Begun in 2010, this blog offers analysis and reflection by Susan Bailey on the life, works and legacy of Louisa May Alcott and her family. Susan is an active member and supporter of the Louisa May Alcott Society, the Fruitlands Museum and Louisa May Alcott's Orchard House.
An Alcott rag doll and embroidery by Abba Alcott, from the Fruitlands Museum Collection
I went to Fruitlands today with my sister to visit the art museum and happened across these interesting items:
Rag doll presumably owned by the Alcott Daughters, ca. 1840 This simple and well-loved doll made from rags was likely owned by the Alcott sisters. The wear of the fabric implies many hours of play. Fruitlands Museum Collection, The Trustees.Attributed to Abigail Alcott American, 1800-1877 Embroidered wreath with bird ca. 1810-1840 Silk, linen, wool Fruitlands Museums Collection, The Trustees
Apparently May was not the only one with artistic talent!
Another item in this collection was a black vest belonging to Bronson. Unfortunately I did not get a picture of it. But it did show how slight of build he was despite his height.
These items, along with an art exhibit, will be available for viewing until August 22nd, 2021
Reblogged this on Exploration | Emma's Website and commented:
Pre-pandemic, I visited Fruitlands. It was sort of a funny story. We were actually on our way to an apple orchard in Phillipston, MA called the Red Apple Farm. For a few years when we made the drive, I felt I needed to recount how Bronson Alcott dragged poor Louisa and her siblings out to Harvard, MA to live in a utopian society, which would be the farm that we know as the Fruitlands and how well that went. (It really didn’t go so good.) I also would make a crack about how people outside of MA depending on where they come from think that Harvard, MA is where Harvard University is similar to people who think that Quincy Market is in the city of Quincy, MA. (While there is a Quincy Market in the city of Quincy, it’s a convenience store and not THE Quincy Market in the city of Boston, MA.) We were passing the signs for it and something grabbed me and I said: “Let’s go to Fruitlands.”
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Louisa May Alcott is My Passion 
Possibly a doll that Louisa mistreated, May disdained and Lizzie loved and cared for. Thank you for showing this.
Aww!
Reblogged this on Exploration | Emma's Website and commented:
Pre-pandemic, I visited Fruitlands. It was sort of a funny story. We were actually on our way to an apple orchard in Phillipston, MA called the Red Apple Farm. For a few years when we made the drive, I felt I needed to recount how Bronson Alcott dragged poor Louisa and her siblings out to Harvard, MA to live in a utopian society, which would be the farm that we know as the Fruitlands and how well that went. (It really didn’t go so good.) I also would make a crack about how people outside of MA depending on where they come from think that Harvard, MA is where Harvard University is similar to people who think that Quincy Market is in the city of Quincy, MA. (While there is a Quincy Market in the city of Quincy, it’s a convenience store and not THE Quincy Market in the city of Boston, MA.) We were passing the signs for it and something grabbed me and I said: “Let’s go to Fruitlands.”
Cool! Thanks for that.