Trustee's Office (1830)

Trustee's Office (1830). . , While Shakers fived in separate communities, they were not completely isolated from the outside world. In fact, their economy depended on commerce with the "World's People" and the Trustee's Office is where business was conducted., Business Partners , Shaker Elders selected male and female Trustees to manage the community's business relationships. Through this Office, Shakers sold and exchanged food, medicinal herbs, and household goods with their neighbors in the surrounding communities and in communities far away. Certain products like packaged seeds. flat brooms, culinary and medicinal herbs, a variety of textiles, and canned vegetables were manufactured and sold on a large commercial scale., Friends, Family, and Guests , Shakers often remained close with loved ones living outside in "The World" who could make arrangements to spend a few days visiting at the South or "Gathering" Family, and enjoy the hospitality of the Shakers. Some visitors were truly moved by the Shaker faith, while some may have simply sought the security of a hot meal and clean bed. Those wishing to join the Shakers were taken in at the South Family, trained in the Shaker way of life and included in daily chores. Some who only stayed through the cold months came to be called "Winter Shakers.", Shaker Church Family Trustee's Office Notice that the Trustees' office was located outside the gate that separated the Shaker community from The World. This was because, except for one end of the Meeting House, the general public was not admitted to the Shaker community. The Shakers conducted business and meetings with The World at the Trustees' Office. Politicians, authors, and civic leaders were among the many visitors who came to learn about this distinct community.