Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1884-09-05
AMONG THE SHAKERS.
The Bright and shady sides of Their
Life Portrayed
Troy Times.

Troy Times.
In thus giving a short and hasty
sketch of this interesting and truly
worthy people, the writer will here
say it was for no other purpose than
to correct the many erroneous ideas
and impressions prevalent concerning
them, as well as to inform many how
they may improve their moral and
physical relations in life, thereby
greatly adding TO their happiness in
this world and developing themselves
for future existence.
The particular branch of this people
now speak of is located about four
miles from PItts6eld, Mass, on the
4Boston and Albany railroad, in most
beautiful and productive valley in the
midst OF the most charming mountain
scenery, and an abundance of the best
spring water, so plentiful as to permit
its use for manufacturing purposes,
which they do to sons extent, and
would to a msch greater did not their
members and the care of their farm
ing interests fully absorb their time
and attention. They own large tract
of the best land in the county. Their
buildings are tirst-class, ana commodi-
Gus enough to accommodate and furnish
employment to several hundred per-
sons. They raise and market many
beef cattle, keep fine dairy and raise
all kinds of fruits and vegetables in
great variety, which always find a
ready market in Pittsfeld at good
prices, as Shaker brand is certain TO
insure the best. The extent of their
land and the many facilities they
possess might greatly increase their
productions were not their members
greatly diminished. The reason for
this state of affairs lies chiefly in the
fact that celibacy is the main plank in
Shaker religion, aud to this plank they
most rigidly adhere. | cannot think
of, nor can see, any other reason
why they are not gorged with applica-
1lons for membership. The balance
of their creed is of the most liberal
character; in fact, simply requiring a
belief in Christ, and the living of a
virtuous, honest and temperate life,
which ali should know is the only
true road to happiness Ia this world or
the one to foiloT.
In regard to their government, it is
vested in few of the elder members
of both sexes, and ministers, who la
Dor daily with taeir own hands; in
fact, none in health are exempted
| from doing their part of such duties as
they are best fitted to perform. Yet
none is expected to work hard or do
an allotted task. Their labors are lust
about what nature requires for good
bodily and mental health, and, as the
plain marble and headstones in the
cemetery indicate, most of them live
to good old age. Their religious ser
vices are not SO lengthy as to make
! them monotonOus or tiresome, bat are
rather inspiring, and create even in
the visitor strong impression of their
sincerity, truthfulness and high moral
character. They consist in each sex
taklDga position separately, generally
standing few feet apart, and singing
oullnspIrlng anthems and songs and
short words of encouragement to a
high moral and spiritual life from any
disposed to speak Then, by twos and
threes, they march, to the tune of
their music, round the hall, which, by
| VIZ way, 10 ho all y
one can testify who ever saw the
beautifully oiled and polished floors
In fact, this matter OF neatness is
carried to a greater extent among
them than in any other sect or even
private family l ever visited. There
fore if any wish to live life of scru-
pulous cleanliness, join the Shakers.
Unlike many farmers that raise
many good things to eat, but never
have the best themselves, their table
is of the best and the food uncommonly
well cooked Here may any one, re
CARELESS of poverty, if he possess a
good moral character, find friends and
home, provided he desires to lead a
pure life and conform to a few neces-
sary rules for their government and
general welfare. In closing this
sketch let me invite any disposed to
investigate and learn by actual con-
tact with this people the truths herein
stat d TO visit them, stating their OBJ
ct, and | will assure them of a cor.
dial reception. friendly greeting and
a warm good-by if they are no dispos
ed to remain.