Shakertown near Harrodsburg in Mercer County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
Modern Amenities
East Family Wash House, 1835
| | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill | |
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 18, 2025
1. Modern Amenities Marker
Built in 1835, the East Family Wash House served as the laundry facilities for the East Family. With around 60 members for most of its existence, the East Family's size meant that the sisters worked daily to wash, dry, and iron every individual's garments.
To meet the demands of a growing communal society, the Shakers had mechanized their washing by the early 1820s. A striking example of ingenuity, the East Family Wash House contained a Shaker washing "machine" that was operated by a horse-powered agitator. The Shakers also built a wooden windlass that raised and lowered the garments in and out of hot water. Known to the Shakers as "arches," two large cauldrons were used for washing and rinsing and were heated by a brick furnace.
"Their washing is done by a horse power, and the ironing by weights and rollers, without the application of heat... The operation is simple, expeditious, and effectual."
- "Letters on the Condition of Kentucky," in Richmond (VA) Enquirer, May 3, 1825
(Captions):
Background Image: The eastern elevation of the East Family Wash House. Note the Cooper's Shop to the immediate west of the building.
c. 1945
Credit: The Armstrong Archive
Interior of the East Family Wash House. The original washing "machine" with
this page online
c. Mid 20th century
Southern elevation of the East Family Wash House. The building was being used as a home in 1940 when this photo was taken.
Credit: Clay Lancaster
Erected 2020 by Community Trust Bank and Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1825.
Location. 37° 49.156′ N, 84° 44.197′ W. Marker is near Harrodsburg, Kentucky, in Mercer County. It is in Shakertown. It can be reached from the intersection of Lexington Road (U.S. 68) and Shakertown Road (Kentucky Route 33), on the left when traveling east. Marker is located on the grounds of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg KY 40330, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: All in the Family (within shouting distance of this marker); Cultivating Communities (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A House of Commerce (about 400 feet away); Inspiring Innovation (about 500 feet away); The Village Leaders
Photographed by Bradley Owen, October 18, 2025
2. Modern Amenities Marker
The East Family Wash House is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 4, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 52 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 4, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
