Red Two-Drawer Blanket Chest, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., 1866. Signed and dated on the underside of a drawer runner by maker Brother Richard Bushnell, this pine blanket box chest is typical of those made for use by Shakers for storage of domestic textiles in dwellings. Bushnell, a North Family Elder, noted that this was the first piece of furniture he ever made.Red & Black Sewing Chair with Drawers, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., 1880. This otherwise common maple chair form, used in Shaker community, was made unique with the addition of two pine drawers mounted under the cloth tape seat and the decorative application of black and red paints in the style of Asian lacquered work.Red Double Case of Drawers, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., 1825. This sixteen-drawer, pine chest with cherry knobs stands almost seven feet high, requiring the use of a step-stool to reach the highest drawers. Yellow Side Chair with Tilters, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., 1840. This typical maple ladder back chair has become an icon of Shaker manufacture. This chair exhibits the Shakers' tilter buttons on bottom of the back posts, designed to keep the post bottoms flat on the floor when the chair's user leans it back. Side Chair, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., 1850. The lightness of this chair and use of figured maple adds to its delightful appearance. The chair has pewter ball-and-socket tilters on the back posts of the style patented by the Shakers in 1852. Yellow Pail labeled "Rice," Canterbury, N.H., 1850. This pail retains its original color and is one of a group of buckets labeled for storage of grains kept in Shaker pantries. Rocking Chair, adapted to become a Wheelchair, Watervliet, N.Y., 1800-1820. This early rocking chair of maple, oak, cherry, beech and ash splint was adapted as a wheel chair with the addition of three wheels. One might consider this had been a favorite chair that was converted to accommodate changing special needs. Knitted Rug, Hancock, Mass., ca. 1895. One of a half-dozen known rugs skillfully knitted by Elvira Hulett, this wool, cotton and linen rug seems to exemplify the opposite of Shaker "simplicity" in its intricate patterned design. Sister Elvira's work demonstrates the application of Shaker design skills in an attempt to reflect the Victorian styles of the day. Blue Vest, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., c. 1850. This dark blue wool vest worn by Shaker Brothers during Sunday worship during the mid-19th century was part of an ensemble of blue and white meeting clothes that Shakers designed for a sense of spiritual purity. Blue Tailor's Counter, Canterbury, N.H., c 1815. Once built directly into the walls of a tailoring workshop used by the Ministry at Canterbury, N.H., this pine counter retains its original painted surfaces and is a classic example of asymmetrical Shaker design in case pieces. Buckets/tubs, Mount Lebanon, NY; and Canterbury and Enfield, NH in the mid-19th century. Shaker coopers made buckets, tubs, firkins, piggins, keelers, barrels, and kegs. These buckets and tubs held grain, milk, seeds, and water, and graced the shelves of Shaker barns, workshops, dairies, and kitchens. Spit Box, Mount Lebanon, NY, 1835. Maple, pine, copper tacks & shoe pegs. 5 3/16 x 11 ¼ diameter. Boxes such as these, filled with sawdust, were kept in shops and gathering areas. Red & figured butternut Sewing Desk, Canterbury, NH, c. 1880. Maple posts; pine rails, top, work surfaces, butternut drawer fronts and door, walnut knobs on drawers, brass spring catch on door, porcelain pulls on pull-out. 38 ¼ x 30 11/16 x 23 11/16 This desk is typical of workstands made for Shaker Sisters to support their handwork in fancy goods produced for sale to the World. Collection of chairs, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., c. last quarter of 19th century. Shakers have become best known for the simple grace of their furniture. These chairs are excellent examples of successful Shaker design that is both functional and elegant. Mount Lebanon Shaker Village had a popular chair manufacturing business for more than 150 years, filling individual orders as well as wholesale orders for hotels, restaurants, and department stores.

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