Baker, Messiter Photographic Series
Dublin Core
Title
Baker, Messiter Photographic Series
Subject
Baker Family (photo #00001)
Description
Neil and Susanne Rappaport rented Joyce and Charley Baker's tenant house in December of 1969 soon after they moved to Pawlet. They lived there for thirteen years. The Bakers had five children of their own and they also took care of Nelly Messiter, a part-time resident's child, from the time she was a baby until she was nine years old. Charley worked two jobs and Joyce worked at the Butternut Bend Store just to make ends meet. Neil and Susanne soon became part of the family and Neil photographed the Bakers particularly on family occasions. Thanksgiving was the most important holiday each year and even after the kids grew up and moved away, it was rare that one of them was missing on Thanksgiving Day. Other neighbors and friends who had no place to go were absorbed into the family circle on that day. After dinner almost everyone took a long walk on the Bakers' land leading to the foot of Haystack Mountain. Finally there was music and dancing and dessert. Most years thirty people or more came for dinner. Neil's group of attendees' photograph became an annual tradition. He also photographed the larger family reunions when people came from all over the country; and two fiftieth wedding anniversary celebrations for Edward Baker and his wife Rose and Charley and Joyce. As one generation ages and becomes infirm, the next generation is clearly coming on.
Type
Citation
“Baker, Messiter Photographic Series,” Pawlet Community Study (1890-1990), accessed December 24, 2024, https://vtfolklifearchive.org/pawlet/items/show/1482.
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