14
All worked until the ringing of a bell (which hung in a tower on the
main family building) at 11:50. Then everyone washed his hands, assembled
and marched to dinner.
Since Mother Ann had said "Never put on silver spoons nor table-
cloths for me, but let your tables be clean enough to eat from without cloths,"
the Shakers never used tablecloths for themselves but did have large napkins.
Since they deplored waste, nothing was ever to be left on one's plate at table.
The admonition was to "Shaker your plate." You could take as much as you
wanted, but you must eat it all. Before 1823, they used pewter plates, with
bread on wooden plates. Vegetarianism was promoted from about 1837 to
1847, but was not a lasting influence. There was always plenty of fruit,
dairy products and eggs. Cider was used if the drinking water was question-
able. Originally wine and liquors were used sparingly or medicinally; then
were given up completely. Tea and coffee came and went as the mood of the
various families changed. Lemons were greatly prized and much used in
cooking, so members were urged to grow lemon trees indoors. In general
their food was plain and wholesome, eaten in moderation. A doctor would
be called if really needed, but usually an illness was treated frith their own
herbs.
9
Clara Sears quotes from "A Manual of Good Manners" printed at the
New Lebanon colony in 1844 the following rules:
f lthas often been remarked that it may be known whether a person
is well bred or not, by seeing him eat one meal of victuals; there-
fore it is highlyinecessary for all persons, strictly to observe the
rules of decency and good behavior while sitting at the table.

9. Ibid. pp. 259-260