Ohio History Journal

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THE SOCIETY OF SHAKERS

THE SOCIETY OF SHAKERS.

RISE, PROGRESS AND EXTINCTION OF THE

SOCIETY AT CLEVELAND, O.

 

BY J. P. MACLEAN, PH. D.

 

I. PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.

The communistic societies of the United States continue

to elicit more or less attention, and receive profound considera-

tion from those engaged in sociological philosophy. Whatever

religious or sociological problem these communities seek to solve,

their progress or failure is carefully noted even by those who

have not come in immediate contact with the advocates, or

their special environments. The careful observer ever remains

candid, looking for results, although not necessarily swayed

by the opinions put forth and the practices adopted. With an

intelligent conception of history he fully realizes that one fail-

ure, nor even a dozen abortive attempts, does not prove or dis-

prove the solution of a problem. Circumstances embracing

leadership have more or less influence in the ultimate success

or failure.

When communistic societies that have endured for a pe-

riod of a hundred or more years, and still retain their position,

practically unchanged, their success, manners, principles and

prospects become worthy of special notice. In the investiga-

tion the promulgators should have the fullest latitude to an-

swer for themselves. The tendency of this age is to accord that

right.

If a branch of one of these communities should exist for

a period of years, gain wealth, practice their precepts, and then

dissolve or become extinct, the position they maintained should

not be forgotten, and their records should be preserved.

For a period of two-thirds of a century there existed eight

miles east by south of the Public Square, in Cleveland, Ohio, a

community known as Shakers, but calling themselves The Mil-

(32)