The Shelf: Shakers
What’s The Shelf?
At home, I have shelves that display things that I think are interesting. I put them there so that people that visit can see them and a conversation starts.
That’s what I’m doing here. Every so often, a new thing will be placed on The Shelf; a thing that has had an effect on me that I feel is worth sharing with others. We might not be able to have an immediate conversation about these things, but I hope you at least think about them and seek more information about them. I wouldn’t have put them here if I didn’t feel that task was worth doing.
Currently on The Shelf: Shakers
I started reading about the religious group known as Shakers earlier this year. After years of hearing my mom talk about them, I finally decided to look into it. I then discovered an amazing world of conviction, persecution, utopianism, celibacy, design, simple living, non-ritual, spirited dancing and music – including speaking in tongues, and a strong tradition that ended by decision – not by adversity, mass suicide, or other subversive ways that generally bring such groups to an end. These people were different, and chose to follow the path they took in order to create a better life for themselves, and to live as an example to others. Regardless of religious affiliation, the story is highly fascinating, and in many ways, inspiring.
There are many great books on the subject, and are divided between history, design, architecture, music and dance. Start anywhere as each will give you a glimpse into what the group accomplished during its existence.
Posted in The Shelf
January 13th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Recently stumbled on, and purchased for my wife, a Shaker Cookbook. Highly recommended not only for giving insight into this group of people but also for it’s endless amounts of information on practical cooking. Tons of good information on everything from making wine and cider to cooking on open fires.
January 13th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Thanks for the comment on this. Their approach to everything is very simplified. I was reading recently that they don’t use salt, pepper or any spices as they are viewed as unnecessary adornments to the pure taste of food. What’s ironic is their avoidance of any sense of style (be it food, furniture, architecture) has created their own sense of style!
January 13th, 2010 at 2:55 pm
That’s interesting, where did you stumble on that part about the spices? This cook book dictates that herbs be fresh, and that if dried to not be more than 1 year old. Had not seen much salt or pepper in there I guess!
January 13th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
I read it in the very thorough “The Shaker Experience in America,” by Stephen Stein, published by Yale. I know they were big into herbs, too, but I believe the focus was on their nutritional/health benefits; not as a flavoring, per se.
What is the cookbook you have?
Thanks again for the comments. I’m really interested in this stuff and it’s good to get some other insight and resources for info.
I believe there are 3 remaining living Shakers at Sabbathday Lake; a noble, but sad ending of a really interesting community.
January 14th, 2010 at 1:26 pm
It’s called “The Best of Shaker Cooking” by Amy Bess Williams Miller and Persis Wellington Fuller. It has back story on each section that has some great anecdotes, particularly the wine section – used for medicinal purposes of course. Looks like I should track down this Stein book, sounds pretty good.