Fifty years ago this summer, citizens of Auburn, Franklin, and Russellville, along with students from WKU, were preparing for the first performance of “Shakertown Revisited.” The script had been written by Russell Miller, faculty member in Western’s drama department, using both manuscript records and published material on the Shakers. The music, original Shaker melodies and turn of the century standards, was arranged by Russellville’s Ruth Morriss, faculty member in Western’s music department, who also directed the Civic Choral Club in the production. Miller directed the dramatic portions of the production. The original script called for nearly 40 speaking parts and the “pageant” involved over 100 cast members. Scores of other volunteers made costumes, assembled sets, and created publicity for the event.
The first performances were held July 20, 21 and 22 in the Auburn High School gym. A Shaker Festival, held in conjunction with the pageant, included an antique show, an art show, crafts, concessions by the South Union Homemakers, tours of the historic buildings at South Union, and tours of the newly opened Shaker Museum in Auburn. Initial response was overwhelming.
After 10 years in the Auburn High School gym, the pageant moved to a large tent in the backyard of the Centre House in the summer of 1972. The museum collection had also moved from Auburn to the newly purchased Centre House that year. Instead of running for three days, the pageant and festival were presented over a 10-day period, then eventually over three weekends. In 1987 a pavilion was constructed as a permanent home for the production. Unfortunately, due to rising costs and fewer volunteers, the summer tradition of “Shakertown Revisited” ended in 1990.
On Saturday, Sept. 15, the South Union Shaker Village will host a reunion of former cast members and fans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the pageant. A box lunch will be served at noon, after which will be an opportunity to reminisce and to tour the historic buildings.
For reservations for the Pageant Cast Reunion, please call: 270-542-4167. Cost for the event, (which also includes admission to the annual Music in the Barn event from 2-5 that afternoon) is $20.
The Cast Reunion is underwritten by Auburn Leather Company.
Tommy Hines is executive director of the South Union Shaker Village and has been associated with the Logan County landmark since 1985.