Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: 50th Anniversary of the Restoration

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Sale price: $39.95

Book Details

Author: David Toczko
Hardcover: 200 pages
Product Dimensions: 9" x 12"
Retail Price: $39.95

ISBN: 978-1-935001-60-7

Book Descriptions

SHAKER VILLAGE OF PLEASANT HILL 50th Anniversary of the Restoration

Photographs and Text by David Toczko and Foreword by Ashley Judd

Shaker Village: 50th Anniversary of the Restoration is an incredible photographic tribute by David Toczko to the 50th Anniversary of one of Kentucky’s restored historic treasures. Within the nearly 200 glossy pages of this full-color commemorative book, one can take a pictorial walking tour of the Village, beginning at the western edge of the property and moving eastward with the photos taken over a four-year period during every season and nearly every time of day. Informative text was obtained from Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and its knowledgeable interpreters. More than 260 stunning color images showcase the historic structures, lifestyle, architecture, culture and scenic beauty of Shaker Village. This large 9” x 12” hardback coffee-table volume will be a lasting testament to the Shaker craftsmanship.

Two hundred years ago, a small group of devotees stood on a hilltop in the rolling Bluegrass section of Kentucky and envisioned heaven on earth, later to be known as Pleasant Hill. Those dreams turned reality grew to more than 500 adult members and 300 structures at its pinnacle in the 19th century. After the Shakers were gone, the buildings and property passed into private hands and changed ownership many times over the next 37 years. Some buildings disappeared, and others fell into varying states of decay and disuse.

Fifty years ago, in 1961, another small group of visionaries led by Earl D. Wallace stood on that same hill and saw not only the grandeur, historical and cultural value that had been, but what may be once again. Thus was born Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and the acquisition, restorations and preservation of the community began.

About the Photographer

David Toczko is a long-time Kentucky resident and a Western Kentucky University graduate. His interest in photography began in 1985 and has grown from a passionate hobby to a career as a freelance, commercial photographer. His work is internationally published and has been acclaimed for its richness and depth of color, texture and clarity. His artistic vision is to create photographs with both visual and emotional impact. Documenting the Shaker experience is one of David’s favorite activities and includes a trip to Shaker Village at Sabbathday Lake, Maine, to visit and photograph the only active Shaker community still in existence. He has taken tens of thousands of images at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill over the course of four years and throughout each season. His Shaker photographs have been featured in local, as well as, national publications. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Shaker Village prints has been donated to the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill to help continue the work of preserving the historical treasure.

David is a juried member of the Visual Arts at the Market of the Kentucky Arts Council, an Official Kentucky Derby Archive Team Photographer, a Louisville Ballet Archive Photographer, and a member of the Professional Photographers of America. His works have appeared in both national and international magazines and catalogs, including the Shaker Workshops Catalogs, and as part of the Kentucky Derby: 133 Review. His photographs are exhibited in galleries and shows throughout Kentucky and have been selected to appear at the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda, the Senate Offices of the Kentucky State Capitol Annex, and the Kentucky First Lady’s Office.