The Shakers were a religious sect that thrived in the middle of nowhere for some length of time. There, how's that for history? We went to a farm of theirs out in Western Massachusetts, and it was a beautiful day.
This circular barn is sort of the centerpiece of the place. It certainly is cool-looking, inside and out.
They still have animals.
Here are two of them. (Kidding.)
Some majestic chickens, plus a few extras.
We milked a plastic cow.
And made a rug.
The woodworking shop was a big hit.
One-room schoolhouse.
Their way of life isn't for me, but their sense of aesthetics was very appealing. The stillness of the farm was both appealing and ghostly, all at once.
© 2026 Hector Gonzalez