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.

SHAKER EYES

Window in the Shaker Farm Deacon building 1809

Window panes are like eyes to the world. As you gaze out a window you frame a space that becomes part of your thoughts. How many of you sit by a window looking outside all the while letting your thoughts roam while including the landscape seen outside. Perhaps something is seen that triggers your mind to stray to another place that contains emotional occurrences.

Windows
 Shaker Farm Deacon Building, 1809

Shakers did not mix freely with the outside world. They left their ties behind when they joined the sect.  Yet with all their discipline and vigor to remain true to the Shaker principles, I wonder if they didn't daydream as we do when we look through windows to the world beyond. If what we view is natural beauty we are more than likely to take a holiday from our busyness and  float on a stream of private thoughts.

Lots of windows
Shaker Centre Dwelling with herb garden
"where Shakers slept and ate"

My photos taken at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill -- an original Shaker site in Kentucky complete with original on site buildings. 

BOOK RESOURCE 

Shaker Communities of Kentucky: Pleasant Hill and South Union, The (KY) (Images of America) [Paperback]

James W. Hooper (Author), Larrie Curry (Foreword), Tommy Hines (Foreword