Church Family Infirmary)
(Hinckley House) (NY-3297), E. side of Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, eight by three bays, two-
and-a-half stories on partially exposed regular
ashlar basement, gable roof, cove cornices, typical
Shaker "hoods" over entrances, iron railings, exterior
louvered shutters. Built 1857; alterations made by
Darrow School after 1923. 4 ext. photos (1920's, 1930,
1938).
Office (NY-3299). See Church Family Trustees' Office,
Building 12.
Reservoir (NY-3300), E. side of Shaker Rd. Large
rectangular reservoir used primarily for fires; rubble
masonry walls. Walls built after 1856. 1 ext.
photo (1930).
School (NY-3259). See Schoolhouse, Building "SS".
Seed House, Building #4 (Whittaker House) (NY-3301),
W. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, five
by two bays, three-and-a-half stories, typical Shaker
"hood" over main entrance, paneled door with side-
lights, central -hall plan. Built 1787; Moses Johnson,
architect (his first building); originally one-and-a-
half story gambrel roofed Meetinghouse with double
entrances; remodeled 19th C. (for use as a school 1824,
then as a Seed House); one-story wing added on S. side
1938; now residence for headmaster of Darrow School.
59
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
2 ext. photos (1920's, 1930), 1 photo-copy of 1857
engraving.
Sisters' Workshop, Building #18 (Church Family Wash-
house) (NY-3302), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, nine by four bays, three-and-a-half
stories, gable roof, cove cornices, typical Shaker
"hoods" over main entrances, stone steps and iron
railings. Built early 19th c.; destroyed by fire
1963. 2 ext. photos (1930, 1931), 8 int. photos
(1920's, 1930, 1931).
Tannery, Building #9 (NY-3303), W. side of Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, five by four bays, two-and-
a-half stories on sloping site revealing rubble
masonry basement, gable roof, typical Shaker "hood"
over entrances. Built early 19th c.; extensively
remodeled; now used as a chapel for Darrow School.
2 ext. photos (1920's, 1962); see also North Family
General Views (NY-3319).
Trustees' Office, Building 12 (Church Family Office)
(NY-3299), E. side of Shaker Rd. Brick with clap-
boarded end wall, eight by three bays, two-and-a-half
stories on fully exposed regular ashlar basement,
gable roof, box cornices, enclosed wooden porches
added (later removed during remodeling). Built 1827
(metal numerals on gable); remodeled for use as a
dormitory. 2 ext. photos (1920's, 1938), 1 photo-
copy of C. 1875 engraving.
Washhouse (NY-3302). See Church Family Sisters'
Workshop, Building #18.
Waterpower Building, Building 20 (NY-3267), E. side
of Shaker Rd. Built 19th C. (before 1856); ruinous.
1 sheet (1945, details of waterpower wheel).
North Family
General Views (NY-3319), on Shaker Rd., approx. 1
mi. S.E. of New Lebanon and junction of State Rt. 22
and U.S. Rt. 20. 7 ext. photos (1930, 1931, 1938,
1939, including Washhouses (first and second),
Dwelling Houses (first and second), Barns, Farm
Deacon's Shop, Smithy, Mill Pond, and Store).
60
Field Road North Family Farm Buildings to Cattls pastures re
TOTAL 50
in.
COVERED FARM IMPLEMENT
POIT
POST
CATTLE
SHELTER
ones CATTLE SHELTER
FODDER
Hoad, cattic of
feed space
is
aren
MANURE
0
HAY
PIT
+
BUILDING NO '7
POST
ANT
.
floor
Motal
Bowl
24
Cattle
stoll
WEST CATTLE YARD
WEST
CATTLE
2
floor
concritte
floor
YARD
o
12
OR
above
12
of NORTH STONE BARN:
SOUTH ELEVATION N
OPEN CATTLE SHELTER
COOLER
Building 16
EE
0
=
OPEN
STORES
CATTLE FELATIC FLED of ine F a .
Stanchson
CATTLE
SHELTER
Detail sketches of
Typical Water
61
BUILDING NO 16
Toral
and Issding and
Fastenings sta
for The cattle.
SCALE about
EAST CATTLE YARD
doens
Half Inch to foot
EAST
CATTLE
YARD
GROUND
PLAN OF
Cattle yard
East gotsway
NORTH STONE
BUILDING No is
BARN:
T
01
OPEN N CATTLE SHELTER
SILO
SILO
Suppling
TOTAL
share
so
DRIVEWAY
Scals of Fest
WAY
fret
N
20
Jo
yard
Jo Residence North Family
Shaker Village Road
Io new state
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Building No
OUL Libonon Mountain
To Makin village
Jo old Post Road Albany to Pittsfisld
A K. Mosleg.
mcas of diet
TROY MY
GROUND PLAN WITH SOUTH ELEVATION
NORTH
mog. 40
STONE BARN:
BUILDING
3
3
No 14
also 151617
NAME OF STRUCTURE
SURVEY NO.
HISTORIC AMERICAN
LIBRAST -
PARK
SERVICE
AND
DESIGN
Stone Barn North Family LoShakers Lebanon N Y BUILT 18
/
-
BUILDINGS SURVEY
UNDER OF UNI TED ARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
OF
SHEET 305 SHEETS
HISTORIC COLLECTION
NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
TOP FLOOR
DRIVEWAY
JIE ROD'
FOR UNLOADING 2
BOLTS
HORSE WAGON LOADS
NOTE AS TO 4½
CENTER SIDEWALL BAYS
OF HAY ETC :
PLANK FLOOR WITH 5
JOISTS ARE OMITTED AND
NAME OF STRUCTURE AND LOCATION
MAIN BEAMS STOPPED AT
NOTE FLOOR OMIT:
* AS OPEN WELL THUS
ALONG BOTH SIDEWARLS
Driveway Floor
-|
Entered
ALLOWING HAY STORAGE
FOR HAY Mow. MODELA
at East End of Barn from the
FULL HEICHT MIDDLE
FLOOR CLEAR TOROOK
Shaker Village Road:
FLOOR CLEAR UP To TOROOF
HAY MOW
HAY MOW
PROVIDES HAY STORE
MIDDLE FLOOR
PROVIDES HAY STORE
FROM MIDDLE FLOOR
GANGWAY -
FROM MIDDLE FLOOR
UP TO ROOF. OVER
preparing Cattle feed
UP TO ROOF FOR 108
boarded Moted
100 FT. LENCTH WISE
chop. roots silage ok
FEET LENCTHWISE
SIMILAR NORTH SIDE
ready to bepassed
ALSO.SAME SOUTH SIDE
down to Cattle
SHEET
OF
SHEETS
HISTORIC BUILDINGS SURVEY
SKELETON SECTION SKETCH OFF THE
NORTH STONE BARN
NORTH FAMILY OF
STHAKURJ LEBANON
TOOY An mind Mosting dell
ESCALE 4 FEET To ONE INCH
Doons
Dinord
5
1940
1948.
APPROMIMIATE
GRADE
OF
ROAD AT LOWEST POINT WEST END TO TAKE MANURE TO FIELDS
62
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
Barn, Building 14 (North Family Stone Barn) (NY-3251),
N. end of North Family area. Coursed random ashlar,
192'-9" (E.-W.) X 50', three-and-a-half stories,
gable roof with large rectangular lantern, central
cattle-feeding area with manure pit (W. end) and
silos (E. end) on ground floor, driveway ramp to
third floor (E. side), three frame open cattle
shelters (S. side). Built 1857; Elder George Wicker-
sham, designer; burned 1972. 5 sheets (1939, 1940,
1945, including plans, elevations, sections, details);
4 ext. photos (1930, 1931, 1938), 1 int. photo (1938).
Brethren's Dwelling House (NY-3268). See North Family
Dwelling House (second), Building #7.
Brethren's Shop (NY-3252). See North Family Wash-
house (first), Building 18.
Dwelling House (first), Building 1 (North Family
Residence) (NY-3249), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, 112'-6" (nine-bay front) X 40',
four stories on partially exposed regular ashlar
basement, low gable roof, front and rear double
entrances with typical Shaker "hoods", two-story wing
on S. side, double central-hall plan, rear sub-
basement. Built 1835; demolished 1972; N.W. corner
second floor room with adjacent storage room and
staircase moved to Metropolitan Museum 1972. 11
sheets (1939, 1940, including plans, elevations,
sections, details); 6 ext. photos (1920's, 1930,
1931, 1938, 1939), 13 int. photos (1939).
Dwelling House (second), Building #7 (North Family
Second House) (North Family Brethren's Dwelling House)
(NY-3321), S. end of North Family area. Frame with
clapboarding, seven by three bays, three-and-a-half
stories on partially exposed regular ashlar basement,
gable roof, single entrance on each side with typical
Shaker "hood". Built 19th c.; remodeled for use as
dormitory and family residence 1965. 6 ext. photos
(1931, 1939), 10 int. photos (1931, 1939).
Farm Deacon's Shop, Building 8 (North Family Men's
Quarters and Shop) (NY-3325), S. end of North Family
area, on Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, five by
two bays, two-and-a-half stories, cove cornices,
63
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
typical Shaker "hood" over main entrance. Built 19th
C. 1 ext. photo (1939).
Granary (NY-3320), S. of North Family Barn Ruins, on
Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, two by three
bays, two-and-a-half. stories, gable roof, grain
chute on E. side. Built 19th C. 2 ext. photos
(1920's, 1939).
Icehouse, Building #3 (NY-3322), E. side of Shaker
Rd. Frame with exposed uncoursed rubble foundation,
three stories, low pitched roof, frame wing with
vertical boarding. Built 19th c.; demolished C. 1960.
2 ext. photos (1938, 1939).
Laundry and Water Power Building (NY-3252). See
North Family Washhouse (first), Building #18.
Laundry and Woodstore Building (NY-3250). See North
Family Washhouse (second), Building #6.
Lumber and Grist Mill, Building #20 (NY-3253), far
S.W. edge of North Family area, on Shaker Rd. Heavy
frame with vertical siding and clapboarding, irregular
rectangle, approx. 97' x 31'-6", one-and-a-half
stories on partially exposed coursed rubble basement,
one-story open shed (E. side), one-story storage shed
(S. side), detached hay mow (N. side), covered drive-
way with bridges running (N.-S.) through first story,
basement driveway entrance (N. side only), undershot
water wheel and water turbine in sub-basement. Built
1828; demolished C. 1940. 4 sheets (1940, including
plans, elevations, sections, details); 4 ext. photos
(1939, 1940), 4 int. photos (1940).
Men's Quarters and Shop (NY-3325). See North Family
Farm Deacon's Shop, Building #8.
Residence (NY-3249). See North Family Dwelling House
(first), Building #1.
Second Building (NY-3268). See North Family Dwelling
House (second), Building #7.
Smithy, Building #19 (NY-3268), S.W. edge of North
Family area, off Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding,
64
SLIDING DOOR
DOOR
FIREWOOD STORE
FIRE WOOD STORE
IN CENTER OF
VENTILATING
EAST FRONT
WEST FRONT
LUFFER BOARDS
No z scall.
3 scale.
No 2 scals.
WEST ELEVATION
SOUTH ELEVATION
SCALES
No ,
%
INCH
Just
-
IFOOT
NALF INCM
?
+
5.
No 2
6
but
IFOOT
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No
3
"
THINES
24 INCHED
FOOT
Tray ny.
WEST AND SOUTH ELEVATIONS OF LAUNDRY
2
FRAME BUILDING No.6
LIBRARY Consects
Laundry Woodstorio North Family of Shakers Columbia Lebanon County N.Y.
NAME OF STRUCTURE
SURVEY NO.
HISTORIC AMERICAN
NY
INDICE UNDER
BUILDINGS SURVEY
UNDER DIRECTION OF UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE BRANCH OF PLANS AND DESIGN
3250
SHEET 2 OF 5 OF SHEETS
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
approx. 60' (five-bay front) X 21'-6", two-and-a-half
stories on uncoursed rubble foundation, gable roof,
double entrances with typical Shaker "hoods" on N.
side, open-air bridge connecting second floor en-
trance to North Family Washhouse (NY-3322). Built
19th c.; deteriorating. 4 sheets (1939, 1940,
including details of trip hammer and ox shoeing
frame, for plan see North Family Washhouse (first)
(NY-3352). 1 ext. photo (1939), 4 int. photos
(1920's, 1940).
Stone Barn (NY-3251). See North Family Barn,
Building #14.
Trustees' Office and Store, Building #2 (NY-3323), E.
side of Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, five by
three bays, two-and-a-half stories on partially
exposed basement, low gable roof, cove cornices, front
entrance porch with classical details. Built 19th C.
3 ext. photos (1920's, 1930, 1938).
Washhouse (first), Building #18 (North Family Laundry
and Water Power Building) (North Family Brethren's
Shop) (NY-3252), S.W. end of North Family area, off
State Rt. 22, on Shaker Rd. Brick, 64'-3" (five-
bay front) X 42'-7", three-and-a-half stories on
exposed uncoursed rubble and ashlar basement, gable
roof, plaster cove cornices, typical Shaker "hood"
over main entrance, three-story centrally placed rear
wing with open air bridge to Smithy (NY-3260), water
wheel in basement, central-hall plan. Built 1825
(date stone). 4 sheets (1940, including plans, ele-
vations, sections, details); 5 ext. photos (1920's,
1939), 3 int. photos (1920's, 1931).
Washhouse (second), Building 6 (North Family Laundry
and Woodstore Building) (NY-3250), W. of North Family
Main Dwelling House (NY-3249), off State Rt. 22, on
Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, 84' (seven-bay
front) X 40', two-and-a-half stories on partially
exposed regular ashlar basement, gable roof, cove
cornices, six front entrances, five having typical
Shaker "hoods". Built 1854; now used as Darrow School
Art Center. 5 sheets (1939, 1945, including plans,
elevations, sections, details); 2 ext. photos (1930,
1939), 14 int. photos (1920's, 1938, 1939, 1940).
66
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
Second Family
General Views (NY-3326), on Shaker Rd., approx. 1 mi.
S.E. of New Lebanon and junction of State Rt. 22 and
U.S. Rt. 20. 2 ext. photos (1920's, 1939).
Brethren's Workshop, Building 2 (NY-3330), W. side
of Shaker Rd. Rubble masonry, five by two bays, two-
and-a-half stories on sloping site partially exposing
rubble basement, gable roof, typical Shaker "hood"
over E. entrance, stone lintels. Built 19th c.;
remodeled after 1941. 2 ext. photos (1930, 1938).
Chair Factory (NY-3328), W. side of Shaker Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, two-and-a-half stories on regular
ashlar foundation, gable roof with six gabled dormers,
imbricated shingle roof, typical Shaker "hoods" over
entrance and large loading door on E. side. Built
19th C. 1 ext. photo (1920's), 3 int. photos (1940).
Dwelling House (NY-3327), W. side of Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, five by three bays, three-
and-a-half stories, gable roof with "call bell"
housing, small enclosed entrance porch. Built 19th
c.; demolished after 1941. 2 ext. photos (1930),
2 int. photos (1941).
Herb House (NY-3329), W. side of Shaker Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, nine by three bays, two-and-a-
half stories, gable roof with square cupola, typical
Shaker "hood" over entrance. Built 19th c.;
destroyed C. 1850. 1 photocopy of old view (c. 1850).
Sisters' Workshop and Barn (NY-3331), W. side of
Shaker Rd. Rubble masonry, six by four bays, four-
and-a-half stories, gable roof. Built 19th c.;
ruinous in 1930; now destroyed. 5 ext. photos (1930,
1938), 5 int. photos (1930).
South Family
General Views (NY-3332), on Shaker Rd., approx. 2 mi.
S.E. of New Lebanon and junction of State Rt. 22 and
U.S. Rt. 20. 6 ext. photos (1920's, 1930, 1931,
1939).
67
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
Barn (NY-3342), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, five-bay front, three-and-a-half stories
on sloping site revealing additional story at rear,
gable roof with square gabled cupola, front of first
floor has five large openings covered by a pent roof.
Built mid 19th C. 1 ext. photo (1970*).
Chair Factory, Building #7 (South Family Chair Shop)
(NY-3335), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with vertical
board and batten, eight by two bays, two-and-a-half
stories, gable roof, bridge connection from second
story to Washhouse (NY-3269). Built 1861 (stamped
metal date plate on W. elevation). 3 ext. photos
(1930, 1970*).
Chair Shop (NY-3335). See South Family Chair Factory,
Building #7.
Dwelling House (first), Building 2 (South Family
Office) (NY-3334), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, three by two bays, two-and-a-half stories,
gable roof, two-story gabled wing and one-story shed-
roofed addition, enclosed main and rear entrance
porches. Built C. 1813. 3 ext. photos (1920's,
1930).
Dwelling House (second), Building #1 (NY-3333), E.
side of Shaker Rd. Brick (first story) and frame with
clapboarding, ten-bay front, three stories, gable
roof, typical Shaker "hoods" over double entrances.
Built 19th C. 5 ext. photos (1920's, 1930, 1970*),
9 int. photos (1920's, 1930).
Infirmary (NY-3336). See South Family Nurse Shop.
Laundry and Sisters' Chairmaking Shop (NY-3269). See
South Family Washhouse, Building #6.
Nurse Shop (South Family Infirmary) (NY-3336), E.
side of Shaker Rd. Frame with clapboarding, two-and-
a-half stories on sloping site revealing coursed
rubble basement, gable roof, typical Shaker "hood"
over main entrance, enclosed wooden entrance-
way added (now removed). Built 19th C. 3 ext.
photos (1930, 1970*).
68
NEW YORK
MOUNT LEBANON (cont.)
Office (NY-3334). See South Family Dwelling House
(first), Building #2.
Privy (NY-3248), E. side of Shaker Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, 16'-6" X 16'-5", one story on random
ashlar foundation, gable roof, circular louvered
vents. Built 19th c.; demolished. 3 sheets (1941,
including plan, elevations, sections, details).
Washhouse, Building #6 (South Family Laundry and
Sisters' Chairmaking Shop) (NY-3269), E. side of
Shaker Rd. Masonry covered with concrete (first
level) and frame with clapboarding, L-shaped, 52'-3"
(five-bay front) x 38'-3", four stories on sloping
site partially exposing basement, low gable roof,
recessed main entrance with elliptical arch, wooden
bridge connection to Chair Factory (NY-3335) on S.
side, two-story ell (13'-6" X 21'-7") and addition.
Built 1851 (date stone). 8 sheets (1941, 1945-1946,
including plans, elevations, sections, details);
8 ext. photos (1920's, 1930, 1962, 1970*), 12 int.
photos (1920's, 1930, 1931).
Upper Canaan Family
General View (NY-3340), on Shaker Rd., approx. 2 mi.
S.E. of New Lebanon and junction of State Rt. 22 and
U.S. Rt. 20. 1 ext. photo (1931).
69
Church Family Inner Yard
William F. Winter, Jr., 1920's
70
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET
Albany County (1)
Location: Approximately 4 miles northwest of Albany, off
Watervliet Shaker Road between intersection with Sand Creek
Road and Albany Shaker Road.
Historical Summary: When Mother Ann Lee and her eight fol-
lowers arrived in New York City from England in 1774, they
were temporarily obliged to separate to find employment
and lodgings. It was not until 1776, when John Hocknell,
the only Shaker of substantial means, purchased several
hundred acres of swampy wilderness at Niskeyuna near Al-
bany, that the Shakers had a place where they could live
together. For the next few years the small band labored
as pioneers to clear and drain the land and to build
cabins in preparation for the expected converts, but their
neighbors did not readily embrace the faith. Finally, in
1779, a religious revival at New Lebanon, New York, near
the Massachusetts border, attracted great numbers of
people to the area, many of whom heard of the nearby Shakers
and traveled to Niskeyuna to learn more about them. The
visitors were much impressed by what they found there, and
consequently the first Shaker converts were made in the New
World. A verbal covenant was made between the believers
at Niskeyuna, or Watervliet as it was later called, when
the community was "gathered" into society order in 1788;
the covenant was later put into writing in 1795. Although
the subsequently founded community at Mount Lebanon became
the central ministry, Watervliet remained significant as
the original settlement and the place of Mother Ann Lee's
burial.
In 1823 there were over 200 believers at Watervliet and by
1850 the number had increased to 350. Twenty-five hundred
acres of land were accumulated in the area, providing a good
base for farming and raising sheep and cattle. In addition
the society owned 2,000 acres elsewhere in the State and
30,000 acres in Kentucky. The well known Shaker broom-
making industry originated at Watervliet, and was supple-
mented by an assortment of other enterprises, such as the
canning of fruits and vegetables.
The first quarter of the twentieth century brought a sub-
stantial decline in membership. Hired laborers were em-
ployed to maintain the fields until 1938 when the property
was sold and the few remaining members moved to Mount
Lebanon. Many of the buildings are still standing, but
they have been altered to serve new purposes. NR
71
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
Meetinghouse (first) (Church Family Old Meetinghouse)
(NY-3314), E. side of Church Family Inner "Yard".
Frame with clapboarding, five by two bays, two-and-a-
half stories on regular ashlar foundation, gambrel
roof with dormers, double entrances. Built 1791;
Moses Johnson, architect; demolished 1927. 1 ext.
photo (1927).
Meetinghouse (second) (Church Family New Meetinghouse)
(NY-3276), E. side of Church Family Inner "Yard".
Frame with clapboarding, nine by three bays, two-and-
a-half stories on regular ashlar foundation, gable
roof, large cove cornices, typical Shaker "hoods"
over entrances, large exterior louvered shutters.
Built 1846; brick veneer added and interior altered
for use as a chapel for County Home after 1926; now
a Catholic Chapel, greatly altered with false shutters
creating a "one window" effect. 3 ext. photos (1925,
1926, 1927), 4 int. photos (1925, 1927).
Ministry's House (Church Family Ministry's House)
(NY-3312), N.E. corner of Church Family Inner "Yard".
Brick, two by two bays, two stories on regular ashlar
basement, gable roof, cove cornices, typical Shaker
"hood" over main entrance, lower two-story rear wing.
Built 19th c.; remodeled as residence. 2 ext. photos
(1927).
Schoolhouse (Church Family School) (NY-3315), N.E. of
Watervliet Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) and Albany Shaker
Rd. intersection. Brick, four by two bays, one-and-a-
half stories on coursed rubble foundation, gable roof,
small frame addition with vertical siding. Built C.
1850; demolished 1927. 3 ext. photos (1920's, 1927), 7
int. photos (1927).
Church Family
General Views (NY-3306), N. of intersection of Water-
vliet Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) and Albany Shaker
Rd. 1 photo (1963, sketch of general plot plan);
7 ext. photos (1920's, 1927).
Brethren's Workshop (NY-3307), W. side of Church Family
Inner "Yard". Brick, five-bay front, two-and-a-half
stories on coursed rubble basement, gable roof,
72
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
cove cornices, typical Shaker "hoods" over entrances.
Built 1822 (date stone); Bruster and Allen, master
masons; porch, tile roof, and dormers added C. 1930
during remodeling as nurses residence. 4 ext. photos
(1925, 1926, 1927), 1 int. photo (1927).
Dwelling House (second) (NY-3308), W. side of Church
Family Inner "Yard". Frame with clapboarding, five-
bay front, two-and-a-half stories on partially
exposed brick basement, gable roof, typical Shaker
"hood" over entrance, two-story side wing. Built
19th c.; demolished 1927. 1 ext. photo (1927).
Herb House (NY-3309), S.W. corner of Church Family
Inner "Yard". Frame with clapboarding, four by two
bays, two-and-a-half stories on coursed rubble base-
ment, gable roof, typical Shaker "hood" over entrance
double loading doors on side. Built 19th c.;
demolished C. 1927. 3 ext. photos (1926, 1927),
2 int. photos (1925, 1927, including views of
stationary herb press).
Laundry and Canning Factory (NY-3275). See Church
Family Washhouse and Canning Factory.
Main Dwelling House (first) (NY-3310), N. end of
Family Inner "Yard". Frame with clapboarding, five-
bay front, two-and-a-half stories on regular ashlar
basement, gable roof with single dormer and "call
bell", typical Shaker "hood" over main entrance,
lower two-story one-bay symmetrical wings. Built
19th c.; demolished C. 1927; "call bell" removed and
placed outside entrance of Meetinghouse (second)
(NY-3276). 1 ext. photo (1927).
Mill (NY-3311), N.E. of Watervliet Shaker Rd. (State
Rt. 155) and Albany Shaker Rd. intersection. Frame
with horizontal flush siding, seven by three bays,
two-and-a-half stories on coursed rubble and brick
basement, gable roof with square four-windowed
cupola, four vertically arranged doors for un-
loading, typical Shaker "hoods" over main entrances.
Built 19th c.; demolished after 1927. 1 ext.
photo (1927).
Ministry's House (NY-3312). See Ministry's House.
73
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
New Meetinghouse (NY-3276). See Meetinghouse (second).
Office (NY-3313). See Church Family Trustees' Office.
Old Meetinghouse (NY-3314). See Meetinghouse (first).
School (NY-3315). See Schoolhouse.
Seed House (NY-3316), behind Main Dwelling House, E.
of Church Family Inner "Yard". Frame with clap-
boarding, three by two bays, three-and-a-half
stories on uncoursed rubble foundation, gable roof,
four vertically arranged loading doors, two-story
frame wing. Built 19th c.; demolished 1927-1928.
2 ext. photos (1926, 1927).
Sisters' Workshop (NY-3277), N.W. corner of Church
Family Inner "Yard". Random ashlar, six by three bays,
three-and-a-half stories on partially exposed basement,
gable roof, large cornices, stone lintels, entrance
porch addition. Built 19th c.; demolished. 4 ext.
photos (1920's, 1925, 1927).
Trustees' Office (Church Family Office) (NY-3313),
N.E. of Watervliet Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) and
Albany Shaker Rd. intersection. Brick, six by three
bays, two-and-a-half stories on partially exposed
regular ashlar basement, gable roof with single
frame dormer at center of each slope, one-story front
porch. Built 1830; tile roof, dormers, and large
porches added C. 1930. 3 ext. photos (1920's, 1925,
1927).
Washhouse and Canning Factory (Church Family Laundry
and Canning Factory) (NY-3275), N.E. of Watervliet
Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) and Albany Shaker Rd.
intersection. Laundry wing: brick, nine by three
bays, three-and-a-half stories, gable roof, frame
addition on W. side. Built 1858. Canning wing:
frame with flush vertical boarding, five by three
bays, two-and-a-half stories on fully_exposed brick
basement, gable roof, four loading doors on S. side
(one on each story) and two on W. side. Built after
1858. 6 ext. photos (1920's, 1926, 1927).
74
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
North Family
General Views (NY-3294), W. of Albany Shaker Rd.,
approx. 6 mi. N. of intersection with Watervliet
Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155), present site of Shaker
Ridge Country Club. 2 ext. photos (1920's).
Barn (NY-3318), W. of Albany Shaker Rd. Brick, six
by three bays, two-and-a-half stories, low gable
roof, louvered windows. Built 19th c.; greatly
altered 20th c.; destroyed 1962. 1 ext. photo (1940).
Dwelling House (NY-3295), W. of Albany Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, five by three bays, three
stories on regular ashlar basement, gable roof with
"call bell", three-bay two-story front porch. Built
19th c.; destroyed 1942. 1 ext. photo (1920's).
Old Second House (NY-3296), W. of Albany Shaker Rd.
Frame with clapboarding, two by eight bays, two-and-
a-half stories on ashlar foundation, gable roof with
three brick chimneys. Built 19th c.; demolished.
1 ext. photo (1920's).
South Family
General Views (NY-3272), approx. 1/4 mi. S. of Water-
vliet Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) and E. of Sand Creek
Rd. 1 sheet (1937, general plot plan); 6 ext. photos
(1939, 1940); 6 data pages (1963, comprising general
history).
Ash House (NY-3289), approx 1/4 mi. S. of Watervliet
Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) and E. of Sand Creek Rd.
Brick, one story, gable roof, no windows; used to store
wood ashes to make fertilizer and lye. Built 19th C.
1 ext. photo (1940).
Brothers' Dormitory, Building 2 (NY-3260), E. cen-
trally located in South Family area. Frame with
beveled wood siding, 52'-3 1/2" (five-bay front) X
20'-2 1/2" (two bays), two-and-a-half stories on
random ashlar foundation, low gable roof, cove cor-
nices, three successive rooms separated by two halls
with stairs. Built 19th c.; now shingled. 8 sheets
(1940, including plans, elevations, sections, detail);
75
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
2 ext. photos (1939, 1962); 3 data pages (1963).
Brothers' Workshop (NY-3241). See South Family
Trustees' Office, Building #4.
Cannery, Building 8 (NY-3262), S.W. edge of South
Family area. Brick, 60'-3" (six-bay front) x 32'-3"
(three bays), two-and-a-half stories on random ashlar
basement, low gable roof, typical Shaker "hood" over
entrance, exterior hoist and one door on each story at
S. end, Washhouse (NY-3243) attached to N. end. Built
19th c.; demolished after 1939. 2 sheets (1940,
including plans, elevations, section); 1 ext. photo
(1939).
Cottage, Building 1 (NY-3258), S.E. edge of South
Family area. Frame with wood siding, 20'-6" (one-
bay) x 18'-5", one-and-a-half stories on random
ashlar basement, gable roof with cupola with louvered
sides and windows, exterior brick chimney, one-story
porch on N. side, single-room plan. Built C. 1800;
demolished after 1938. 2 sheets (1940, including
plans, elevations, section, details); 2 ext. photos
(1939, 1940); 2 data pages (1963).
Cottage, Building #5 (NY-3242), N. end of South Family
area. Frame with beveled wood siding, 47' x 25', two
stories on brick foundation, gable roof, central
stair hall. Built 19th c.; remodeled and extended
after being moved from West Family. 5 sheets (1940,
including plans, elevations, section, details); 2 data
pages (1963).
Cow and Hay Barn, Building 12 (NY-3245), S. side of
ereek, at S. end of South Family area. Frame with
vertical board and batten, 120'-8" x 46'-4", three-
and-a-half stories on uncoursed rubble basement, gable
roof with cupola, cow shed and storage wing attached
at S. rear, round silo at S.E. corner (later addition).
Built 19th c.; burned. 8 sheets (1940, including
plans, elevations, sections, details); 3 data pages
(1963).
Dwelling House, Building #3 (South Family Residence)
(NY-3261), E. centrally located in South Family area.
76
SOUTH FAMILY
LIST OF BUILDINGS EXISTING JULY 1937
GROUP PLAN OF BUILDINGS OF THE
SMALL BUILDING WITH CUPOLA SAID TO BL THE OLDEST
2
FRAME OCCUPIED AS BROTHERS DORMITORY WITH CARPENTER SHOP
SOUTH FAMILY OF SHAKERS
E
BRICK BUILT 1822 AS HOME FOR THE SOUTH FAMILY
4
OFFICE & VISITING FRIENDS HALF EACH FORMEN AND WOMEN
WITH SOME DATA OF THE me
FRAME FARM FOREMAN RESIDENCE MOVED HERE FROM WEST FAMILY
Kitchen
SISTERS WORK SHOPS
7
ORIGINAL HAND NOW MODERNISED
CHURCH NORTH trWEST FAMILIES
stores atc
Fin fince
wood store
LAUNDRY 8 FRUIT 3 VECETABLE CANNING WITH METAL
THE GROUP OF FOUR FAMILIES
WORKING TINS FOR CANNING ETC
9
HORSE STABLE HAY MOWA
15
10
WACON SHED etc
11
ICEHOUSE WITH CORN CRIB ETC
TOGETHER CONSTITUTING THE
12)
CATTLE BARN YOUNG STOCK CORN SILO ETC PROVIDED WITH
21x55
WATERVLIET
LOWER MIDDLE AND UPPER FLOORS ACCESS DRIVEWAYS ETC
13
FARM IMPLEMENTS FORACE ETC
14 MODERN BLOCK GARACE
ALBANY COUNTY NWW YOUR
COMMUNITY OF SHAKERS
3
Brothers
15
FIRE and FENCE WOOD WINTER STORE 16 SHAKER SALES SHOP
2
dormitory
17
KITCHEN SUPPLIES
21 Gatskuper
ste
18 DISUSED PRIVIES 19 CHICKEN YARD 20 WATER BK.
South
STORAGE TANK GRAVITY SUPPLY BY LEAD PIPE FED BY
and Albany
Cottage
Family
Home
of
c
3
sisters
checken
SPRING IN WOODS TO NORTH WEST TANK IN EARTH MOUND
Shakin BUILT
Maker
yard
21
GATEKEEPER COTTAGE SHAKER ROAD ENTRANCE:
Jo Watwvlest
,
18
19
TO THE EXISTING SOUTH FAMILY ::
About
22*33
16
Chickens
Farm
20
Foreman
length
na
home
tolal,
silo
cottage
18x20
Office
and
Visitors
4
sisters
42x62
water
Workshops
Twater
Istorage
sewing
Cattle
Cattls stock
protected
etc
LEAD PIPE
by
Earth mound
SCALE OF FEET
Laundry
Carning
Barn
Garage
work
rooms
Metal work
12
yard ne
FOR PLAN OF BUILDINGS
SPRINGS
14
15
195
acc
Leed
100
125
so
14
WOODS
7
8
storage
x19
Wagon shed
23
77
Schinectady SHAKER ROAD Troy
Hay
*53
Horse Stable
48
32x60
Coose boxes
Ice
mow itc
Measured by
9
May now &
shed
house
46x120
22*31
Smith
10
Inly
21*31
31*57
ALBANY
PORT
Map of Lands the Church Family
Hey LAND with BUILDINGS now
now owned by the County of Albany with relative position L
owned and occupist by the
I
Farm
the South West ALBANY and North Families adjoining :
SOUTH SHAKERS"
implements
13
as Existin
Ray stc
JULY 30 1926
Ann
MAME
CHURCHA
ALBAHY
AM
PHAKER
60
1765
ROAD
A
List Buildings of the church Family July 30 1926
B
,
1788
25362
FAMILY
2
22261
J
3
s
*3*63
NORTH
at
Bwelling
19
Day
Hill
TOTAL
AREA
778
ACRES
WEST
Barn
20
Residence
we
Barn shed
Jul.
SHAKER
ACREACE of LAND
6
23* 153
21
CAMETERY
BLOCK A
148
,
54xH3
is
ROAD
SAMP
Check
ROAD
oid do
BLOCK
116.8.
32*135
23
mill
42x82
SOUTH FAMILY
House
39568
JOLD
35 =36
TOTAL
10
to
21228
25
13 x 13
79.8
NORTH
Aircs
ROAD FRONTACKS
Garage
300.27
26
Dam
29 x 90
Schenselody
206
FAMILY
To Albany
1455
factory
27
403151
13
25=51
if
WEST
Morth sand CA Road
20134
1217612
14t
29
1836
FAMILY
centre
1160
15
wood
shed
so
22 x 36
CREEK
-
2
South
472
492 1t
MOTE
2
OFFICES
HOUSE
19
CREAMERY
REMBERCES
27
BARN
31
CARRING
Bask
PRESERVED
F
AFTER
HECESSARY
MAP
PROPERTY AS NOW
1937 Che South Family of Shakers
FOUNDED AT WATERVLIET INTHE TOWN - OF COLONIE
WILDS
NISKEVUNA
&
COMPILED AND
OF
BRAWN BY
OWNED and OCCUPIED BY
and
drawn
by
xy
Лад
IN ALBANY COUNTY NY. BY Ann see in 1774
Masley
544 MST
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
NAME OF STRUCTURE
SURVEY NO.
HISTORIC AMERICAN
INDEX NO.
OFFICE OF NATIONAL PARKS, BUILDINGS. AND RESERVATIONS
WATERVLIET SHAKERS - SOUTH FAMILY
N.Y.
BUILDINGS SURVEY
BRANCH OF PLANS AND DESIGN
STATE RT. 155 - CALONIE TOWNSHIP - ALBANY VICINITY - ALBANY CO. - NEW YORK
3272
SHEET OF SHEETS
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
Brick, 54'-1/2" (five-bay front) X 42'-1/2" (three
bays), two-and-a-half stories on raised random ashlar
basement (fully exposed at E.), gable roof with single
dormer on each slope and "call bell", one-story frame
wing and porches (later additions), central-hall
plan. Built 1822. 13 sheets (1937, including plans,
elevations, section, details); 3 ext. photos (1939,
1962), 4 int. photos (1930, 1939); 4 data pages
(1963).
Horse and Wagon Barn, Building #10 (South Family Wagon
Shed) (NY-3244), N.W. edge of South Family area. Frame
with clapboarding, 36'-3" X 28'-3", one-and-a-half
stories on rubble and brick foundation, gable roof,
typical Shaker "hood" over entrance. Built 19th C.
4 sheets (1941, including plans, elevations, section,
details).
Icehouse, Building #11 (NY-3246), W. central edge of
South Family area. Frame with sawdust insulation,
30'-10" X 20'-7 1/2", one story, earthen floor, gable
roof with 18' double-pitched vent at gable ridge,
corn crib attached at S. Built 19th c.; demolished.
1 sheet (1940, including plan, elevations, section,
detail).
Laundry (NY-3243). See South Family Washhouse,
Building #7.
Residence (NY-3261). See South Family Dwelling House,
Building #3.
Sisters' Workshop, Building #6 (NY-3290), centrally
located in South Family area. Frame, approx. 60' X
40', gable roof. Built 19th c.; altered 1939; burned
C. 1965. 5 int. photos (1930, 1939).
Trustees' Office, Building #4 (South Family Brothers'
Workshop) (NY-3241), centrally located in South Family
area. Brick, 62'-1 1/2" (six-bay front) X 42'-1/2"
(three bays), two-and-a-half stories on partially
exposed basement, gable roof, cove cornices, two
adjacent separate halls and stair halls, first floor
to attic interior hoist. Built 19th c.; one-story
glassed-in front porch added by Shakers. 13 sheets
78
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
(1936, 1937, 1940, including plans, elevations,
sections, details); 3 ext. photos (1930, 1939,
1962); 3 data pages (1963).
Wagon Shed (NY-3244). See South Family Horse and
Wagon Barn, Building #10.
Washhouse, Building #7 (South Family Laundry)
(NY-3243), S.W. edge of South Family area. Frame
with brick nogging and wood siding, 48'-5" X 32'-2",
two stories, gable roof with louvered cupola, attached
to Cannery (NY-3262) at S. side. Built 19th c.;
demolished after 1939. 3 sheets (1940, including
plans, elevations, section, details); 2 int. photos
(1939, of laundry dryers and sheet press); 2 data
pages (1963).
Woodshed, Building #15 (NY-3247), E. central edge
of South Family area. Frame, 55'-4" x 21'-4",
vertical open slats for air circulation, gable
roof, wood floor, stone pier foundations, one-room
plan. Built 19th c.; demolished after 1940. 1
sheet (1940, including plan, elevation, sections,
detail); 1 ext. photo (1940), 1 int. photo (1940).
West Family
General Views (NY-3274), N. of Watervliet Shaker Rd.
(State Rt. 155) approx. across from intersection with
Sand Creek Rd. 4 ext. photos (1920's, 1939, including
Washhouse, Main Dwelling House, Broom Shop, and Seed
House).
Barn (NY-3292), N. of Watervliet Shaker Rd. (State Rt.
155) approx. across from intersection with Sand Creek
Rd. Frame with horizontal flush siding, two-and-a-
half stories on uncoursed rubble foundation, gable
roof with square cupola, two-level entrance. Built
19th c.; demolished 1956. 1 ext. photo (1939).
Broom Shop, Building #3 (West Family Workshop)
(NY-3263), N. of Watervliet Shaker Rd. (State Rt.
155) approx. across from inter section with Sand Creek
Rd. Brick, 54'-3" (five-bay front) X 34'-2 1/2",
three-and-a-half stories on random ashlar basement,
gable roof, central-hall plan. Built 19th C. 13
79
11"
permy
Mym
BRAKE BANDI
BRAKE BEAMS
(IRON)
&
44 X4 POST
NOT SHOWN
POST
AT LEFT
$
0
118
17"
17
80
HH
++
&
V
+
H
#
154
5%
IIIII
154
6-0
6'-7
NOTE:-
ALL ROPES HANG
DOWN TO CELLAR
when
o
HOIST MECHANISM
No I Scale
SCALE,No,1, 3"= I'-0"
FOR DETAILS SEE SHEET No
0
I
2
3
4
5 DM
L.G.WANDS, DEL. JULY, 1941
METRIC
SCALE (DECIMETERS)
NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM
NAME OF STRUCTURE AND LOCATION
HISTORIC BUILDINGS SURVEY
HISTORIC
COLLECTION no
HISTORIC COLLECTION
WEST FAMILY OF WATERVLIET SHAKERS
SHEET IO OF 13 SHEETS
BUILDING NO. 3
TOWN OF COLONIE
ALBANY COUNTY, N.Y.
11. 32,3
NEW YORK
WATERVLIET (cont.)
sheets (1941, including plans, elevations, sections,
details); 2 ext. photos (1962).
Main Dwelling House, Building #1 (NY-3257), N. of
Watervliet Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) approx. across
from intersection with Sand Creek Rd. Brick, 58'-4"
(six-bay front) X 44'-4" (three bays), three-and-a-
half stories on exposed random ashlar basement, gable
roof with "call bell", two-story wing (32'-4" X
37'-9") and glassed-in front porch (later additions),
central-hall plan. Built 1828; wing added C. 1887;
front porch removed; now privately owned and divided
into apartments. 10 sheets (1940, including plans,
elevations, sections, details); 4 ext. photos (1920's,
1939, 1962), 2 int. photos (1939).
Privy, Building 8 (NY-3265), N. of Watervliet Shaker
Rd. (State Rt. 155) approx. across from intersection
with Sand Creek Rd. Frame with clapboarding, 12'-3" X
6'-11", one story on uncoursed rubble foundation,
gable roof, single room. Built 19th c.; demolished
after 1941. 1 sheet (1941, including plan, elevations,
section, details).
Smokehouse, Building #7 (NY-3264), N. of Watervliet
Shaker Rd. (State Rt. 155) approx. across from inter-
section with Sand Creek Rd. Brick and wood, 10' X
12'-1", one story, gable roof, single room with
plaster vaulted ceiling. Built 19th c.; demolished
after 1940. 1 sheet (1940, including plan, elevations,
section, and details).
Workshop (NY-3263). See West Family Broom Shop,
Building #3.
81
OHIO
UNION VILLAGE
Warren County (83)
Location: Intersection of State Route 63 and State Route
741, 4 miles west of Lebanon.
Historical Summary: When word of the religious revivals
under-way in the West reached the Shakers at Mount
Lebanon, New York, the central ministry sent three mis-
sionaries, Issachar Bates, John Meacham, and Benjamin
Youngs, to win converts on the western frontier. They
left New York on foot in January 1805 and arrived at
Turtle Creek, Ohio in March. Their first two converts
were Malcolm Worley and Richard McNemar, both influential
religious figures active during the revivals, who per-
suaded many of their neighbors to join the society.
Union Village, the first western community, was founded
at Turtle Creek that same year, with McNemar as the head
elder. As the largest western community, Union Village
became the location of the western ministry, subordinate
to the central ministry at Mount Lebanon, New York, and
responsible for sending missionaries to gain additional
converts in the South and West.
By 1830, with the addition of the Shakers from the ill-
fated Indiana colony of Busro, Union Village had reached
its maximum membership with close to 600 members divided
into six "families". Forty-five hundred acres of fertile
soil guaranteed the community a plentiful annual harvest
and a profitable cattle breeding business. By the middle
of the nineteenth century they were exporting stock to
Europe. Their shops and mills supplied all the essen-
tials of the community as well as items to sell to the
"world", such as brooms, garden seeds, medicinal herbs,
bricks, and maple sugar. In addition, many Shaker works
were published at Union Village, where printing was a
specialty.
During its lifetime Union Village dealt with damaging
fires, floods, and cyclones, as well as with internal
difficulties involving disloyal trustees and unfaithful
members, and the hostility of many residents of Turtle
Creek. A slow decline in membership forced the village
to close and sell its property in 1912. Today only
four buildings remain; all are owned by the Otterbein
Nursing Home.
82
OHIO
UNION VILLAGE (cont.)
South Family
Dwelling House (0-639), intersection of State Rt. 63
and State Rt. 741. Brick, six by two bays, three
stories on slightly raised regular ashlar basement,
gable roof, flat stone lintels. Built 1854 (date
stone); demolished. 1 ext. photo (1937*), 1 int.
photo (1937*); 1 data page (1937*).
83
North Family General View
Jack E. Boucher, 1974
84
OHIO
WHITEWATER
Hamilton County (31)
Location: Northwest of Cincinnati, south of the Butler-
Hamilton County line, on Oxford Road.
Historical Summary: The Shakers at Union Village, Ohio,
sent missionaries to the dry fork of the Whitewater River
near the Kentucky-Indiana border at the behest of Miriam
Agnew, a new member of their community, who told them of
the general dissatisfaction that prevailed at Whitewater
in the aftermath of a Methodist revival. Within the year,
thirty converts had been made at Whitewater and the basis
for a new community established on forty acres of uncleared
land. In 1824 the decision was made to transfer the fal-
tering Shaker community at Darby Plains in central Ohio
to Whitewater. The Darby settlers were, by origin, New
Light believers from Vermont and Connecticut who had mi-
grated to Ohio sometime after 1801 and had recently taken
up the Shaker belief after the example of their leader,
Nathan Burlingame. Their efforts to build a community at
Darby Plains had been thwarted by disease and land dis-
putes, so they welcomed the opportunity to join with their
brethren at Whitewater. The years immediately after the
two communities were "gathered" at Whitewater in 1824 were
difficult, but with the help of the Shakers at Union Vil-
lage, new land was acquired, permanent dwellings constructed,
and an abundant crop harvested by 1826. The next year
some of the inhabitants of the recently dissolved Busro,
Indiana community joined the Shakers at Whitewater, and a
meetinghouse was raised.
The Whitewater society ultimately acquired 1,500 acres,
but it remained relatively small in numbers, having at its
height only 150 members divided into three "families".
Throughout most of the nineteenth century it remained
fairly prosperous through farming, breeding livestock,
manufacturing brooms, and putting up garden seeds. Among
the other Shaker communities, Whitewater was particularly
regarded for the expertise of its bookbinders.
The general dissolution of Shakerdom seems to have affected
the Ohio settlements first, for at the turn of the century
there were only ninety Shakers left in the state. The de-
cision to dissolve Whitewater was made in 1907. Today the
few remaining Shaker buildings there are privately owned. NR
85
OHIO
WHITEWATER (cont.)
Meetinghouse (0-2189), W. side of Oxford Rd. Brick,
35' (six-bay front) X 45', two-and-a-half stories on
slightly raised basement, gable roof, box cornices,
double entrances with straight transoms. Built 1827;
now used for grain storage and upper level apartment.
3 ext. photos (1968*, 1974*).
Centre Family
Broom Shop (0-2190), E. side of Oxford Rd. Frame with
horizontal boarding, L-shaped, five by two bays, two-
and-a-half stories, gable roof, two-story gabled rear
ell (three by two bays). Built 1876; deteriorating.
3 ext. photos (1968*, 1974*).
Trustees' Office (0-2191), W. side of Oxford Rd.
Brick, T-shaped, 45' (five-bay front) X 30' (two
bays), three-and-a-half stories on slightly raised
basement, gable roof, limestone trim, gabled front
porch addition, gabled two-story rear wing with
square wooden cupola (43' X 22'). Built 1855 (date
stone). 3 ext. photos (1968*, 1974*).
Washhouse (0-2192), W. side of Oxford Rd. Brick,
five by two bays, two-and-a-half stories, gable roof,
central door with straight transom, large wooden
loading doors on S. side. Built 1858 (date stone);
deteriorating. 5 ext. photos (1968*, 1974*).
North Family
General View (0-2197), Oxford Rd., S. of Butler-
Hamilton County line. 1 ext. photo (1974*).
Dwelling House (0-2196), W. side of Oxford Rd. Brick,
six by two bays, two-and-a-half stories on partially
exposed brick and random ashlar basement, gable roof
with square four-gabled open cupola, box cornices,
two-bay front porch addition, two-story frame addition
on fully exposed basement with small entrance porch.
Built 1832-1833. 1 ext. photo (1974*).
Milk House (0-2194), W. side of Oxford Rd. Frame
with clapboarding, one story on partially exposed
brick basement, gable roof, pent roof over large front
opening. Built C. 1849. 1 ext. photo (1974*).
86
OHIO
WHITEWATER (cont.)
Seed House (0-2195), W. side of Oxford Rd. Frame with
clapboarding, five by two bays, one story, gable roof
with interior brick chimney on lower edge of front
slope, central entrance with straight transom. Built
after 1834. 1 ext. photo (1974*).
Smokehouse (0-2198), W. side of Oxford Rd. Brick,
one story, gable roof, central door, no windows.
Built 19th C. 1 ext. photo (1974*).
Woodshed (0-2193), W. side of Oxford Rd. Frame with
vertical flush wooden siding, one-and-a-half stories,
gable roof, arched passage through building, shed-
roofed addition on rear. Built after 1834. 2 ext.
photos (1974*).
87
GPO 881-167
Date Due
APR 13 1988
JUL 21 2002
APR 2 1 RECD
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
CAT. NO. 24 161
BM