Replies

1. 
   Plancher_Fasciitis | Jun 23, 2009 12:46am | #1

   The American Shakers and Their Furniture, copyright 1971, published by John G. Shea.

2. 
   alanplanesaw | Jun 23, 2009 06:36am | #2

   donegall,

   As you may know, the Shakers were celibate.  The only children (of any age) were either given to the Shakers to raise, or were the children of converts.  As a result, there were not many infant cradles in a Shaker community.

   More common were adult cradles for elderly who were sick.  As the other post mentions, the only book I have seen plans for a child's cradle in a Shaker book is in The American Shakers . . . 

   I would bet that if that cradle was outside of a Shaker community no one would relate it to be Shaker.  It appears very common to the day (1840s).

   One suggestion I would offer in your cradle making is make one that can be taken apart to be stored -- if you or they want to keep it.  The attached photo is one of two cradles I made at the request of my adult children when they were having children.

   Enjoy your grandkids!!

   Alan - planesaw

   
1. 
   donegall | Jun 23, 2009 07:57pm | #3

   many thanks Planesaw for your prompt reply, and that is good advice about making the cradle  demountable. beautiful cradle, well done

2. 
   Taigert | Jun 25, 2009 04:34am | #4

   Planesaw,

   They are both beautiful!

   Taigert

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Jun 25, 2009 06:21am | #5

   Taigert,

   Thanks.  I agree! :-)  Cate is now almost 3 and her 2 month old sister, Rachel, is now using that cradle.

   Alan -- proud grandfather ("Big Daddy" to 2 of the 6) of 6 grandkids.  3 boys and 3 girls.

1. 
   Taigert | Jun 25, 2009 06:47am | #6

   I have been blessed with two granddaughters and one grandson (so far), they are a treat.

   Taigert

1. 
   alanplanesaw | Jun 25, 2009 06:29pm | #7

   You have probably heard the old saying, "If I had known how much fun my grandkids were going to be I would have had them first."

   Actually, we are blessed with three great children and three great sons/daughter-in-laws.  Wouldn't trade any of them.

   The 3 and 5 year old will be spending the weekend with us and they have said we are going fishing.  So, a fishin' we will go.  Built a fence a few weekends ago around their vegetable garden.  The 3 year old said it was to keep the reindeer and kangaroos out.  All deer (which she sees frequently) are reindeer to her.  Told her I would guarrantee she wouldn't see any kangaroos in that garden.

   Alan