Alfred Shaker Historic District facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Alfred Shaker Historic District
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Main buildings, Shaker Village; from a 1915 postcard
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| Location | Shaker Hill Road. Alfred, Maine |
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| Architectural style | Federal |
| NRHP reference No. | 01000371 |
| Added to NRHP | April 11, 2001 |
| Community | Alfred Shaker Historic District |
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| Dates | 1793-1931 |
| Bishopric | Alfred |
| Spiritual name | Holy Ground |
| Families | Church, Second, North |
| Maximum population | 200 in 1823 |
The Alfred Shaker Historic District is a special area in Alfred, Maine. It has many historic buildings on Shaker Hill Road. This place was once home to the oldest and largest Shaker community in Maine.
The first Shaker "believers" came here in 1783. They were inspired by Mother Ann Lee. The community officially started in 1793 when they built a meetinghouse.
Two important things happened here. Joseph Brackett wrote many songs, including Simple Gifts. The Shakers were also known for helping sick people get better through spiritual healing.
The Shaker village closed in 1931. Their handmade products could not compete with factory-made goods. Also, fewer people were joining the community. The remaining members moved to Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in Maine.
Today, the Shaker Village Museum helps remember the Shakers' influence. In 2001, the historic district was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This helps protect its history.
In 1931, the Brothers of Christian Instruction bought the land and buildings. They now call it the Notre Dame Spiritual Center.
Contents
Life in the Shaker Village
How the Shaker Community Began
John Cotton was inspired by Mother Ann Lee in 1783. He became Maine's first Shaker member. That same year, Shaker Church members settled near Massabesic Pond. People sometimes called them "Merry Dancers." This was because of their lively worship style.
The Shaker village officially formed in 1793. This is when they built their meetinghouse. The community lived a special way of life. They believed in celibacy and shared everything. Men and women, and all races, were treated equally. They built simple buildings and furniture. These designs showed their strong faith.
At their peak in the 1840s, Shakers had 19 communities. These communities were spread from Maine to Kentucky and Indiana. They were known for their peaceful, ideal way of life.
Leaders and Famous Songs
Each Shaker community had its own leaders. Alfred was the main center for Maine's Shaker leaders. These elders and eldresses traveled between villages. They helped guide the communities.
In 1848, Elder Joseph Brackett was a leader in Alfred. Many Shaker stories say he wrote the famous song Simple Gifts. This song is a well-known Shaker dancing tune.
Daily Life and Products
Hundreds of people lived in the Alfred Shaker village. It covered 300 acres on Shaker Hill Road. The village had many important buildings. These included a school, gardens, and orchards. There was also a mill, farmland, barns, and shops.
The Shakers made many useful items. They produced brooms, brushes, and woven cloth. They also made woodenware and spinning wheels. They harvested seeds and herbs for medicines. The Shakers wanted to live simply and respect nature. They also aimed to create high-quality products.
The village was known for its "spiritualistic healing of the sick." However, it was hard to manage the daily work. The village also struggled to make money. Their handmade goods faced strong competition from factory-made products.
The Village Closes
By the late 1800s, fewer people were joining the Shakers. Most members were devoted women. As members grew older and passed away, the community shrank. In 1920, Harriet Coolbroth and Mary Ann Walker tried to bring new life to the community. This helped for a few years.
In March 1931, very few Shakers remained in Alfred. The last members moved to the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. The Alfred Shaker Historic District is now preserved. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. Today, only Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village still has Shakers living there. Many former Shaker communities, like Alfred, are now museums.
Artist Joshua Bussell lived in the Alfred community for a long time.
Alfred Shaker Museum
The Alfred Shaker Museum is in a building that was once part of the Shaker village. Local people started the "Friends of Alfred Shaker Museum." They wanted to save the Shaker history in the area.
The museum is in a renovated Carriage House. It has a library, a shop, and exhibits. The museum also holds workshops and events. These activities help people learn about Shaker crafts and history.
Brothers of Christian Instruction
In 1931, the Brothers of Christian Instruction bought the Alfred property. They now call it the Notre Dame Spiritual Center. They have managed the farm and used the village buildings since then.
Even though the Shakers are gone, some of their apple orchards and blueberry fields still grow fruit. Selling this fruit helps support the York County Shelter, which is a local charity.
Images for kids
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Historic buildings, Alfred Shaker Village, Maine, c. 1880
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Historic building, Alfred Shaker Village, Maine, c. 1880
See Also
