Main Label'(West gallery)

SOUTH FAMILY
' ' 1800-1933

The South Family was established as the "Gathering
Order" or novitiate order for the purpose of housing" the
new converts to the Society. In the'Spring of 1300 the
bell-house, which still stands today, was built on a lot
southwest of and adjoining the Church Family property.
By lulO the South Family had- outgrown the rest of
the Society and the "Second Family11 or West Family was or-
_ganized. The "gathering giff'remained with the'South'Fam-
'ily, but they were subje.ct to the direction and council of
the eldership of the Second Family.
In 1822 the South Family was released from the tem-
poral and spiritual connection with the West Family and on
22 June, 1323 they executed their own covenant.
On November 24, 1300 eight sisters and eight bro-
thers moved into -the new South Family house. By 1345 there
were 31 females, and 34 females; their assets for the year
included 200 acres of improved land, six acres of peas cul-
tivated , three acres of beans, 15' acres of potatoes, 13 acres
of corn, 36 acres of wheat, 15 acres of rye, and 25 acres of'
oats. They made 1000 pounds of butter, 450 pounds of cheese,
and got 200 pounds of wool from their 76 sheep. The fruit and
vegetable canning industry was profitable for many years.
The South Family, who also cared for many of the
"world ] s7J children , remained the home for the Watervliet
Shakers at the close of every other family until at the
death of the last Eldress (Anna Case) in 1933 the family was
closed and the three remaining sisters moved to Mt. Lebanon.