The South Union Shakers began operating a woolen mill in the early 19th century. They quickly became well known in the southeast for their quality woolen, linsey, and jeans that were woven in the village. Citizens from miles around also brought their woolen goods to South Union to be fulled in the Shakers' fulling mill.
The South Union Shakers produced many blankets during their tenure at weaving, including the original blanket that we have faithfully reproduced. The blanket was woven sometime in the mid-19th century, most likely during the 1850's or early 1860's. Made in the manner so common to the 18th and 19th century, but also made illustrating the quest for perfection that the Shakers had in many of their products.
Our reproduction began to take life a few years ago when our dream of reproducing a Shaker blanket began to take shape with the help of the Shaker Museum at South Union's Director, Tommy Hines. Tommy was gracious enough to open the museum to us and to allow us truly unlimited access to their collections in order to achieve the goal of faithfully reproducing a Shaker blanket. We chose this blanket because of not only its beauty, but its commonality to many blankets manufactured in both Europe and America during the 18th and 19th century. The original was meticulously researched and intricate measurements and thread counts made in order for the reproduction to match the original as close as possible. Within a couple years following the start of our research, we were able to commission a reproduction of this blanket and were pleased with the results. This first run, a mere 40 blankets, quickly sold out and we were then in the position to commission yet one more run (both we and the museum intended from the beginning to limit the number of repros made of each style blanket). We were blessed to be able to partner with an operational 1850's woolen mill, which was originally operated by a communal society similar to the Shakers. It was a perfect fit, and we have been very pleased with this current run of reproduction Shaker blankets. We hope you appreciate and enjoy yours as much as we have working on this project!
100% wool and measures "full" size. To order, visit "Online Store" to left
Our reproduction Shaker blankets on original Shaker beds in the Center Family museum at South Union
The original South Union Shaker blanket (left), and our reproduction (right)
Original broadside from South Union advertising fulling mill services
Early 19th century ledger entry from the South Union Shaker woolen mill
Our reproduction blanket for sale in the Shaker Museum at South Union gift shop
