Friday, August 31, 2018

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Shakertown), Harrodsburg, Kentucky


Although our opportunities for doing good may be small, yet we must remember it is not the great acts, but rather the little deeds of love that are the truest and the purest.”
Sister Mary Johnston from Pleasant Hill



Many years ago, Joe and I had been here when our children were very little but we wanted to come back and see this amazing community again. We found this religion and community fascinating. Our son, Jason, his wife Joni, and two of our grands – Zoe an Pyke lived near this fascinating spot for a while, so we were lucky to be able to come back and see this again with our loves. This is located 25 miles southwest of Lexington, Kentucky in the bluegrass region of the state. This is the largest historic landmark in Kentucky and has over 3,000 acres. On our way, we drove by horse farm after horse farm with the beautiful Kentucky fences surrounding these immense plots of land. Driving down these curvy country roads was such a joy. We made our way to Shakertown over gorgeous rolling hills and past all these farms with beautiful barns and horses.



This Shaker religious community was active from 1805 to 1910. The Shakers were founded by Mother Ann Lee who was born on February 29, 1736 in Manchester, England. She was a member of the Quaker Sect called the Shaking Quakers and became the founder of the Shakers. She taught equality for all men, women, and all races. She taught them God is love and they believed in Christs Second Appearance. The Shakers believed in being celibate, men living on one side of the house, and women on the other, and believed in a community of good. They didn't believe in marriage or sexual relations. They believed in a brother sister relationship and in hard work. During church services, that were held in their meeting house, the would sing and were eclectic dancers. Mother Lee believed the shaking and trembling were caused by sin being purged from the body and made them pure again. In the community, the men sat on one side and the women on the other during church services or meals. Many of the new members were brought in as orphans which helped the community grow and they always got new members in the winter when food was scarce. They always had a bounty of food and were willing to share.



Walking down the path to see the 34 original Shaker buildings that are still standing, you get the feel for how these people lived simple and uncomplicated lives. They lived in the Protestant faith and had a strong faith in God. One simple belief they had was “Hands to work, and hearts to God.” They all believed in hard work and it showed by all they did and discovered during their work days. They were way a head of their time by raising excellent livestock with the advanced practice of selective breeding. They made a municipal water system where the sisters could have pump and water right in their kitchens. This was unheard of during this time. They made an elevator to move the grain to the upper floors.



They raised Saxony sheep for the wool which they spun into yarn to make sweaters and blankets. They were skilled farmers and had plenty of fine crops even when times were bad. They grew plenty of fruit to make into dried fruit or preserves. They made flat brooms and baskets to sell. They were known for their garden seed also and sold plenty. While visiting we saw old time craftsmen and woman spinning, making baskets, and making brooms. You can buy their wares at the country store and is a great place to take time and look around at all the interesting items they sell. We were able to buy a broom and just love it. They were excellent craftsmen and knew how to waste very little.


During the Civil War, the Shakers fed thousands of soldiers who came to them near starving. That depleted their resources greatly but they were always willing to help those in need. The Shakers got into a bit of trouble during that time as they would buy slaves and free them which made some in the community angry and a mob attacked and destroyed some of their facilities. Many Shakers left to join the Army during this time even with the sect being neutral during the war. At one time there were over 500 members in this community but by 1900, only 34 remained. The last survivor of the Shakers from Pleasant Hill was Mary Settles who lived from 1836 to 1923.



I love looking at the art and beauty of the rock wall that they built. They put their heart and soul into this wall and the community to make this a beautiful and most appealing place to visit. The work it must have taken to build this wall with all the details.


I have a lot of respect for their belief in God and their strong work ethic. I love song in worship and love their creativeness and mastery of their crafts. There is much to say about the simple way they lived and simple furnishings. I love how they put pegs on the wall to hang their chairs after they eat. There is much of their religion I believe in and parts that is hard to understand. How they could believe they could continue to grow without children to carry on their religion. They are at peace now but there is something to be learned from them.




If you are ever in the Lexington area of Kentucky, this makes a great day trip. You will not be disappointed. It is definitely worth the money and trip. info@shakervillageky.org.

“Do all your work as though you had a thousand years to live, and as you would if you knew you must die tomorrow.” Mother Ann



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