Hancock was the third of what would eventually number nineteen major Shaker communities established between 1783 and 1836 in New York, New England, Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana. The Shaker population reached its peak in the mid-19th century, with an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 Shakers. Today, the Shaker community remains active at Sabbathday Lake in Maine. Hancock Shaker Village began in the late 1780s, by 1830 the community had grown to more than 300 encompassing over 3000 acres. The community declined as the Industrial Revolution and the migration of people to urban centers drew many away from a rural way of life. By the early 1900 about 50 remained and they began to sell off outlying acreage and the community began to dwindle. In 1960 the community was not sustainable and they sold what remained of their Hancock site to a group interested in preserving the Shaker was of life as a museum. Today through the efforts of those preservationists we are able to view their communal community and their way of life. Jerry http://www.gardenstew.com/plantstew/alb ... r_id=10953
I'm glad the Hancock Shaker Village has been preserved for future generations to enjoy. However, it's a real pity that the community didn't remain viable, as the Shaker way of life looks to be one that many of us these days could embrace. Many thanks for all the photographs Jerry and I will enlarge each one and take a better look when I have a little more time.
That's a very interesting set of shots Jerry.I really like the simplicity of their designs and architecture.It's really nice that someone has seen fit to keep this in good order for others to learn from.
Very interesting posting, Jerry. I do enjoy historical things. This subject is something that I know very little about. Thanks for this posting.
Thanks for taking us along your outing. Very beautiful country... and I really enjoyed taking a peak inside each building/room.
