Belfit Photo Series

These self-published booklets contain photographs from the 1920s-1970s alongside pertinent excerpts from: retained correspondence, unpublished manuscripts, and further significant ephemera from the private collection. First hand anecdotes and stories written by Rob and Hazel Belfit and their son, Bob Belfit Jr. detailing their close friendships and experiences with the Shakers.

Much of the Belfit story and their contributions to the Shaker societies has remained relatively unknown until recently. Robert and Hazel deeply treasured their friendships with Sisters, Brothers and Eldresses such as Rosetta Stephens, Mary and Grace Dahm, Jennie Wells, Ethel Peacock and later Mildred Barker which has come to light through letters and photographs. The Belfits' visited the following villages: Mount Lebanon, NY, Watervielt, NY, Hancock, MA, Canterbury, NH and Sabbathday Lake, ME. Rob frequently carried his camera, quietly capturing whom and what he saw, what they acquired and where they went.

Rob's photographs (prints and  negatives) have been preserved and unpublished for over one hundred years. These images show how these villages were, lived in, and numerous buildings that no longer exist.  

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Top: Hazel Belfit and Sister Mildred Barker holding hands about 1964, Below: Sister Ethel Peacock and Rob Belfit app 1940