Postmark honors Shaker heritage at Tuscopex 2024 Stamp Show

Postmark Pursuit by Molly Goad

At the Sept. 14 Tuscopex stamp show in New Philadelphia, Ohio, attendees had the opportunity to collect a special postmark celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Shakers’ arrival in America. The commemorative postmark, featuring the historic White Water Village in Harrison, Ohio, pays tribute to early Shaker settlements in the United States.

The Shakers, also known as the United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, first arrived in 1774 in pursuit of religious freedom. Led by Ann Lee, a group of nine believers traveled from England to New York, where they established the first Shaker community. Over the following decades, the Shakers became known for their commitment to celibacy, communal living and pacifism.

White Water Village is one of 19 communal settlements established between 1787 and 1824 by the Shakers. It stands out among Ohio Shaker villages as the only one to retain most of its original buildings in their original settings.

The core of the White Water settlement began to take shape in 1822 when members of the Union Society of Shakers from Lebanon, Ohio, sought to share their faith with settlers near the Mount Tabor Methodist Church in Morgan Township, Butler County. They were drawn to the fertile soil, abundant timber, and the flowing stream of the White Water River in Crosby Township, Hamilton County, and chose this location for their village. Early converts contributed their properties, which expanded the White Water settlement’s landholdings.

Shaker contributions to American culture include simple and functional furniture design, innovative agricultural practices and advancements in craftsmanship.

Though the 2024 Tuscopex show is over, the commemorative postmark is still available for all collectors. To obtain the postmark, address your request to:

TUSCOPEX Station, Postmaster, 210 N. Broadway St., New Philadelphia, OH 44663-9998, Sept. 14.

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