Print, Photographic

Description

A manuscript note on a copy of this image in the collection of the Western Reserve Historical Society says: "Br. Levi Shaw of North Family, Mt. Lebanon, N. Y. Arranging to buy the first Harvesting machine ever used in the Township [of New Lebanon], and we have heard, the first on in Columbia Co. N. Y." However, if the scribe meant either a reaper or a combination reaper-binder, a "combine," they are probably incorrect in thinking this was the first. In the North Family Book of Records [NN, Shaker Collection, mss. no. 20] on June 8, 1884 it is recorded, "Buy a Reaper. $61.29"; on July 15, 1884, it is recorded that the North Family, "Buy Wood Reaper & two Mowers costing. 220.00"; and on June 26, 1891, the North Family "Buy a binder & reaper, & a hay loader."

Notes

This photograph must date from before 1908, the year Brother Levi died and after the year the Shakers changed the sash in the Second House from twelve-over-twelve glazing to two-over-two glazing.