THE SHAKERS OF SABBATHDAY LAKE MAINE

After doing a post on the Shakers of Canterbury, I thought it only proper that I do one on the Shakers of Sabbathday Lake. The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Community is located high on a hill in New Gloucester, Maine. The Community was founded in 1783 by Shaker Missionaries. In less than a year's time nearly 200 people gathered together on what was a small farm with five families. On April 19, 1794 those residing there made an oral covenant with each other to consecrate their all to God. Sabbathday Lake was referred to as "the least of Mother Ann Lee's children in the East", it was the smallest and the poorest of the Eastern Shaker Communities. Today the Community is the only active Shaker Community, with three members. The Community consists of 18 buildings located on 1,800 acres of land.

The Community maintains a tree farm, apple orchard, vegetable garden, commercial herb garden, hay fields, a flock of sheep, pigs, Scottish Highland cattle, cats and dogs can be found there. Other occupations include manufactoring of fancy goods, basket making, weaving, printing, and small woodenware.

The first Saturday in December the Shaker Community and friends hold a Holiday Fair. They offer baked goods which include Rosemary biscuits, fruit cake baked in a can (I personally am not a fan of fruit cake, however this cake is delicious.) The food goods line is usually out the door and around the corner before the fair has even opened. Knit socks, mittens, maple syrup, homemade cheese, books, herbs, rose water, wreaths and more. However, beware there are no BROOMS! You have to travel to Canterbury for a broom. This holiday season put the Shaker Holiday Fair on your list of events to attend, it is well worth it. Today, I'm off to the Island to deliver the broom!