Making Work Easier – Hancock Shaker Village (Part 2)

What's all this talk about a water-powered band saw? Well, the Hancock Shaker Village houses a replica of an 1858 water turbine that powers several pieces of woodworking equipment from the nineteenth century. So let TechnoTourist walk you through the Machine Shop there. Then we'll take a look at a windlass used for heavy lifting and examine some Shaker-made products. But if you haven't already done so, begin by reading Part 1 of this two-part series to learn about the round, stone barn and ice house.

Woodworking in the 1800s

A practical people, the Shakers weren't ones for doing more than was necessary. They had already built a dam to create a reservoir, and piped that water from about a half-mile away to their village. So, the next logical step was to substitute water power for human labor on some of their toughest tasks, which included laundering clothes and powering equipment.

After researching some of the "latest" technologies, the Shakers invested in a water turbine. It was installed in the ground beneath a building that served as both the Laundry and Machine Shop. Half the building was used by the women; the other half by the men. The Shakers may have embraced new technologies, but they didn't like to mix things up as far as the chores went.

The water turbine turns several large belts overhead, so you'll need to watch your head if you're tall. Each of the machines has a large hand-lever. Push it and it turns the belts for that machine – presto, you've got power!

Windlass and Woven Wares

Let's move on to yet another of the outbuildings. This one was used as a workshop on the ground level. It has a very large doorway for a wagon to pass through. Doors in the ceiling and floor permit access to storage above and below. Wood and wool were probably stored here before they were worked into crafts. But how to move them? Both materials are heavy. A pulley system, a rope with a hook, and a crank make up the windlass, which can be used to raise or lower hefty items.

The Shakers are probably best known for their handiwork, which includes woven rugs, ladder-back chairs and other furniture, baskets, and oval nesting boxes. The time invested in hand-making these items was one area in which the Shakers did not skimp; however, they did use tools to help them out. Weaving looms, high-tech spinning wheels, the tools and tool sharpeners in the Machine Room, and different types of molds were used to ensure perfection.

Want to visit or learn more? The Hancock Shaker Village is located just to the west of Pittsfield, Massachusetts on U.S. Route 20. It's open year-round to visitors. In addition to touring the buildings, you can view demonstrations, pet animals, view artifacts on exhibit, take tours, and participate in activities.

Resources:

https://hancockshakervillage.org/

http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/shakes-alive