Water Power Project
At Hancock Shaker Village
The United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing was founded in Manchester, England, in 1747. The Believers became known as Shakers because of the trembling, whirling and shaking that affected them during worship services. Hancock was the third of nineteen major Shaker communities established between 1783 and 1836 in New England, New York, Kentucky Ohio and Indiana. Hancock was founded in 1783 on land given by recent converts to the Shaker faith. In 1960 the property was sold by the Shakers to a local group of Shaker enthusiasts committed to preserving the Shaker heritage. Since that time the buildings have been restored and adapted to operate as a museum to interpret two hundred years of Shaker life.
This is the Machine Shop and Laundry at Hancock Shaker Village. It is where the wood working machines and laundry were located. This building was originally a standard New England style farm house. Around 1800, a 20 foot diameter water wheel was installed, and in 1860 that was replaced by a water turbine. Over the years the building was expanded to the south (left) and east and a third floor added. All the machines and the original water turbine were contributed to the scrap drive in WWII. A replica of the turbine has been installed, together with 19th century machines, and they are demonstrated for the visitors.
Last updated 01-8-8
Charles C. Wales
8 Willard Hill Road RR2
Stockbridge, MA 01266
(413)298-4950
E-mail cwales@bcn.net
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Homepage~~~~~~~~~~~
WPP Photos~~~
This is the Machine Shop and Laundry at Hancock Shaker Village. It is where the wood working machines and laundry were located. This building was originally a standard New England style farm house. Around 1800, a 20 foot diameter water wheel was installed, and in 1860 that was replaced by a water turbine. Over the years the building was expanded to the south (left) and east and a third floor added. All the machines and the original water turbine were contributed to the scrap drive in WWII. A replica of the turbine has been installed, together with 19th century machines, and they are demonstrated for the visitors.