Shaker Village
South Union, KY
Approximately 60 miles North of Nashville is Shaker Village in South Union, KY. It is the most southern and western Shaker Community.
The Shakers have their own individual style and architecture. They believed in function and simplicity.
They also believed in comfort. These wood burning stoves are found in almost every room. The box to the right of the stove is a wood box. I suspect they were trim--carrying wood up two and three flights of stairs would have been a work out.
This is a pie safe used for food storage. The Civil War took its toll on the Shakers. The Union Army disliked them because they were pacifist and the Confederate Army disliked them because they offered shelter to run away slaves. Both Armies expected the Shakers to feed them.
They built beautiful furniture.
Cared for the elderly and orphaned children
Wove beautiful blankets and coverlets
The dreaded laundry room. All those linen waiting to be pressed.
Aren't these window wells fabulous complete with built in window shutters.
Miniature furniture for the Shaker children.
I'll be back South Union--I hear one of those carriers from the gift shop calling my name.
