Shakin’ it up in Kentucky
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Back when I had furniture and lived a normal life working 9 to 5 everyday, I had an affinity to Shaker style furniture. My dining room set, as well as a number of little tables, were the shaker style; the simplicity and lines were always appealing to me. So when we had a few extra days in Kentucky after the derby, I searched the internet for cultural site-seeing and came across the Shaker Village in Pleasant Hill. I knew right away that I wanted to stop there.
The Shakers were America’s largest and best known communal society in the 19th century. Their movement began in New York after the American Revolution and Shaker communities flourished from Maine to Kentucky. They were religious and peaceful, they believed in equality of race and sex, and they were celibate. I find this last fact pretty amazing considering their legacy lived for hundreds of years; thanks to lots of new converts.
However I can relate to the Shakers more than ever these days – unfortunately the celibacy is relatable, however what I really relate to is their quest for simplicity. They lived a simple life, it wasn’t showy, it wasn’t loud, it was just simple. They didn’t have a desire to have the biggest, the best or the most, they just kept their belongings very few and simple. As I look at my two suitcases I’ve been living out of for the last few years, I feel like I can relate.
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a tourist stop in Bluegrass country of Kentucky; about an hour’s drive from Louisville. Passing by horse farms and rolling hills, the village is located about 7 miles outside the historic town of Harrodsburg. The village was established in 1805 and thrived until the 1860’s when the industrial revolution began the community’s ultimate decline.
Today the village and buildings have been preserved and for an entrance fee of $15 for adults, you can roam around the village and see various demonstrations that will send you back in a time warp. The grounds were impeccable and all of the old shops were manned with actors demonstrating how the various crafts were made (barrels, rugs, boxes, and furniture). They also had demonstrations on the farming aspects of the village. When we were there they were sheering sheep.
In addition to viewing the demonstrations, seeing the layout of the old village, and viewing the gorgeous furniture, there is a functioning hotel and restaurant in the village. Of course the hotel rooms are all decorated in the Shaker style. I saw a few of them and they are huge and a good value for the size.
Sure, all of this history was fascinating, however my real interest lied in the grounds themselves. Armed with my camera this was one of my favorite places I’ve ever been to take photos. The Shaker style is all about simplicity; curves, lines, and symmetry. A perfect recipe for some great composition photography.
Lines
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Curves
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Symmetry
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I was beside myself every time I walked into another building and was greeted by softly lit spiral staircases, beautiful chairs hanging from the shaker pegs, and symmetrical staircases and floorboards designs. This was a photographer’s dream. Even if you aren’t interested in the history of the village, if you are a photographer this place is definitely worth a stop. New photographers can really practice their composition of lines and curves, and seasoned photographers can play with the lights and shadows.
Needless to say – I took my share of photos.
Shaker Village Photos
Touring an old village with actors recreating life from the past isn’t for everyone; however, because I loved the Shaker style, it captured my interest level and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and would recommend it to anyone as a fun and educational stop.
Find more information about the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Kentucky at their website:
I love the swirly stairs! They look like sea shells!
What a fabulous imagination JoAnna! Never thought about them like that!
Your photos really capture the simplicity of the Shakers. I enjoy learning about lost cultures. If I visit Kentucky, this will be on my list to experience.
Provided the Shakers last, I suspect that they will act as a preserver of some of the skills (barrel-making etc) that may otherwise be lost in time to modern practices.
That’s what I liked so much about the village – all of the old crafts. However I couldn’t help but consider that fact that people were showing us how they ‘used to do it in the olden days’ and this is how they are still doing many of these things in undeveloped countries! It was a weird thing to consider. I saw people making actual living doing things like woodwork, stiching rugs and runners, and making brooms in Asia daily!
This is a lovely article about a unique time in American history. Thanks!
Hi Sherry. I was at Shaker Village last year and had the same reaction when I learned they were celibate – how on earth do you keep the faith going if you don’t procreate? Loved your composition shots. Funny how we all see different things; I didn’t see any of those shots you took, yet I found the place, as you said, to be a photographer’s dream.
I remember when I once visited an Amish village as a child and upon returning home, declared to my family that I wanted to be Amish. It was the simplicity that attracted me.
I have a feeling that if I were ever to visit this Shaker village, I would make a similar declaration!
And after looking at your photos, the symmetry involved with their architecture is simply beautiful.
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is one of my favorite places. I stumbled upon it while traveling from Lexington to Somerset with my mother. We were visiting her childhood home and ended up spending a couple of days at Shaker Village. The rooms were wonderful and the food at the restaurant is scrumptious. I cannot wait to return. Next time I’d like to spend a week or longer there. I loved it that much.
Hi Darrelyn – I too loved the place – so quiet…a good place to simply hang out and relax. I guess I should have had dinner there – I didn’t know the food was that good! Instead we went back int Harrodsburg for dinner. Also love Harrodsburg – just a great all around area!
This sort of place encapsulates the things I love, a sense of history, a story of the people who lived there and beautiful, well designed surroundings
I am a poet [Google my name] and am thinking about using something on the Shakers. Haven’t written it yet, but this photo of the single chair might work . . .
I’ve done many combinations of poetry with photography before for online poetry journals.
May I consider using this, with a credit to your for the photo.
AV
Anita – can you please email me at info (at) Ottsworld (dot) com and please let me know where this poem is planned to be placed. Online, book/print, etc.
Thanks!
Sherry