Sunday, July 25, 2010

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!

15 comments:

Missouri Gal said...

:ove the history and the photos. Thank you for sharing. You take great photos too!

Kim said...

Did you say 3 members??? They do all that with just 3? That event does sound fun, but too far for a day-trip for me. LOL
P.S. I have started a chicken rug. I hope I will do your girls proud!
Kim

Rowan said...

I'm glad you've posted about Sabbathday Lake, It's the only one of the four New England Shaker vuillages that I haven't been to. I'd love to go but my friends don't travel far these days so it may not happen. I've been to Hancocok and Enfield though and prefer Canterbury to either of them. It would be wonderful to visit that Holiday Fair but that will remain a dream I'm afraid.

Gail said...

Sounds like a wonderful place to visit.

Did you know Rosemary is called the plant of rememberance because it aids the progression of Alztheimers? Or that is what I've heard.

Pondside said...

That's a lot of acreage and work for three members! I'm going to have to learn a little more about this unique faith community.

Rural Rambler said...

Love the sheep, and Julie we have Scottish Highlands behind us! Our neighbor Katie is into them. The Holiday Fair sounds like fun with good food! Enjoy your trip to the Island!

DayPhoto said...

I wish I COULD!!!!

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Eve said...

Another great place to visit Julie! Love the Scotts for sure!
Enjoy sweeping with Auntie Bev!!!

Anonymous said...

Love my broom!

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

i just LOVE your blog so much...
i saw you over at A New England life and saw that mentioned Tasha Tudors blueberry cake...i am off the couch and walking over to my cookbooks...i have all her books...my favorite too..and i have to make this....

what a wonderful idea...

sending love
kary and teddy

My Farmhouse Kitchen said...

{sigh} 39 minutes less.....

happy to see you today, my friend

kary and teddy

Anonymous said...

Wow -- O that I could wish a wish to be right there -- I love what you have shared -- I want to travel there - what a trip to take indeed!

Farm Girl said...

I love those cows!!! I really don't think my husband would let me have some of those. :) Thanks so much for sharing with us. My son walked in and thought it was of England.

Razzberry Corner said...

Very interesting! Wish I could go check it out!! Love the cattle!

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie,
We were in Wales for a couple of weeks, so I am catching up on your wonderful blog (the sheep sure remind me of Wales!). If you love antiques, there is a great show at the Canterbury Shaker Village the end of September. Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful pictures.
Cindy