United Society of Shakers

Description

Pictured from left, starting in the back row are Sabbathday Lake Shaker Sisters Ethel Peacock, Edith Gardner, Eva May Libby, Harriett Coolbroth, Etta Goodwin, Grace Philbrook, Minnie Greene, Dorothea Page and Della Haskell.

In the front row: Lillian Healey, Helena Lovely, Mabel Lovely, Frieda Coffin, Ellen Greene, Helen Page, Carol Coffin, Eleanor Philbrook and Avis Todd.

Note the number of Sisters wearing glasses. Eyeglasses were part of the medical care deemed so important by the Shakers. The Shakers welcomed modern medical care. In time, herbal doctors like Elder John Vance were replaced by professional physicians and surgeons and Shaker village Nurses' Shops were discontinued in favor of hospital care in Portland and Lewiston.

The Shakers also practiced preventive medicine, paying strict attention to the cleanliness of their farms, soundness of their diets and ventilation and lighting of their buildings. Of the eight Sisters pictured here who remained Shakers, six lived at least into their 70th year.

The photo was taken at the Church Family, Alfred Shaker Village.

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