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:         Roberts, Florence.                              

Title:               [Collection of letters written by Shakers and notes on the Canaan, N.Y., Shaker community].

Dates:             1932-[ca. 1945].

Call No.:         ASC 1142, ASC 1148

Acc. No.:        SA 1708.1-.28, .58-.59, .69-.70

Quantity:        1 folder (32 items)

Location:        29 E 2

 

 

 

BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

 

John S. And Florence Roberts lived in Brooklyn, New York, and had a summer home at the former Shaker farm in Canaan, N.Y.   Possibly, they owned the farm once owned by Laura Holloway Langford.

 

 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

 

Letters in this group are addressed to Florence and John S. Roberts.  Most were written by either Sarah Collins or Martha Wetherell and have to do with chair making and with news of the residents of the New Lebanon, N.Y., community.  Although not overly informative, one does learn about the ageing of the Shaker population and the necessity for selling property in order to raise money for expenses.  Many of the letters are on stationery from the firm R.M. Wagan and Company.

 

Notes are about who was a member of the Canaan, N.Y., Shaker families.  One note has been described as a diagram of the Canaan Shaker cemetery.  Also in the group are a 19th century photograph of a group of Shakers riding in a wagon and a postcard (with no message) of the Sabbathday Lake Shaker community.

 

           

ORGANIZATION

 

The letters are divided by correspondent: Sarah Collins, Frances Hall, Martha Wetherell, Lillian Barlow, and then chronologically with each correspondent.  Some miscellaneous notes and cards are at the end.

 

LANGUAGE OF MATERIALS

 

The materials are in English.

 

 

RESTRICTIONS ON ACCESS

 

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

 

 

RELATED MATERIALS

 

See also ASC 1089 at this repository.  This group also contains letters from Eldress Sarah Collins written during the same time period as the letters in this group.

           

 

PROVENANCE

           

Gift of Mrs. Edward D. Andrews.

 

 

ACCESS POINTS

 

People:

            Barlow, Lillian.

            Collins, Sarah, Eldress.

Hall, Frances.

            Wetherell, Martha, d.1944.

Roberts, John S.

 

Topics:

            Shakers - New York (State) – New Lebanon.

            Shakers - New York (State) – Canaan.

Shakers - Maine - Sabbathday Lake - Pictorial works.

Shakers - Hymns.

Shakers - Members.

Shakers - Photographs.

            Shakers - Industries - New York (State) - New Lebanon.

Religious communities - New York (State) – New Lebanon.

Shaker chairs.

Shaker furniture.        

Cemeteries - New York (State) – Canaan.

 

 

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE COLLECTION

 

Location:  29 E 2

 

ASC 1142

 

Bills for furniture:

 

SA 1708.1       bill, J. S. Roberts, Canaan, N.Y., bought of R.M. Wagan & Co., Mount Lebanon, N.Y., July 21, 1932; no. 3 chair, old kind, with new seat;

on printed billhead, with picture of Shaker rocking chair

 

SA 1708.2       receipted bill, Mrs. Roberts, Brooklyn, N.Y., bought of R.M. Wagan & Co., Mount Lebanon, N.Y., Dec. 18, 1932; stool, braided rug, old chairs, 2 with rush seats, one with tape seat.  Marked paid, S.C.  With note about giving Mr. Plant $5.

on printed billhead, with picture of Shaker rocking chair

 

SA 1708.3       receipted bill, Mrs. John Roberts, bought of R.M. Wagan & Co., Mount Lebanon, N.Y., March 15, 1933; double decker stove, wooden sink, chip box, a bureau, round basket;

on printed billhead, with picture of Shaker rocking chair

 

SA 1708.4a-b              receipted bill, Mrs. J. S. Roberts, Brooklyn, bought of R.M. Wagan & Co., Mount Lebanon, N.Y., July 1, 1933; bedstead, high chest, mortar and pestle, long basket; marked paid, Sarah Collins, Aug. 30, ’33;

on printed billhead, with picture of Shaker rocking chair;

with envelope, printed with return address of the company and picture of Shaker rocking chair;  a note on the envelope reads “Save these bills, they are history.”

 

 

Letters from Sister Sarah Collins:

 

SA 1708.5a-b              letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to “My dear Friend” [Mrs. John S. Roberts], Brooklyn, Jan. [31,] 1933.  Check received.  William Perkins not doing any better.  She is doing stock work.  Visited the Neale sisters this morning at the Ann Lee Cottage.  Men are sawing wood.  Other odds and ends of news.  “I forget about what I write from one letter to another friend.”

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Feb. 3, 1933.

 

SA 1708.6a-b              letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. Roberts, Brooklyn, no date.  Check most welcomed – “saved them from taking our auto.”  Mentions deaths of Elder Walter and Genieve[?] and illness of Brother Perkins.  Saving some furniture for her.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked April 7, 1933.

 

SA 1708.7a-b              letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to “Dear Friend” [Mrs. John S. Roberts,], Brooklyn, April 11, 1933.  Check received.  Worries about money because of a note she signed and because of car payments.  Saving more furniture for her.  Hopes for a visit.  Miss Bence[?] comes to visit often.  Plans to go into the woods for arbutus.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked  April 11, 1933.

 

SA 1708.8a-b              letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Brooklyn, Dec. 1933.  Working on chairs made by Second Family.  “I know I am ageing and not my old self.”    Mentions Sister Lillian and Emma.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Dec. 18, 1933.

 

SA 1708.9a-e              letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. Roberts, Jan. 19[34].  Glad to have such good friends.  Likes her new warm shoes.  Perkins not expected to get well.  Rosetta Stephens fills Sarah Burger’s place at North Family.  Mr. Plant is preparing dinner while she writes letters.  Had oysters for Christmas.  Wishes she had more chair orders – likes the work and needs the money.

                                    With a hymn, “The Voice of God,” music and words, dated August 7, 1916.

                                    With a newspaper clipping, “North Family Names Leader.”  The article also includes a brief description of the Shakers’ Christmas celebration.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair;

also envelope postmarked Jan. 2, 1934.

 

SA 1708.10a-b            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 1934.  Wishes for a visit, but fears it is too cold.  William Perkins is bed-ridden.  She is working on chairs and braided rugs.  Work of Mr. Plant and Mr. Keegan.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Jan. 22, 1934.

 

SA 1708.11a-b            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Feb. 24, 1934.  Wishes for company and more paying work.  Sorry over those who have died.  Nurse keeps busy at the boy’s school [Darrow School].  Work of Mr. Plant.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked March 6, 1934.

 

 

SA 1708.12a-c            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mr. and Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Dec. 1934.  Christmas presents received; am wearing the sweater.  Sister Emma returned for Christmas.  Very windy.  Lists places from which she received cards.

                                    With a postcard headed “The American Shakers,” published by Shakers in Sabbathday Lake, Maine  [same as ASC 23].

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair.  

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Dec. 27, 1934.

 

SA 1708.13a-b            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 1935.  Thinks often of her, especially when wearing the sweater Mrs. Roberts gave her.  Had the Eagle Office print the poem “Memories” for her, and has been sending it to many.   Continues well.  Braids rugs in evening and has been knitting mittens.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Jan. 25, 1935.

 

SA 1708.14a-b            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Feb. 1935.  Please get in touch with Sister Lillian Barlow about color of wood for chairs.  Mentions Sister Emma and visits from Mrs. Jones.  Her rugs are in Sister Sarah’s trunk.

                                    Someone added note to Sister Sarah’s letters: “6 dining room chairs, the last chairs made by the Shakers?” 

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Feb. 9, 1935.

 

SA 1708.151-b            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, March 29, 1935.  Braids rugs and works on chairs.  Making a large rug for a professor at a university in Columbus, Ohio.  Mentions Mrs. Smith’s burned barn.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Mar. 29, 1935.

 

SA 1708.16a-b            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Feb. 1936.  Lots of snow; doctor had to use snow shoes to make a call on Mrs. Dimond.  Working on rugs.  Can’t find the bureau promised to Mrs. Roberts, but still looking.  Boys school [Darrow School] going well.  Bad fire at the Berkshire farm.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair.

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Feb. 1, 1936.

 

SA 1708.17a-c            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, no date, but Jan. 1937.  Thanks for package and shoes.  Recently visited Pittsfield, and saw Martha and Rosetta.  Didn’t send as many cards this year, but received many.  Mr. Plant working on rush seats.  Boys school [Darrow School] wishes it had larger enrollment. 

                                    With newspaper clipping: “Shakers Dwindle to 7,” about Watervliet, dated 1937.

                                    Letter written on printed billhead of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope printed with Mrs. Robert’s return address, but used by Sister Sarah to address letter to her, postmarked Jan. 9, 1937.

 

SA 1708.18a-c            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 1939.  Thanks for package and shoes.  Mr. Plant asked for old ones.  Busy on chair orders.  Mentions Sister Lillian’s Christmas trees, with lights.

                        With the letter is a small mounted photo (possibly cut down from a larger photo) of a Shaker brother holding the bridle of a horse, one of two pulling a wagon driven by another Shaker brother, with 6 Shaker sisters in the wagon; 19th century.

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Jan. 6[?], 1939.

 

SA 1708.19a-b            letter, Sarah Collins, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, 1940.  Almost snowed in.  Carrie has pieces of [illegible] nailed to trees to feed birds.  Still working on chairs and rugs.  Lillian still making chair frames.  Mr. Schenck comes to help when weather decent. 

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Feb. 28, 1940.

 

 

Letter from Sister Frances Hall:

 

SA 1708.20     note, Frances Hall, Pittsfield, Mass., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 25, 1944.  Sister Martha Wetherell died this morning.  Sister Sarah still braiding [rugs].

 

 

Letters from Sister Martha Wetherell:

 

SA 1708.22a-b            letter, Martha Wetherell, New Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Dec. 21, 1935.  Did the best she could with the materials at hand; her stock of materials is low.  “My best days of workmanship are over, having just passed my eightieth milestone.”   Seasons greetings. 

                                    With envelope postmarked Dec. 21, 1935.

 

SA 1708.23a-b            letter, Martha Wetherell, New Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 5, 1942.  Lined a box in silk for her.  Can send it to Brooklyn or hold it until come to Canaan for the summer.  Sends news of other Shaker sisters: Frances Hall, Sarah Collins, Lillian.

                                    On stationery printed with Miss Wetherell’s name and address.  With envelope postmarked Jan. 5, 1942.

 

SA 1708.24a-b            letter, Martha Wetherell, New Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 16, 1942.  Sending the box to her.  Frances Hall of Hancock taking over the business end of things.  “We are all elderly enough to do as we ought, so no other appointment seems necessary.”  Hopes the RAF keeps Hitler from getting closer to U.S.A.

                                    With envelope postmarked Jan. 16[?], 1942.

 

SA 1708.25a-b            letter, Martha Wetherell, New Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 31, 1942.  Owes nothing for the box because she has been a good customer.  Doctor has ordered bed rest for Sister Lillian, and nurse feels it may be beginning of end.  Lillian will be sorely missed.  Gives names and ages of some of the Shakers [youngest: Mary, age 55].

                                    On stationery of The Lebanon Shakers, North Family. 

With envelope postmarked Feb. 2, 1942.

 

SA 1708.26a-b            letter, Martha Wetherell, New Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John S. Roberts, Brooklyn, Feb. 8, 1942.  Sister Lillian Barlow died.

                                    With envelope postmarked Feb. 9, 1942.

 

 

Letters from Sister Lillian Barlow:

 

SA 1708.27a-b            letter, Sister Lillian Barlow, Mount Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John Roberts, Brooklyn, Jan. 9, 1939.  All “facing the New Years with as much courage a [sic, i.e. as] possible.”  Thanks for book.  Bill enclosed; need the money to pay taxes. 

                        Note in other hand added at bottom: “Sister Lillian made the six chairs used in the dining room.  They are the last chairs made by the Shakers (made in 1935).”

                                    Letter written on letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

Also envelope of the company, postmarked Jan. 9, 1939.

 

SA 1708.28     card, Lillian Barlow, New Lebanon, N.Y., to Mrs. John Roberts, Brooklyn, Feb. 22, 1940.  “The show is over!  All is just as it was before.”  Some information about sale of property.

                                    Also envelope, postmarked Feb. 24, 1940.

 

 

Recipes for Dandelion wine:

 

SA 1708.21a   recipe for Dandelion Wine, not signed but in Sister Sarah Collin’s hand; marked “for Mrs. Roberts, Canna, Shaker Farm, N.Y.” 

On letterhead stationery of R.M. Wagan & Co., with picture of Shaker rocking chair. 

 

SA 1708.21b   recipe for Dandelion wine, signed by Sister Adelaide

 

 

Lists, postcard, envelopes:

 

SA 1708.59a   list headed “known Shakers at the Canaan Upper Family.”  This also gives some historical information about the Canaan community.

 

SA 1708.59b   list of Upper Canaan Shakers; members of the Lower Family (Berkshire Farm), which included a woman who became Mrs. Smith, and names her children. 

 

SA 1708.59c   envelope which held the above two lists

 

SA 1708.69a-b            diagram of Shaker Farm Cemetery, Canaan, N.Y., and the envelope in which it was found.  The graves are marked with initials only, no names.  It is noted that there were 60 graves and some are unmarked.

 

SA 1708.70     postcard of Shaker buildings at Sabbathday Lake, Maine, no date.  Photographs of four buildings.

 

 

[no number]     list of members of the Upper Family, Canaan, N.Y.; a note initialed F.A. [for Faith Andrews] states that the list was compiled by John Roberts and that the Lower family property was bought for the Berkshire Farm School

 

[no number]     envelope labeled “old bills for Shaker furniture and letters from Shakers to Mrs. Roberts,” with a return address of Shaker Farm, Canaan, N.Y.


ASC 1148

 

SA 1443          bill, R.M. Wagan & Co., Mount Lebanon, to Mrs. J.S. Roberts, Canaan Farm, N.Y., April 20, 1933.  For purchase of old bureau, oval carrier, homespun dress and stockings, long bench, old chair with cane seat.

 

SA 1444          bill, R.M. Wagan & Co., Mount Lebanon, to Mrs. J.S. Roberts, May 19, 1933.  For purchase of chairs, long dining table, low counter, a bedstead, a work table.

 

SA 1445          bill, R.M. Wagan & Co., Mount Lebanon, to Mrs. J.S. Roberts, Aug. 26, 1933.  Marked paid, by Sarah Collins.  For purchase of old chairs, mirror, rugs, pitcher, pails, tables, oval boxes, new rocking chair.