Shakers in Southern Kentucky at South Union

[@Hollyhock7]

Thank you! Loved it!

[@rrich52806]

Fascinating history

[@michaelciccone2194]

Just amazing! I love to visit this place. I used to visit the Enfield CT shaker colony. Sad to say much of the land became property of Connecticut state prison system.

[@BartAnderson_writer]

As I understand Shaker history, I don't think celibacy was a cause of the decline. After all the number of Shakers grew steadily for decades previously. As the gentleman dioing the re-enactment said, the times were changing. If I remember correctl;y, the Shakers used to take in orphans and other people who were in a bad way. As conditions improved, perhaps there wasn't the same urgency about finding a safe haven. Anyway, thank you for the fisit to South Union. Always a fascinating subject.

[@austinballard6815]

The rise of mass production and industry really is what was a major factor in the decline of the Shakers communities as their economic setup became less and less viable. Laws changed in the mid-20th century regarding adoption of orphans by religious groups, which also contributed to the decline of new membership. Also, more social services made available by the government also probably played some role. Celibacy wasn't really a particularly important factor at all (and its doubtful rule was always followed by everyone anyway!). Also, the concept of communal living and sharing became increasingly foreign to younger generations I am told by older shaker members in what they wrote....especially after the 1940s this became apparent. In recent times (1980s onwards) it has actually been the prevailing reason why prospective members don't stay, because they can't really tolerate the communalism. Our society has become so individualized.

[@sammiller9855]

Sad that more of the communitarian values (egalitarian and grassroots communism) of the Shakers didn't catch on in the West.

[@Mr91495osh]

So, SHAKERISM, is history?