The Mail-Journal, Volume 17, Number 47, Milford, Kosciusko County, 10 December 1980 — Page 10

THE MAIL-JOURNAL — Wed., December 10,1980

10

North Webster News

Shakers create a true, native American folk art

(EDITOR'S NOTE Sixth in a series about vocation trip to Madison and surrounding area and Shakertown, Ky) By MARY LEE WILLMAN In an effort to build furniture, “With out sinful decoration” the Shaker religious sect, quite by accident, created a true, native American folk art. The misty origins of the Shaker church began with the Camisards of France and the English Quakers. In 1747 James and Jane Wardley of England formed the Society known as Shakers. It was so called because of the strange shaking, jerking and whirling dances that were a part of the church services. They were orginally called, “Shaking Quakers.” In 1774 nine members of the Society of Shakers arrived in America. Over the years communities of the sect were , established in New England, Ohio, Kentucky and at West Union, Bursro, Ind. The church was founded on the ideas of purity, usefulness, simplicity, hard work, charity and relief to the poor. Converts were mostly common people from rural areas who were gentle and mild of spirit. They possessed great energy and idealism. Many customs and traditions from New England and the upper Hudson Valley can be found in basic Shaker ideas. They performed their daily tasks, “To The Glory Os God” and shoddy - workmanship was never tolerated. The considered the measuring stick or measuring tape as a symbol of perfection and self control. Shaker furniture is still collected and treasured for its utility and simple beauty. Even reproductions of Shaker design

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iSrM 1 r I E COMMUNAL HOUSE — Ladder back Shaker design chairs hang on the wall pegs in the communal house at Pleasant Hill, Ky. The storage cupboard shows the fine craftmanship of the sect’s carpenters. Among other items found in the home are wheels for spinning silk thread and wooden containers for storing silk cloth.

are in demand. The Shakers believed their furniture designs were brought from heaven by angels. 4

The Shaker community at Pleasant Hill, Ky., is being restored. It was founded in 1805 on land owned by a convert to the faith. Members of the sect lived celibate lives and there were strict laws of chastity. In spite of belief in separation of the sexes and separating from the. “World” they elevated the status of women and supported racial equality. The Shakers invented many things that are in common use today, such as clothes pins, flat brooms and the washing machine,, They developed a large, high quality seed industry and produced silk by raising silk worms. Older members of the Society were assigned tasks requiring less physical strength. All members were frequently assigned a variety of tasks. This enabled the Brethren to acquire many skills and prevented boredom. Pleasant Hill was the first town in Kentucky to have a public water system. It was built in 1833. A medicinal herb garden was maintained for making pills, tonics and elexiers. Roses were always picked where the bloom joined the stem of the plant. This was to prevent the temptation of putting the blossom in a vase or wearing it for adornment. The Shakers forbid marriage and ownership of private property. They also forbid such sinful things as: three bladed knives, silver tooth picks, brass knobs, green veils, marbled tin ware, checkered hankercheifs, deocrated suspenders and mirrors. Even animals were kept only if useful. Cats. had to be good mousers and dogs good hunters of destructive pests such as ground hogs. Bird houses for martins were put up to keep hawks away from the poultry and aid in insect control. In 1968 the Pleasant Hill restoration was opened to the public. There are 27 remaining structures that are being restored. Overnight accommodations are available in 14 of the restored buildings. The tourist rooms are air conditioned and have private baths. They are furnished with reproductions of Shaker furniture, hand-woven rugs and curtains.

By MARY LEE WILLMAN

A dining room, serving authentic Shaker food, is open to the public. This reporter and her husband enjoyeda delicious noon meal consisting of roast beef, home grown green beans, corn custard, cornbread sticks, small biscuits, small potatoes boiled with the skins on, and a very flavorful cabbage slaw. > For dessert we were served lemon pie. The lemons were cut in large unpeeled pieces. Thickening and sugar were added and it was then baked like an apple or any fruit pie. it was rather dry and certainly not recommended for anyone who isn’t very fond of lemon. The Shaker culture produced numerous original ideas, a native art, and unique folk life. Unfortunatly many of the very early chants and folk spirituals used during church services have been lost. It is estimated that Shaker chairs were made in large quantities as early as 1789. Clocks and chests of specific Shaker design first appeared in 1790. It is rare to find an authentic piece of Shaker furniture made after 1850. Tippy Lee gives special gifts to ladies Special gifts were provided for two Laotion ladies during the December 3 meeting of Tippy Lee Extension Homemakers Club The meeting was held at the

It happened in . . . King Arthur's Sown

A CHRISTMAS tea was held December 10 at the home of Virginia Osburn by members of Esther Circle. CONORTH WEBSTER Firemen’s Ladies Auxiliary Christmas dinner party is scheduled for December 15 at a local restaurant. Nancy Hill is president of the group. —o— SADIE REYNOLDS spent Thanksgiving visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ted Reynolds, Fort Wayne. —oA NEW leader is needed for the North Webster Junior Girl Scout troop. Anyone interested in the position should call Sue Ray. —o— THE BEST sort of news is when folks have been dismissed from the hospital. Those now recuperating at home are: Linda Haney, Rotfert Hunt, Art Osburn and Hazlette Ferguson. —O'KAREN PARR will be hostess for the Theta Sigma Chapter of Psi lota Xi Sorority Christmas party. —o— ROBERT TOBIAS, an employee at Webster Parts, had an “Upsetting experience” on November 29. He was driving the store delivery van north on State Road 13 at about 9:30 a.m. when he hit

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home of Shirley Vanator with Marilyn Hartman assisting. A short business meeting was conducted. A carry-in dinner was served and Christmas gifts exchanged. The lesson, “Party Planning” was given by Mary Strong. She showed how to make holiday centerpieces. Mrs. Strong will be hostess for the January meeting. Holy Land slides shown to the Pierceton ladies. Tables were decorated in keeping with the Christmas season for the December 1 meeting of Piercetonr Home Extension Club. The ladies met at the International House of Friendship, Winona Lake. Devotions entitled, “Our Best” were read by Marianne Hawthorn. There was group singing of “I’m Dreaming Os A White Christmas.” Reports were given by: Alice Wilson, garden remarks; KaV Sponseller, health and safety; and Esther English, cultural arts. Claude Stahl showed colored slides of the Holy Land. The program was narrated by Alma Freeman. Roll call was answered by 17 members. Sandra Frush will be hostess for the January meeting.

a bump on an icy incline. The van rolled over and landed on its top causing about SI,OOO damage to the vehicle. Robert was unhurt except for a case of wobbly knees and shaky hands. —o— ANNA BOYER was hostess for Miriam Circle's salad carry-in held December 8. —o— t DID YOU know President Woodrow Wilson was born December 28, President Andrew Jackson was born December and President Martin Van Buren was born December 5? —o— WILMA ELLIS is in Saint Joseph’s Hospital, Fort Wayne for therapy. —o— A GROUP of 17 people have just returned home from a work trip to Fairfax. Ala. They helped Rev. and Mrs. Don Hackney, formerly of North Webster Church of God, with construction of a new church building. Those who participated were: Bob Likens. Jay Boyer, Dave Waldrop, Matt and Jean Wagoner, Wayne and Barbara Hallbleib, Bill Crane, Linden Boggs, Lynn Black, Janey Coy, Mark Coy, Richard and Kim Owen, Hiram Ferverda, Ron Greider and Roswell Robbins. —o— A KICK off banquet for the

Barbee Hoosiers hold holiday luncheon, meeting A Christmas luncheon and short business meeting was held December 3 at a local restaurant by members of Barbee Hoosier Club. Miniature candy cane hobby horses were used as individual favors. Cards were signed for shut-ins. A gift was provided for Bertha Royer. Members discussed their plans for the Christmas holidays. A gift exchange was enjoyed. Edna Lawson was chairman for the dinner party. The next regular meeting is scheduled for March 4. Croft lesson planned for Charm, Chatter A craft lesson for February was discussed during the December 1 meeting of Charm and Chatter Club. Olive Lock was hostess. She was assisted by Helen Anderson. A salatf bar was served and grab bag gift exchange enjoyed. j The door prize was presented to Lois Blough. Excerpts from a tape of the

North Webster Girl Scouts Cookie Sale is planned for January 2 at a local restaurant. MR. AND Mrs. Kent Brower and sons and Kent’s brother. Chris, have just returned hdme from a 10-day vacation and deer hunting trip to Wisconsin. They visited and spent Thanksgiving with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Brower, Webster, Wise. Highlight of the trip — Chris got a seven-point buck! —o— NORTH WEBSTER Girl Scout Christmas activities include: Christmas caroling, collecitng toys for needy children and making gifts. —o— HAPPY BIRTHDAY to — Leoy Rapp, December 1; Carolyn Robbins and Nicholas Baker, December 2; Quyen Tran. December 3; Helen Wichern and Liesel Boggs. December 4; Martha Boyer and Tammy Maurer, December 5; Vickie Mickley and Mike Coy, December 6; Howard Kiser and Wilma Mock, December 7; Florence Pletcher and Mary Hudson, December 8; Beth Boggs, Harold Henry, George Lung, Dave Carey, Kim Lundy and Margaret Welker, December 9; Glen Teal, December 10; Rusty Waugh, December 12; Kevin Butcher, December 13; JoAnn Clayton, December 14; Betty Ganger and Janet Hamman. December 15; Les White, Bill Hudson, Vickie Casey and Greg White, December 16; Jerri Young and Monica Jernigan, December 17; Natalie Mickley. December 19; Russell Mickley. December 20; Judy Ferverda and Sharon Helsel, December 23; Rev. Jacob Kakish and Gary Hill, December 24; Mabel Gee and Marlin Catle. December 25; Bobi Doll and Jay Howenstine, December 26; Tony Casey and Beverly Wall. December 27; Dolores Black. December 28; Pam Minear, December 29; and Susan Stouder, December 30. —o— PICK UP your copy of the MAIL-JOURNAL at Kern’s Dairy Queen. —o— IT’S A good thing Santa’s reindeer run on hay and not gasoline. At today’s prices the Jolly old elf would be. forced to make his rounds on a bicycle.

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Sounds of Hope European Concerts was played by Carol Ritchie. Lunetta Metcalf gave a reading entitled. “Six Charming Myths of Christmas. ” Colleen Bryant will be hostess for the January meeting. Christmas party for Hilltoppers Joyce Wise and Martha Rush were welcomed as new members at the December 3 meeting of Monroe Hilltoppers club. The ladies met at a local restaurant for a Christmas dinner party. Bertha Haywood led the group in Prayer. Individual favors were, Christmas book marks, yarn dolls and corn husk nut cups. The lessons, “Party Planning” and “Sculpey” were given by Pansy Michaels and Gertrude Lechrone. A gift exchange was held and secret pal names revealed. New secret pal names were drawn. There was group singing of, “White Christmas” and “We Wish You A Merry Christmas", led by Frances Faurote. Members of the party planning committee were: Judy Rush. Carol Hawkins, Tammy Wise and Mrs. Lechrone. Lennis Wise will be hostess for ” the January meeting.

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Rock through

truck window

Orris Shafer, jr 3 box 20, Syracuse, reported vandalism to a U-Haul truck parked ouside the Wawasee Village Lawn and Green business, Syracuse, on December 9. Sometime during the night someone threw a rock through the U-Haul truck window A large stone was picked up from the roadside and thrown against the left bottom windshield comer The damage was set at $l5O. Energy crunch hits churches Churches are coming to grips with the energy crunch and worship may never be the same again. Charles Marshall, an architect for the United Presbyterian Church, says because fuel costs are burning up as much as 25 per cent of a church's budget these days, architects are designing sanctuaries with lower, flat ceilings and much less stained glass. In some churches, they’re even installing solar collectors. Worshipers, however, are reportedly not enthusiastic about the changing architecture Some complain high, vaulted ceilings and abundant stained glass evoke a spiritual feeling solar collectors can’t duplicate and the smaller spaces also have poor acoustics.