The Winterthur Library

Edward Deming Andrews Memorial Shaker Collection

Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735

302-888-4600 or 800-448-3883

OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION

Creator: Sodus Bay, N.Y. Community.

Title: [Letters], Sodus Bay, N.Y., [to] Stephen Munson, New Lebanon, N.Y.

Dates: July 4, 1826 - December 6, 1829

Call No.: ASC 1046

Acc. No.: [various – see detailed description]

Quantity:

Location: 29 E 4

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

The Sodus Bay, New York, Shaker community was established in 1826, but moved to Groveland, New York, beginning in 1836, when a canal was proposed to be built through the first property.

SCOPE AND CONTENT

Various concerns and activities of a new, outlying Shaker community are discussed in letters to the New Lebanon, New York, ministry. Some mention is made of the Sodus Bay, N.Y., community's sending wood products, including cherry timber and wood for broom handles and banisters, to New Lebanon. One letter comments about the settlement of the debt of Dr. Mot, an upstate-New York resident, for seeds sent to him by the New Lebanon Shakers. Statements, both positive and negative, about the characters and talents of some of the Sodus Bay residents are made. Optimistic reports about converts are related, and daily activities, such as fence mending and making, clearing land, and plowing, are detailed.

ORGANIZATION

Letters are in chronological order.

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

The materials are in English.

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

Collection is open to the public. Copyright restrictions may apply.

PROVENANCE

Gift of Mrs. Edward D. Andrews.

ACCESS POINTS

Topics:

United Society of Believers in Christ's Second Appearing.

Shakers - New York (State) - Sodus Bay.

Religious communities - New York (State) - Sodus Bay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

Location: 29 E 4

SA 1231.3 letter, unsigned, Port Bay, Wain, New York, to beloved elders, no place, July 4, 1826.

Community is working hard. Several went to visit families at Sodus Point who are interested in joining the Shakers, but at present they have little room for newcomers as the buildings are in disrepair. Tells about other people [gives names] who have been interested in joining the Shakers. Had so many visitors at one meeting that had to move their exercises outside. Get enough wheat flour from mill to make bread, and use wintergreen for tea. [more about food and crops.] Hope to receive good counsel from them.

SA 1231.2 letter, John Lockwood, William Reed, Joseph Pelham, and Roba Bennet, Port Bay, to elders and friends in the east, August 3, 1826.

from John Lockwood: death of Eldress Polly L. Sister Elvira [or Alvria] was a tireless nurse during Polly’s illness.

From Reed: more about death and funeral of Eldress Polly. Has been feeling unwell recently.

From Pelham: Eldress Polly’s last illness, death, and funeral.

From Bennet: Sorrow over Eldress Polly’s death. Have been inconvenienced by “a great deal of company.” Wish someone from New Lebanon could visit them. More about Eldress Polly’s deathbed and the singing of an anthem.

SA 1226.10 letter, Jeremiah, Port Lawrence, to Stephen Munson, New Lebanon, October 28, 1826.

Thinks the young man he sent “will bear cultivation and gain substance of the gospel.” Have the timber for broom handles, but need to get sawmill going. The streams are too low at present. Will be glad to receive his counsel. All are in health.

SA 1226.12 letter, Jeremiah, Port Bay, to Stephen Munson, New Lebanon, March 28, 1827.

Most of the cherry trees are gone, and those that are left are too large to cut down. However, found one tree that they will be able to cut and turn into planks. Not sure that the boards on hand will answer Munson’s purpose. Most are healthy, except Sister Lucy and many of the children. Busy mending fences, clearing land, plowing, and tending the mills. They want to make the land look like Shakers live there. Comments on the faith and work of the young believers. Jeremiah was reluctant to head this new community, but now feels that he is doing the work God wants him to do. Have not many new converts, but don’t have room for many, anyway. Dezeng[?] plans to go to Lebanon but don’t believe everything he says; “he is a troubblesom old creter.” Comments on some other members who are not contributing what they ought to the community. Please send white beans.

SA 1226.13 letter, Jeremiah, Port Bay, to Stephen Munson [and Seth], New Lebanon, December 6, 1827.

To Stephen: Hopes better times are ahead. Settled with Dr. Mott about the seeds. The community hasn’t cash to pay debts, so please find out if Oliver Gates and Procter will take flour instead.

To Seth: writing about an advertisement to let the public know that an unnamed individual is not a Shaker trustee.

The Reeds are still with them, but the rumor is that they are buying property for their own society.

Please send letters to Lyons.

SA 1226.14b letter, Jeremiah and Procter, Lyons [Port Bay was crossed out], to Stephen Munson, New Lebanon, April 17, 1828.

From Jeremiah: Will send the banisters on the first boat possible. Banisters not as nice as he could have wished. Health of some of the sisters. Please come visit.

From Procter: News of his travels. The gardens are earlier here than at Lebanon. Something about John Lockwood.

SA1231.4 letter, John Lockwood and Jeremiah, Port Bay, to Stephen Munson, New Lebanon, November 30, 1829.

From Lockwood: Have sent cherry boards and table legs.

From Jeremiah: William Reed has returned to his farm, and his bed and clothing have been sent to him. Brother Seth’s and Elder Calvin’s advertisement has been published locally. The new dwelling is almost finished and the new well has been stoned. [Information about possible new converts.] Joseph Pelham is on the mend.