If you have ever been to Hancock Shaker Village you'll know the sense of calm that permeates and the simple straight forward no-nonsense beauty that defines it. Its no wonder they called it the "City of Peace". This weekend I had the immense pleasure of spending 2 days in the historic round stone barn at the 20th Annual Hancock Shaker Village Country Fair. The barn was built built in 1826 to support their dairy industry, housing animals, and grain and facilitating the movement and storage of horse drawn carriages. The echoes of the past reverberated this weekend as the sheep and goats and donkeys that shared our market space provided background vocalizations.

bauble vase with queen anne's lace in barn window

The Shakers were sellers too. Their crafts and herbs and industriousness were well known in the area. In true Shaker style, this weekend's market place featured many wonderful artisans and sellers. Two of my favorites were Frances Culley with her hand dipped beeswax candles from Root & Tuber Works and Annie Kennedy's School for Style vintage clothing and accessories.