Q: What’s the significance of the gate and stone posts at the Shaker-Lee intersection?
A: Neighbors coming together to remember.
By Nate Paige
While the Shaker-Lee intersection is heavily traveled, more than 175 years ago the area was a major activity hub of a different sort. It was the site of a collection of structures that were integral to governance and religion for the North Union Shaker Village, most notably the Meeting House.
Built in 1848 on a 200-square-foot lot, the Meeting House served as the North Union Shakers’ house of worship. The building was 100 feet long and 50 feet wide, and the stones for its foundation were cut at the Shaker quarry, which was located in the area now occupied by the Cleveland Skating Club.
A carpenter shop, blacksmith shop, woolen mill, hospital, office, dining room, and dormitories were among the other buildings erected in the immediate area, all of them the responsibility of the Center Family, one of three units of the North Union colony, each with its own responsibilities.
The North Union meeting house that stood near Shaker Boulevard and Lee Road. The photo was taken in 1898 from Lee Road.
In the late 1890s or early 1900s, the Meeting House was demolished, as the Shakers began to leave the area.
Fast forward to 1948 and enter Mary and Alfred E. Gibson. The couple purchased the land on which the Meeting House had stood. Alfred Gibson, who wanted to pay homage to the Center Family, maintained the land and created a replica Shaker gate, based on a photo supplied by Norma Thrower, a founding member of the Shaker Historical Society.
Katherine Brown, who was the owner of a lot on the northwest corner of the Lee-Shaker intersection, heard of Gibson’s efforts and offered him two large cut stones from her property to accompany his gate as posts. These posts originally belonged to the Shakers. Two of the original Shaker gate posts are still standing at 2812 Lee Road, diagonally across from Gibson’s gate. Bronze plaques, provided by the Shaker Historical Society, adorn the replicated gate and the original gate posts.
Mary and Alfred Gibson with, at right, Caroline Piercy in 1951. Courtesy of Shaker Historical Society.
Today, Shakerites are known for their attention to historic preservation. Efforts by Gibson, Brown, and Thrower helped set the tone for that priority.
If you’ve had a burning question about Shaker’s beginnings, transitions, or unique landmarks, let us know at shaker.mag@shakerheightsoh.gov. We might not be able to answer all questions, but your curiosity will help us start the digging.
Shaker Life appreciates research assistance for this article from staff of the Shaker Historical Society and Shaker Heights Public Library.
