Saturday, January 21, 2012

SHAKER CEMETERY FENCE

WOODEN CEMETERY FENCE
OFF THE BEATEN PATH OF PLEASANT HILL, SHAKERTOWN, KENTUCKY IS THIS SHAKER CEMETERY


Last summer, I visited Shakertown, an old Shaker community in Kentucky. It wasn't my first visit -- my first was in 1990 and since then I have been there about six times. Each time I visit I like to experience something different from previous times.


This time it was the Shaker cemetery. I took mental note to stop at the cemetery site on my way out of the Village.


And that is what I did.  As I left I hiked a short lane to a semi-wooded area and there came upon an open space where the cemetery was located.


At the old cemetery a crafted Shaker picket fence glowed in the sunlight while the cemetery's grassy area held the few remaining graves. I stood there letting the quietude of the place seep into my pores. The serenity of the graveyard along with the beauty of the fence brought peaceful thoughts. 


It was a good way to end my visit to Shakertown.







12 comments:

  1. I love old cemeteries, and this one looks unique with that wonderful fence. It sounds like a good day.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So peaceful, reminds me of the Quaker cemetery in the Ironbridge Gorge.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The feeling you experienced is what I have experienced when I have observed the Shaker's workmanship. Their work produces a type of quietude framework; putting onlookers to noticing peacefulness, yet much stirring is felt in the cemetery’s stillness.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have noticed this kind of fencing elsewhere, but did not know it was Shaker until now. Thanks, Dianne

    ReplyDelete
  5. Teresa -- There are so many traditions associated with most cemeteries that, possibly, it leads to our intrigue with them -- thanks for your comment -- barbara

    ReplyDelete
  6. Carole - Oh, do you have a post on the Quaker cemetery? Would love to see it as one of your posts. Thanks for the comment -- barbara

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dianne -- Perhaps you have seen Shaker cemeteries in some of the eastern Shaker villages? Thanks for the comment -- barbara

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kirk -- I agree -- the Shaker workmanship is produced with such grace and caring that it would give one a feeling of peace. Thanks for the comment -- barbara

    ReplyDelete
  9. Vicki -- Thanks for the nice words -- barbara

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you for all these simple beauties... high among the things I miss about America...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Robert -- I appreciate your thoughts -- Your blog is beautifully written -- so enjoy reading it. -- barbara

    ReplyDelete