Blog | Belfit

In the 1920s, Robert and Hazel Belfit began acquiring Shaker furniture, tools, domestic objects, and ephemera that, by the 1960s, would become one of the most significant collections of Shaker material obtained directly from the Shakers.

“As time goes on, primary material—material acquired directly from the Shakers and retained by a single family—has become increasingly rare. Rob and Hazel Belfit had a passion for the Shakers and their culture that, today, has transcended four generations. It is an honor that Ashley Freinberg, Rob and Hazel’s descendant, has entrusted us with finding new stewards for these artifacts. We share her hope that these pieces are understood and appreciated by their next owners as they have been by the family.” – John Keith Russell

Each object in the Belfit Shaker Collection embodies a connection to the Shakers themselves. Following their first visit to the Mount Lebanon Second Family chair factory in 1924, Robert and Hazel maintained meaningful relationships with the Shakers at Mount Lebanon as well as other active communities including Watervliet, New York, Hancock, Massachusetts, Canterbury, New Hampshire, and Sabbathday Lake, Maine. As their friendships grew, so did their collection. The Belfits’ frequent correspondence and visits with the Shakers established them as keen, responsible, and understanding stewards of the Shaker legacy, and the Brethren and Sisters conveyed their appreciation when placing objects in their care.

Robert and Hazel Belfit were drawn to Shaker material that enhanced their lifestyle. Their home in Watertown, Connecticut, highlighted Shaker-made pieces throughout. The Belfit family was raised amidst treasured objects—they dined on a Shaker table, stored their toys in a Shaker cupboard, and were lulled to sleep in a Shaker rocking chair. The passion for Shaker material and history was omnipresent, and this appreciation persists to this day.

Photos: Hazel Belfit, Robert William Belfit, and Eldress Rosetta Stephens at Mount Lebanon, NY, c. 1940s (top); Robert William and Hazel Belfit, c. 1972. Collection of Ashley J. Freinberg.