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To: Tax-chick

I wonder what % of their members came from taking in orphans/foundlings or the children of unwed mothers? I have to think that would have decreased drastically as birth control and abortion were accepted, also the scandal of getting pregnant without being married becoming less of a big deal. Maybe the advent welfare state probably made the Shakers less attractive as people didn’t look at as a place were at least you would get fed.

Freegards


16 posted on 01/07/2017 6:04:49 AM PST by Ransomed
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To: Ransomed
what % of their members came from taking in orphans/foundlings

I don't recall seeing any numbers, but the children reared by the Shakers had an open door to depart when they reached adulthood.

The Shaker movement was a product of its times, but it seems to me that it could work for our times, too. People seek security in times of economic and social uncertainty.

17 posted on 01/07/2017 6:18:00 AM PST by Tax-chick ("He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will repay him for his deed." Pv. 19:17)
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