Hay Cart - Photography by Allen, Frances and Mary (c. 1899)
One of the greatest treasures in Memorial Hall Museum and Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association in Old Deerfield, Massachusetts is the vast collection of Allen sisters’ prints and glass plate negatives. Frances Allen and Mary Allen are renowned for idealized photographs of country scenes, figure and child studies, and landscapes dating from 1885-1920. This excerpt from their photography journal in 1894 is a bit of insight to their work:
We use the camera simply as a quick way of sketching, and regard all the technical part, which comes after the exposure is made, as a necessary evil…. In pictures, artistic excellence is usually entirely at variance with what is called a perfect photograph. The eye cannot focus itself on every object in its field of vision at the same time. If a photograph does this, the effect is hard and unnatural. But there must be method in this madness. A picture is not necessarily beautiful because it is blurred, and there’s need of all one’s technical skill, even after a good negative is made, in adapting the print to its peculiar individual qualities.
The Memorial Hall Museum is open seasonally (May 1 – November 1) from 11 am – 5 pm, 7 days a week. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for youth and students aged 6 – 21. Only a few blocks away is the Deerfield Inn, a traditional country inn located in the center of this 350-year old landmark village. Right now they are running a special package to get a free third night at the Deerfield Inn! When you book a two-night weekend stay and extend your getaway into a Thursday or Sunday, that third night will be free! Also included is a twenty-five dollar credit towards food and beverage on your free room night. This offer is only for a limited time (June 18-July 25, August 14-September 6) so book soon and enjoy your stay in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
Tags: art, Deerfield, Massachusetts, Museum, photography, the Allen sisters
Arts, Deerfield, Historic, Massachusetts, Museum, The Deerfield Inn, the Allen Sisters Photography | admin | 
May 21, 2009 1:59 am | 
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As Spring rolls around the corner and the flowers begin to bloom, there’s no better time to view these spectacular views. The Channing Blake Meadow Walk will take you through the working farms then through the stunning meadows until the Deerfield River. This fully accessible path describes the local geology, natural history, and Native and European presence that once occupied Deerfield, Massachusetts. The path will open May 1st until December 1st. On your relaxing stay, be sure to accommodate your night at the traditional country inn, The Deerfield Inn. Located in the center of the 350-year-old National Historic Landmark village of Deerfield, you’ll find peace and serenity in any of their 24 guest rooms with their exceptional hospitality. You can reserve online or call 800-926-3865.
Flashback to at least seven generations before us in a walk through
Historic Deerfield located in the 330-year-old New England Town of Deerfield, Massachusetts. Back in the 1930’s, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Flynt migrated to the small town wishing to restore as much of the beloved town possible. Nowadays, more than 25,000 17th, 18th, and 19th century items, which were made or utilized by America, are revealed in eleven old museum houses. These houses alone were constructed from 1730 to 1850 in a town that attracts many by downright age. With special events running constantly, tours, a library, and even cooking programs no person could possible go uninterested. If you’re still hyped over the past after your visit, retreat to an inn equally as historic as the surroundings.
With twenty-three guest rooms, an authentic 125-year-old vibe, fresh and naturally raised cuisine, and plenty of conveniences, no other inn could compare to
The Deerfield Inn. Each room is meticulously decorated one by one with complete services from private tub/shower bathrooms to high-speed internet access to flat screen DVD televisions to complimentary gourmet breakfast to even homemade cookies and tea served every afternoon. Very simply you can book your room and while you’re at it, make a dinner reservation online and gourmand cooking will be awaiting when you prefer.
Tags: 18th Century, 19th Century, Deerfield, Deerfield Inn, Historic Inn, Historic Inns, Luxury Hotel, Massachusetts Bed and Breakfast, New England Top 10 Inns, travel
Deerfield, Historic, Massachusetts, Restaurants, The Deerfield Inn | marissa225 | July 15, 2008 10:12 pm | Comments (0)
Often times, Deerfield, Massachusetts is referred to as New England’s gem. Deerfield is home to thirteen beautifully restored, historic homes built in the 18th century, as well as the Flynt Center of Early New England Life Museum and two memorial libraries.
The Flynt Center of Early New England Life is a great place to visit if you are interested in learning about 18th and 19th century New England, with its constantly rotating exhibitions and knowledgeable staff. Currently, the Flynt Center is showing the following exhibits:
“Clothes Make the Man: The Colonial Gentleman in New England.”
“Engraved Powder Horns from the French and Indian War and the American Revolution: The William H. Gutham Collection.”
“Celebrating the Fiber Arts: The Helen Geier Flynt Textile Gallery.”
Just this past weekend, the Flynt Center opened a new exhibit – “Into the Woods: Crafting Early American Furniture,” where visitors can learn about antique furniture.
Deerfield is also home to the jointly administered Henry N. Flynt Memorial Library and the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association Library with volumes totaling 41,000 combined. These volumes include not only books, periodicals and microforms, but also local account books, diaries and letters.
To top off a visit to Deerfield, be sure to relax at the Deerfield Inn. The Inn offers 23 guest rooms and an award winning dining room that serves both lunch and dinner.
Tags: 18th Century, 19th Century, Antique Furniture, Colonial Life, Deerfield, Deerfield Inn, Historic Homes, Memorial Library, Museum, New England's Gem
Arts, Deerfield, Exhibits, Flynt Center, Massachusetts, Museum, The Deerfield Inn | marissa225 | 10:06 pm | Comments (0)
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