North Union Shaker Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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North Union Shaker Site
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Horseshoe Lake at North Union Shaker Historic Site
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| Nearest city | Shaker Heights, Ohio |
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| Area | 146 acres (59 ha) |
| Built | 1822 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74001446 |
| Added to NRHP | August 13, 1974 |
The North Union Shaker Site is a special historical place in Shaker Heights, Ohio. It was started by a religious group called the Shakers in 1822. This site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 because of its importance. The Shakers built dams on Doan Creek, creating lakes. They used these lakes to power their mills, which ground grain and sawed wood. The Shaker community here closed down in 1899. Today, none of the original Shaker buildings remain. However, part of the land is now Shaker Lakes parkland, which has walking trails and an archaeological site where Shaker homes once stood. You can also visit the Shaker Historical Museum and Library nearby.
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The Shaker Community
In 1822, a man named Ralph Russell convinced his family to join the Shaker religion. They started the North Union Shaker Settlement with over 80 people. They built their community on 1,000 acres of land that was given to them.
Building Mills and Lakes
The Shakers were very good at building. In 1826, they built a dam on Doan Brook. This created the Lower Lake and helped them set up a gristmill (for grinding grain) and a sawmill (for cutting wood). Later, in 1854, they built a second dam, creating the Upper Lake, and another mill. The Shakers called their home "The Valley of God's Pleasure." Around 1850, the community was at its largest, with about 300 settlers living there.
The Shakers organized themselves into different groups, or "families." For example, the Mill family was created around 1826 to operate the mills. These mills produced lumber and ground grain for the community. Another group was called the Gathering Family.
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This is what the Mill Family House might have looked like.
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A drawing of the Old Stone Grist Mill.
End of the Community
The Shakers believed in celibacy, which means they did not marry or have children. Because of this, their community slowly became smaller over time. The North Union Shaker colony eventually closed in 1889.
In 1905, two brothers, M.J. and O.P. Van Sweringen, bought the land. They had a vision to create the first garden-style suburb in Ohio on this site. The brothers built homes, set aside land for churches and schools, and planted many trees.
Shaker Songs
The North Union Shaker community was also a place where many songs were created. About 200 Shaker songs, hymns, and anthems were composed here. One famous song was written to honor the Shaker leader, Ann Lee. It was called "On the Landing of Mother Ann in America" and celebrated her arrival in New York City in 1774.
Today, none of the original buildings from the North Union Shaker community are still standing. Only one Shaker community remains active today, located at Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village in New Gloucester, Maine.
Park and Shaker Historical Museum
Much of the land that the Shakers once owned was later given to the City of Cleveland. This land is now part of the Shaker Lakes Parklands. The park includes the lakes that the Shakers created, along with many walking trails. It is also home to the Shaker Historical Museum. There is an archaeological site in the park where you can see where the Shakers' houses used to be before they were taken down.
