Group items tagged

Colonial Sense has brought to its readers a few Shaker items to build. The classic period of Shaker furniture started in the 1820's and ended approximately 1860. The furniture was the expression of a utilitarian and simplistic design. But who were these communal artisans who were inspired by the belief that their love of God should be expressed in their workmanship?

The "gift" of Whipping was practised in the Church, and as an instance of it, I will give an account of an affair, that happened about this time. Noah Wheaton, a man of eminence in the Society, whipped a girl, by the name of Elizabeth Cook, in a very inhuman manner. What augments the turpitude of this affair, is, his stripping her naked, and then whipping her in a manner, that would be too unpleasant to relate: suffice it to say, the effect of his treatment was such, that she was unable to make up her bed for more than a year. A. Cook, the girls father, on hearing of this conduct, demanded satisfaction of Wheaton, by a process of law. He, accordingly, prosecuted Wheaton, for his treatment of the girl; and her sister, who was present during the affair, was summoned to appear, as an evidence. Prior to her Appearance at court, she went to Whittaker to receive advice, relative to the business. Whittaker answered her; "I cannot tell you what to say, because I do not know, what questions will be asked you, but speak the truth, and spare the truth, and take care not to bring the gospel into disrepute." She, accordingly, testified that her sister was not naked. Circumstantial evidence for the affirmative clearly proved that the girl was naked, during the infliction of the punishment; and her sister was again questioned, upon which, she still declared that she was not naked: because she had fillet (a ribbon with which the hair is tied) on her head.

New article on Colonial Sense on how to make Shaker sconces