Discover & Learn

The North Shop, 1841

The Shakers constructed the north shop from 1841 to 1842 on the site of an earlier wood shed (1798-1841), and the building measures 40x80 feet. It has two stories plus an attic, and it was built under the direction of a non-Shaker, Lynus Stevens of Claremont, New Hampshire.

The Shakers used most of the first story to store wood, the main source of fuel for the village. The west end was used as a store room for the deacons and deaconesses.

The second story contained workrooms for the sisters and was equipped with hand looms for the weaving of cloth. This floor also contains excellent examples of Shaker built-in cabinetry and furniture, including sewing desks and tailoring counters, as well as a large collection of Shaker stoves.

Two lofts in the attic were used for the drying of herbs, especially those needed for making sarsaparilla, which was distilled in the Syrup Shop.

Today the North Shop showcases textile exhibits and is used for special events.

Source: David R. Starbuck, Neither Plain Nor Simple: New Perspectives on the Canterbury Shakers