Elizabeth Mary Noyes was born on August 13, 1845 in the town of Oxford, Maine; the only child of Josiah and Lydia (Haskell) Noyes' three children to survive beyond infancy. Elizabeth's mother Lydia died prematurely. In 1861, Elizabeth's father Josiah, a successful manufacturer of cotton cloth in Buxton and Waterville, Maine, made the decision to join the Shaker Church at Sabbathday Lake. Josiah's natural brother Thomas E. Noyes, former publisher of Lloyd Garrison's "The Liberator" also joined the Shaker Society at Sabbathday Lake at that same time.
While her father and uncle continued their Shaker vocations, young Lizzie furthered her education. In 1868, she graduated from Hebron Academy in Hebron, Maine. Afterward, she and her companion, Fanny Goodrich, began promising careers as school teachers in Montgomery City, Missouri.
In 1872, Lizzie and Fanny embarked on a trip eastward to the Shaker Community at Sabbathday Lake. During their two month visit with the Shakers, Lizzie and Fanny both concluded that they would join the Church once they had settled their affairs in Missouri. Their first attempt to return to Missouri failed. Along the way Lizzie contracted "an attack of brain fever which came near proving fatal." Months later, Lizzie and Fanny returned to Sabbathday Lake. In August of 1873, Lizzie and Fanny finally reached Missouri to finalize their lives in the "world." However, by that point, Fanny Goodrich had reconsidered her decision to be a Shaker and chose to stay in Missouri. Remarkably, this did not sway Lizzie's determination to press onward with her calling. Alone, Lizzie returned to Sabbathday Lake on November 21, 1873 to begin her vocation as a Shaker Sister. Just nine days later, Elder Otis Sawyer recorded "Lizzie Noyes put on the Shaker dress and came to Prayer Meeting this evening."
<b>Early Years Among the Shakers
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Within weeks of her arrival, Sister Lizzie became the horse teamster for the Sisterhood and Ministry (running errands with them throughout the nearby towns). Sister Lizzie also accompanied the Sisters to the dentist on dozens of occasions each year. Like her colleague of the time, Brother William Dumont, the Shakers had recognized a great deal of trust and responsibility in Sister Lizzie to make her a teamster so early in her vocation. In fact, Sister Lizzie was the first and only Sister at Sabbathday Lake to have the occupation as horse teamster.
Sister Lizzie joined a highly competent and industrious Shaker Sisterhood. There were nearly three times the number of Sisters than Brothers at Sabbathday Lake and the Sisters duties were well organized and specialized among a strong core of young women. Small groups of the Sisters rotated through terms of chores such as cooking, laundry and cleaning. Sister Lizzie's duties as a teamster often called her away to drive the wagon or sleigh, so she often floated in and out of a variety of ongoing activities. She was commonly found among those Sisters who produced fancy goods for sale, picked blueberries, canned fall produce for winter use and traveled with Brother William Dumont to pluck turkeys for their prized white feathers used in making fans. On her own, or sometimes assisted by another Sister, Lizzie lent her talents to maintaining her Shaker home by painting woodwork, oiling floors and renovating the carriages and sleighs. She was also in charge of making the soap for laundering. Sometimes she produced as much as 600 gallons of soft soap in just a few days!
Selling the fancy goods was a job reserved for "tried and true" individuals who proved capable of handling large sums of money while representing their Shaker Community. Having demonstrated her good business sense and skills, Sister Lizzie accompanied Eldress Mary Ann Gillespie to the New England Fair in Manchester, New Hampshire during the Fall of 1875 where they assisted Elder Otis Sawyer in selling the Sisters' fancy work. Thus, Sister Lizzie began what would be her lifelong role in marketing the Sisters' fancy goods industry. From that point onward, she began to lead several sales trips each summer; including the Maine trips to Scarboro and Cape Elizabeth, Portland and the islands in Portland Harbor as well as Massachusetts trips to Swampscott, Boston and Cape Cod.
When company from other Shaker Communities visited Sabbathday Lake, they were usually taken to some of Maine's popular attractions, such as Old Orchard Beach or the beautifully landscaped Poland Spring Resort. These visits provided opportunities for fellowships, friendship and lasting impressions. Sister Lizzie was regularly among those chosen to socialize with Ministry leaders from other Communities as well as the leaders from the Central Ministry at Mount Lebanon, New York. Undoubtedly, her education, personality and conviction were useful during these important occasions and times of sharing.
<b>"A Pledge I Have Made to Be True"
</b>On January 11, 1876, Elder Otis recorded, "Lizzie M. Noyes, Mary H. Grant, Sirena Douglas, Sarah L. Fletcher and Amanda Stickney all freely and voluntarily signed their names to the sacred covenant, or constitution, of the United Society."
Later in December of 1876, Sister Lizzie Noyes made a smashing debut on the occasion of the Shakers' Christmas celebration. The story is best conveyed by the Church Family Journal: "December 25, 1876. Bright and beautiful Christmas day. We celebrate with a feast of love, improving upon our former conventional methods of observing the day... The suggestion to have a Christmas tree ... as our part of the Christmas Festival received the ready approbation of the Ministry and Elders. A Committee of Arrangements was at once formed composed of the following six Sisters namely: Elizabeth M. Noyes, Mary Grant, Sirena Douglas, Amanda Stickney and Mary Ella Douglas... These six Sisters worked very industriously up to the time of opening the doors of the exhibition...It was generally remarked that it was the best Christmas Meeting the Church ever enjoyed... Sister Lizzie M. Noyes, who was the chairman of the Committee, gave proper notice that the next thing in order was the distribution of presents. With needful assistance, the articles were taken from the tree and tables... Sister Lizzie M. Noyes ... made all welcome to what she had done, that what had been accomplished could not have been made a success without the union of the Leaders and assistance of others; that presents had been made without partiality and in a spirit, pure and undefiled..."
<b>"He has Blessed me with Power, He has made Me Strong"</b>
To better support the burgeoning fancy goods trade, the Sisters' Shop was virtually gutted in 1878 and new work rooms, better suited to the fancy goods industry, were fashioned Sister Lizzie was among a small group of young Sisters who were regularly demonstrating their dependability, responsibility and consistency in building the industry. In fact, that same winter, Elder Otis noted that Sisters Lizzie and Sarah Fletcher were the only two carrying on with the production of poplarware, fans and dusters. After this point, Sister Lizzie began to emerge as a leader of the fancy goods trade.
Since she did not fear hard work or long hours, she did a great deal to bolster the branches of business with which she was involved. However, Sister Lizzie nearly paid a dear price for her determination. At the young age of 34, "Sister Lizzie Noyes was found lying on the lower floor in the Laundry in an unconscious state. She was stricken down with heart disease, fortunately she was discovered in season to barely save her life by the way of speedy application of powerful restorations. Dr. Sturgis was immediately summoned, who made a skillful examination and decided it a case of severe heart troubles and physical prostration." Within weeks, Sister Lizzie had made a full recovery and was carrying on with her sales trips and house work. This episode was the first of four episodes she experienced over the course of her life.
Despite her rigorous schedule, Sister Lizzie did enjoy a relaxing pleasure trip every once in a while. On one trip, she was among "a merry company of three brethren and fifteen Sisters ... [who] take the train to Old Orchard Beach where they enjoy themselves in bathing, swimming, riding wooden horses, swinging, and visiting with Indians. They all return home safe about 8 o'clock in the evening, highly pleased with their day's enjoyment."
On September 7, 1880, Sister Lizzie Noyes was appointed into the Eldership along with Brother William Dumont. At the time, Eldress Lizzie was 35 years old and her counterpart, Elder William, was only 29 years of age. Together, they launched the Shaker Community into a new age of prosperity. Although they mostly worked separately from one another, their individual efforts served to build the "whole." Eldress Lizzie took lead in the fancy goods business and ran an efficient household. Elder William improved the farm, orchards and mill with greater success than his predecessors. Within the Family, Eldress Lizzie and Elder William labored for a good spirit among their Shaker Family. Their work was not in vain, as they were realizing better results than most of their counterparts at other Communities.
During 1880, the Second House was renovated and reorganized as the Trustees' Office. As this massive project came to a close, Eldress Lizzie and some of the Sisters began to install linoleum carpets throughout the Trustees Office and paint the newly installed woodwork. This project would be but a forerunner to her many other challenges to maintain and renovate the Village.
Aside from her physical accomplishments, Eldress Lizzie was balancing her leadership with a strong spiritual conviction. During a time when the older generation of Believers were recording comments about a lackluster younger generation, Eldress Lizzie and others began to revitalize their zeal. On August 26, 1883, the following entry was recorded in the Church Family Journal by Elder Otis Sawyer: "Sabbath Day. A New Thing Has Happened Under the Sun. Eldress Lizzie Noyes and Sister Ada Cummings declared their faith before the world. And, our hearts were made glad, for we the Ministry feel that we have not labored altogether in vain."
Eldress Lizzie's business mind was probably her single greatest contribution to her office next to her untiring work ethic. She began to apply her good judgment and financial sensibility to support campaigns to complete the construction of the Dwelling House. In 1881, Eldress Lizzie and Elder William were among a core of Brothers and Sisters who worked the Tamar Laxative business and used the proceeds to defray the expenses of the new house. For nearly 30 years, the Tamar Laxative provided a source of income that was used to finance various renovations to the Village.
Eldress Lizzie took her work seriously; as indicated by this entry from the Church Journal in 1884, "Another cold and windy day. Unfit for Sisters to be out picking apples, but Eldress Lizzie, feeling anxious about them (the apples), took the girls and went out." At this time, Eldress Lizzie was involved in the apple business, following Elder William's expansion of the orchards. Each Fall, she and a team of Sisters would help pick, grade and sort the apples. She also led the apple bees in the evening at which the apples were cut and dried for winter storage. Eldress Lizzie and Elder William worked diligently on the commercial production of applesauce and cider; two industries which they had single-handedly revived. To make the business pay, they often collaborated their efforts and time. The following Church Journal entry was highly typical of their work together: "Elder William runs the evaporator until supper time when Eldress Lizzie took it to give him a rest. The last cider is finished at 10 o'clock tonight - 48 casks of cider reduced to 9 from 600 bushels of apples." After the apples and cider were prepared the applesauce was made. Eldress Lizzie prepared about 50 gallons of applesauce at a time, made from the dried apples and boiled cider. On one typical day in January of 1890, it was recorded that "Eldress Lizzie put up 96 buckets of applesauce, also 32 glass jars and 2 1/2 dozen bottles of boiled cider to take to Lewiston." The applesauce and cider business thrived under Elder William's and Eldress Lizzie's direction for nearly 30 years.
Eldress Lizzie dabbled in the cultivation of small fruits. She had a small orchard of about 100 plum, peach and cherry trees set out on the knoll near the Sisters' Shop which provided her with the fruit she used to can for the Community's use. She also maintained a plot of garden behind the Meetinghouse where she planted about 1500 strawberry plants and also kept an asparagus bed. Eldress Lizzie proved herself industrious on all fronts of activity.
Since it was Elder Otis Sawyer, Maine Ministry leader, who appointed Elder William and Eldress Lizzie to the Eldership, it is not surprising that the three shared a strong bond and similar visions for the future of their Shaker home. In 1884, Elder Otis was taken desperately sick with pneumonia while visiting the Alfred Shaker Society. As his condition rapidly declined, the doctor confined him to his room with restricted visitation. The Sabbathday Lake Shakers grew tremendously distraught, unable to render comfort to their sick leader. Eldress Lizzie attempted to keep the Family strong and hopeful, despite the diagnosis. After days of anxiety, Eldress Lizzie finally let down her guard and "wept like a child" while reading an update of Elder Otis' grim condition to the Family. On March 17, 1884, Elder Otis Sawyer, mentor and friend to the Maine Shakers, died at Alfred. Although the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Family was devastated, they soon emerged from their grief to continue on with Elder Otis' work in the Gospel. Their first priority was to complete Elder Otis' last campaign - the construction of the 1883 Brick Dwelling House.
Although the Dwelling House was dedicated and occupied by the end of 1884, it took a good many years to complete the finishing touches. Painting, varnishing and oiling were tasks which Eldress Lizzie single-handedly undertook as part of her official duties as Eldress. During the winter time, Elder William and Eldress Lizzie held vigils to prevent the water pipes from freezing in the house. On many occasions, this work required around the clock supervision. The house was regarded as a sacred monument to the Shakers who had gone before and also to those yet to come. Eldress Lizzie and Elder William never compromised in their care and attention to that building, in particular.
Eldress Lizzie and Elder William inherited a growing crisis at the North Family on Poland Hill. Upon Elder Otis' death, the future seemed bleak for Poland Hill. When their last Elder, Nehemiah Trull, died in 1886, Elder William and Eldress Lizzie were faced with the task of consolidating the Poland Hill Shakers at the Church. Elder William and Eldress Lizzie prepared a smooth transition for the 10 Shakers who moved from their home in 1887; thus leaving Sabbathday Lake with one Family, the Church.
Eldress Lizzie was in charge of the welfare of the entire Sisterhood. She faced decisions about membership and recruited new girls for the Children's Order. Eldress Lizzie had a particular fondness for the young people in the Village, always giving them the same time and consideration that she reserved for the adults. Generally speaking, the children who behaved and appreciated their Shaker home, came to know Eldress Lizzie as a kind, generous mother. In fact, one little girl named Mamie Curtis, stole Eldress Lizzie's heart. Mamie was a favorite and received a great deal of attention from all the Sisters. In fact, the Community's first organ was received as a gift to little Mamie so that she might pursue musical talents. Eldress Lizzie was in full support of this move, and for years, she took time out of her schedule to drive Mamie to her music lessons every Tuesday.
Through Eldress Lizzie's encouragement, the Children's Order developed and sustained their own industries, apart from their contributions to the fancy goods business. The girls and their caretaker, Sister Ada Cummings, embarked in a cut flower business during the 1890s. In 1895, Eldress Lizzie financed two-fifths of the greenhouse built by Brother Delmer so that the girls and their caretakers would have an ample supply of hot house flowers to sell at the Poland Spring Resort. For years, the flower business thrived.
In 1896, Elder John Vance of the Maine Ministry died, leaving Elder William as his successor. At the time of that appointment, Eldress Lizzie was appointed Trustee along with Elder William and Sister Aurelia Mace. Just two years later, Eldress Lizzie also became the Postmistress for the Shaker Society. With these increased duties, Eldress Lizzie simply broadened her shoulders, prioritized her time and rose to the needs of her Community. In 1903, Eldress Lizzie joined Elder William in the Ministry as first Eldress. With this new position, Eldress Lizzie simultaneously occupied every single position within the Shakers' hierarchy. Within weeks of her appointment, Eldress Lizzie performed her first of many ministerial duties at Alfred.
Eldress Lizzie's contributions to the fancy goods business was ongoing throughout her life. As the production of poplarware steadily increased each year, the Sisters introduced new products to further the financial success of the trade. In the late 1890s, the Sisters added Shaker cloaks and oval sewing carriers to their selection of sales work. Although the production of these new items were mostly in the capable hands of others, Eldress Lizzie contributed her talents to cut out pieces for the cloaks. She also varnished the thousands of oval carriers produced by Brother Delmer Wilson. Eldress Lizzie also employed innovative marketing strategies to broaden the reputation and distribution of the fancy goods. In 1903, she introduced a trademark for the poplarware, carriers and cloaks as a guarantee of quality and genuineness to the customers. A few years later, she also devised a mail order catalog for the fancy goods, the first fancy goods catalog used by the Shakers anywhere.
Undoubtedly, Eldress Lizzie did spend the vast majority of her time hard at work, but she did have hobbies and interest which she pursued as time allowed. For example, she was an avid supporter of musical talents. In 1899, she purchased the Community's first piano and offered to finance music lessons for any interested Sisters. Some of the Sisters chose to pursue singing lessons and by 1909, they had formed a "Quartette." The Quartette performed for the Shakers as well as neighbors and esteemed guests of the Poland Spring Resort. Interestingly, there is no indication that Eldress Lizzie had any musical talents herself!
Being a teamster, it was natural that Eldress Lizzie also had a strong affection for horses. Her cousin from Boston gave her a horse named "Babe" which Eldress Lizzie loved very much.
Eldress Lizzie enjoyed applying her progressive nature to acquire modern conveniences for her Shaker home. In 1900, telephones connected the Shaker Village to the outside world. In 1909, Eldress Lizzie purchased the Community's first automobile, a Seldon, for $2,100.00. Later, in 1926 as her last major campaign as leader, Eldress Lizzie had electricity installed in the Dwelling House and Trustees' Office; making the Shakers' home among the most modern in the area. While Eldress Lizzie kept the house in perfect order, Elder William brought the farm, orchards and mill into full operation. Together, they were a perfect complement to each another.
<b>"When Life's Journey's Ended, By Angels I'll be Wafted"
</b>As her age advanced, Eldress Lizzie's leadership duties in Maine weighed heavily upon her health. The decline and deaths of many of her long-time, ardent colleagues deeply affected her well-being. Several times each year, she made retreats at the Shaker Village in Canterbury, New Hampshire. Since she had no duties there, she could simply enjoy their fellowship and comfort. She would travel alone.
While traveling to Portland on business with Elder William and Brother Delmer, Eldress Lizzie took a bad fall. By the time they returned to the Village, Eldress Lizzie could not walk. She was carried to her room and the doctor came immediately, however, the prognosis was grim. Three days later, on November 15, 1926, Eldress Lizzie Noyes died at the age of 81 years; "with her wonderful brain clear until almost the last." The Church Family Journal recorded: "Our beloved Eldress Lizzie M. Noyes ... One of the most remarkable women among Shakers. A graduate of Hebron Academy in 1868 and school teacher in the west, she gave up a promising career and joined the Community at Sabbathday Lake, Maine at 27 years of age. She became Eldress of the Society in 1880, holding this position for 46 years. She was also Ministry, Trustee and Postmaster, holding all these positions at once. She had a most wonderful brain, great executive ability and was rich in wisdom and experience. Her greatest virtue was Charity, being noted for this everywhere. She was like unto a mighty oak in the forest!" At her funeral ,"Some of her business associates remarked that they were better for having been in her presence." In the Record of Deaths, Brother Delmer characterized her as "a Sister of strong personality and intelligence, extraordinary in her business judgments, active and persevering. Strictly devoted to the interests of her home. Her good works, her monument. The souls she helped save, the jewels in her crown."