The Shaker Life
Mar 15, 2012 00:27:29 #
Your explanation of the use of the barn is correct. But, you have to remember that we are talking about resourcefuul and CLEVER people.
The reason the barn is round and ground level is so that they could walk the horses and wagons into the barn and load/unload whatever they were dealing with. The important point to be made here is that once they were finished their work they could continue walking the horse & wagon AROUND inside the barn and back to the door WITHOUT BACKING UP! Backing up a horse and wagon would be a really tricky feat! It is just easier to continue AROUND the barn and out the same door. How incredibly clever! Horses don't like to go backwards - esecially when they're hauling a wagon.
The reason the barn is round and ground level is so that they could walk the horses and wagons into the barn and load/unload whatever they were dealing with. The important point to be made here is that once they were finished their work they could continue walking the horse & wagon AROUND inside the barn and back to the door WITHOUT BACKING UP! Backing up a horse and wagon would be a really tricky feat! It is just easier to continue AROUND the barn and out the same door. How incredibly clever! Horses don't like to go backwards - esecially when they're hauling a wagon.
Mar 15, 2012 00:33:57 #
The Shakers had some of the very first electrified villages in America!
Mar 15, 2012 09:53:10 #
Pilgrim wrote:
Your explanation of the use of the barn is correct... (show quote)
Thanks for your further explanation Pilgrim. Here are a few more shots so you can see how they laid things out - so simple yet so effective.
Around back of the barn showing the door for the wagons
more equipment on upper level
roof detail, NO nails!!!
hay equipment and wagon
spinning yarn
Mar 15, 2012 10:21:02 #
Sdaupanner wrote:
I used to live in Western Mass in the Berkshires where is it that you took these pictures... I have been to Sturbridge a few times but never to where these were shot.
Hancock Shaker Village is west of Pittsfield on Housatonic St. right before it turns into Lebanon Mountain Rd. Quite a place!
Mar 15, 2012 11:13:13 #
avsinc wrote:
quote=Pilgrim Your explanation of the use of the ... (show quote)
I'm so impressed with this beautiful building. How in the world do you keep wood floors so nice wintering animals on them??
Mar 15, 2012 11:34:14 #
markar wrote:
quote=avsinc quote=Pilgrim Your explanation of t... (show quote)
It's much more impressive in reality. Hope you can see it some day. Thanks for looking at the pics.
Mar 16, 2012 01:29:30 #
BTW-My wife and I were there years ago and I'd like to say that your pictures bring back many memories of our trip there. Your pictures are WONDERFUL, from both a photographic and a memory standpoint.
We were there so long ago, that we actually met the last two living Shaker Sisters! They both were very old at that time, but wonderful to talk to. It was very interesting to be there when someone was actually living the Shaker life there in their home.
While I don't live a Shaker type lifestyle, I find them a fascinating and interesting people. Obviously you think so too. They were also terrific business people and very innovative and clever. They are interesting to study.
We were there so long ago, that we actually met the last two living Shaker Sisters! They both were very old at that time, but wonderful to talk to. It was very interesting to be there when someone was actually living the Shaker life there in their home.
While I don't live a Shaker type lifestyle, I find them a fascinating and interesting people. Obviously you think so too. They were also terrific business people and very innovative and clever. They are interesting to study.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.