Shakers once attempted to build a community in Windsor: What happened
It is the second half of the 19th century, and there were great changes for the United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing.
If you are not familiar with that name, you might be more familiar with the name the Shakers. This communistic community, one of many during the 1800s in the United States, had its origins in this country beginning in the 1780s.
The society was a strong believer in the equal rights of both men and women, citing that God had created both sexes.
They believed in the second coming of Jesus Christ, and they practiced a celibate life, working to lead a clean, ethical life, while doing good works. The society worked diligently to create Shaker communities. They would eventually build 20 communities across the United States.
If you are wondering why I am giving you this history lesson. First, that is what I do, by the telling of stories and events, and I always hope to provide some lessons in the development of our history.
But more importantly, there was a period where it was possible that another Shaker community would be created within Broome County.
The date was 1880, and two gentlemen arrived in the Town of Windsor. They were Timothy Rayson and Levi Shaw. Both of the men had arrived from Mt. Lebanon, New York, which is located near the Hudson River, and not a great distance from the large Shaker community that was located in western Massachusetts. The residents of the community were expanding their outreach across the region.
Whether the arrival of the two men in the Windsor community meant that they were working toward a large imprint of the Shaker influence in this area has never been clear. What is understood is that they arrived and began working toward setting up a number of business enterprises.
With funds provided from the community at Mt. Lebanon, they were able to purchase a 400-acre parcel for a farm operation.
Levi Shaw was able to build a large Shaker style barn on the site, which stood next to state Route 79 until the early years of the 21st century. He was able to make the farm a going venture.
It appears that Timothy Rayson did not stay in the community for a lengthy period. Levi Shaw did, and would provide other businesses that were Shaker led.
On the east side of the village of Windsor, Levi Shaw operated a successful saw mill. Levi Shaw also opened a blacksmith shop, and a bluestone quarry. The bluestone was a very popular hard stone used in the construction of public buildings and steps in major structures.
While these secondary businesses provided income, much of those funds were sent back to the Shaker community in Mt. Lebanon. It appears that the farm operation was the major source of income for Levi Shaw. It was a good living, and one that complied with all of the tenets of the Shaker religion.
For 15 years, Levi Shaw lived in the Town of Windsor, and his hard work and nature won the respect of his fellow residents.
In 1895, though, a decision was made to close up the farm operation and other businesses. It is likely that that decision dealt with the loss of membership within the Shaker community. They had been excellent crafts people, but the automation as a result of the industrial revolution, lowered the sales for Shaker-made items.
The loss of revenue, and the lowering number of members forced some Shaker communities to close.
Therefore, Levi Shaw was likely called back to the major operation in Mt. Lebanon. The 400-acre parcel was sold and Levi Shaw left Windsor for the last time. It appears that he left with the members of the Chubb family who were members of the same township.
More: Hear the stories of these notorious characters in Broome County history
What may have appeared that the Shakers were ready to move into Windsor to create a community did not result in that ending.
No, it resulted in the respect of the people of Windsor for Levi Shaw and his ability to build a successful farm and other businesses. It would appear that they did not put his religion above their respect for the person.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Was a Shaker community built in Windsor, New York? Not quite
