World’s People and the Shakers

From about 1776, when the Shakers first settled in Niskayuna (now Watervliet), New York, they attracted the attention of those whom they called the “World’s people”. The Shakers welcomed visitors and took pleasure in showing their beautifully maintained villages, gardens, and livestock. Naturally, they hoped for converts to their new religion and many did eventually come. Along with the converts came both admirers (from all over the world) and also critics (sometimes very severe critics). At Enfield, there were both admirers and critics.

Examples of newspaper articles about the Enfield Shakers while Nathaniel Draper was a trustee:

Enfield Shakers - Visitor 1808a
“Newburyport Herald”, Newburyport, Massachusetts
September 2, 1808, page 1, Part I
Enfield Shakers - Visitors 1808b
“Newburyport Herald”, Newburyport, Massachusetts
September 2, 1808, page 1, Part II
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Enfield Shakers- Visitor 1808c
“Newburyport Herald”, Newburyport, Massachusetts
September 2, 1808, page 1, Part III

 

Enfield Shakers - Donations 1811
“Newburyport Herald,”, Newburyport, Massachusettts
June 21, 1811, page 3.
Enfield Shakers - Visit 1817
A Visit to the Enfield Shakers in 1817.
“Burlington Weekly Free Press”, Burlington, Vermont
February 26, 1903, page 2.
Enfield Shakers - Membership 1824
“The Philadelphia Inquirer”, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
June 17, 1824, page 2.

 

Enfield Shakers - Temperance 1826
“Hartford Courant”, Hartford, Connecticut
October 23, 1826, page 1.
Enfield Shakers - Folsom 1828
“New Hampshire Statesman”, Concord, New Hampshire
May 10, 1828, page 3.
Enfield Shakers - Folsom Neighbors 1828
” New Hampshire Statesman”, Concord, New Hampshire
June 28, 1828, page 4.

 

Enfield Shakers - Militia Fines 1829
“New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette”, Concord, New Hampshire
January 5, 1829, page 2.
Enfield Shakers - Travelers 1835
“Hampshire Gazette”, Northampton, Massachusetts
October 7, 1835, page 2.
Enfield Shakers - Dwelling House 1836
“New Hampshire Patriot and State Gazette”, Concord, New Hampshire
July 18, 1836, page 2.
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