September 23-25 2005 Corvettes in Vermont
     
  I've always been fascinated by the Shakers: their business, architecture, furniture, communes, commerce, industry, philosophy, and more. Their ID was: Hands to Work; Hearts to God. They have an interesting blend of cooperative work, industry, mass production blended with religion. Kind of like NCRS evangelical branch that are strict interpreters of the Good Book.  
  This restored village has 20+ of the original 40+ buildings that comprised Hancock Shaker Village just west of Pittsfield, Ma. These villages were large cooperative Christian communes that engaged in commerce and farming. Their buildings are a work of art. Their furniture highly prized.  
  Years ago I had read of this round stone barn in a book titled "Barns and Covered Bridges". Finally seeing it was an unexpected delight.  
  This cow barn building is huge and includes two wings like the hands on a clock. The hay loft and roof support was delightful and fascinating.  
  At a time when most country folk lived in one story wooden structures, the Shakers were building large multi story gems like these. Beautiful inside and out.  
  These is a lesson to be learned from the restoration of these parts of American heritage, and they too also have reproductions of original artifacts. I imagine their aficionado's even use the word: Correct.  
  The livestock on this working farm was very tame. Two wild (a genuine oxymoron), Tom Turkeys were as tame as I've ever seen and the pigs in this barn were as friendly as our dogs. This short video was taken in one of the wings of that large round barn. Pigs Talking The sheep, roosters and others were all vociferous talkers.  
 

If you didn't like the Corvettes and more in Vermont, get a refund on the tour.
 

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