Throwback Thursday: Founders' Day

SHAKER HEIGHTS, OH - On October 21 1947, twelve ladies and gentlemen filed articles of incorporation for the Shaker Historical Society (SHS). To commemorate its creation, SHS is inviting residents of Shaker, Cleveland Heights, Shaker Square, and Gates Mills to tour the museum free of charge on Oct. 21.

The original mission of the SHS was to preserve and protect the legacy of the Shakers of North Union. This religious sect forged three communities in Warrensville Township in 1822. The example the Shakers set in terms of their society, beliefs, work ethic and contribution to society and American industry was and remains worthy of celebrating.

The SHS founders were:

• Seward A. Covert, SH
• Mrs. King Daywalt, CH
• John A. Hecker, CH
• Benjamin L. Jenks, SH
• LD Newman SH
• Mrs Herman J. Nord SH
• Carl A. Palmer, SH
• Webster G. Simon, SH
• William Slade, Jr. SH
• Philip L. Small, Gates Mills
• L. Morris van Fossan, Cleveland

These founders recognized the rare and unique settlement that was in what was to become parts of Shaker Heights and Cleveland Heights. Shaker Heights residents who founded the society were Seward A. Covert, Benjamin L. Jenks (who worked closely with the Van Sweringens and later moved with his wife Daisy to Daisy Hill in Hunting Valley opposite Roundwood Manor), LD Newman, Mrs. Herman J. Nord (who was the organization’s first director and who labored tirelessly to protect the Shaker lakes against the Clark-Lee Freeway as early as January 1964), Carl A. Palmer, Webster G. Simon, William Slade, Jr. and Mrs. E.L. Thrower.

L. Morris van Fossan technically lived in Cleveland, by 1947 Shaker Square was no longer in Shaker Village, but had long been a Cleveland area. Van Fossan managed Moreland Courts and Shaker Square for the Van Sweringen Company for decades.

Image via Shaker Historical Society