See as many as 150 cars from the brass era of automobiles at Hancock Shaker Village on June 24 at Hancock Shaker Village.
These vehicles, manufactured prior to 1916, will be stopping at the Village and be the grounds from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. as part of the New England Brass and Gas Tour sponsored by the Horseless Carriage Club of America. Some members of the club dress in attire from the "Brass era" and all are happy to discuss their vehicles and love of collecting.
The Shakers loved technology and technological advances. Given that, it is not unexpected that the Shakers owned automobiles very early in the 20th century. In 1915 the Hancock Shakers built a brick garage, heated with borrowed heat from the nearly hired men's shop, to house the many vehicles they would eventually own: Cadillacs, Buicks, Reos and others.
Today a 1923 Reo identical to one owned by the Shakers is housed in the Brick Garage; a testimony to the changing times the Shakers faced during the early 20th century.
The Brass and Gas Tour is included in Village admission of $15; children under 18 are admitted free. Visitors can tour twenty historic buildings; walk the grounds and gardens choosing form a variety of daily programs on Shaker life, music, religion, and technology.
Visitors can see crafts demonstrations such as oval box making, blacksmithing, woodworking, and basket making. Hands-on activities throughout the Village include helping prepare food in the 1830's kitchen and making cheese and butter in the dairy.
The discovery Room offers the opportunity to try some of the crafts demonstrated in the Village: weaving and spinning, basket making, and chair seat taping. A selection of Shaker-style cloths in child and adult sizes are available to try on, and you can milk MaryJane, a life size replica of a Holstein cow named after a cow in the Shaker herd.
Visitors can also explore the Shaker schoolhouse and learn to write with a quill pen and take lessons with a "Shaker" school teacher (a costumed, in-character Village staff member).
American Radiance: Fraktur from the Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum is on exhibition through October 25. Forty important example of colorful and intricate Pennsylvania-German folk art that illustrate the important role art played in the everyday lives of early rural Americana. American Radiance: Fraktur from the Ralph Esmerian Gift to the American Folk Art Museum is organized and circulated by the American Folk Art Museum, New York.
Hancock Shaker Village is located on Route 20 just west of the junction of Routes 20 and 41 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. For more information, contact 800-817-1137 or visit www.hancockshakervillage.org.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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