Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

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.