20
brought a piano with her. In some communities, the pitch might be set and
guided by a "toneometer"--a Shaker invention, kind of monochord, one-
stringed instrument so marked itcould give any pitch desired.

Way of Life
As the Society began to be fully organized, the rules in every depart-
ment became more definite. An almost military precision took over the
haphazard methods of Mother Ann's day. As indicated, rising times and
mealtimes were precise, and likewise their hours for religious worship
were specified,instead of starting at any moment of the day or night and con-
tinuing for hours. But since the Shakers taught that Shakerism, instead of
taking care only of the spiritual needs of man for one day in seven, cared
for all his daily as well as his spiritual wants all seven days of the week,
there were rules governing everything else in their life. Their routine was
exact and they boasted of its not changing for 60 years. Everything about
them and their dwellings was originally in heaven, they believed, and the
designs were transmitted to them by angels--the plans of buildings, style of
furniture, pattern of coats and pants, cut of their hair.
Therefore the men wore broad, stiff-brimmed hats of white or gray
felt in winter, straw in summer; shirts buttoned neatly at the throat, usually
with no necktie; and a long rather light-blue coat with: many buttons and button-
holes for formal wear. The women wore gowns of various soft colors--gray,
blue, brown or plum; close-fitting bodices; many-pleated, ankle-length
skirts; a long narrow apron; a folded and pleated kerchief or short round cape
around their shoulders with points in front to the waist to conceal the shape