Architecture and a Potluck Feast

Today we headed to the Flynth Center to have an informal tour given by the Collections Manager, Ned. We explored the Attic Collection area that's a storage facility open to the public. We briefly looked through the textile gallery (Amazing!) and explored a few of the other conservation, research, and storage rooms. The Deerfield collection is fantastic. The furniture, textiles, silver collection, ceramics, and all kinds of various pieces of early American decorative art.

We then attended a lecture by Bill Flynt, the grandson of the founders of Historic Deerfield. He discussed architecture of the Connecticut River Valley from 1600 to 1860. It was an interesting lecture and the readings we had last night supplemented the talk. We had a quick lunch at Allen House and then headed to the library from research paper exploration. I may be doing my paper on the philanthropic work of the Improved Order of Red Men, a fraternal society that had a chapter in this area from the 1860s to the mid-1900s. More specifically, they erected a statue of a Mohawk chief in Charleton, MA, about 30 minutes from Deerfield. The librarian at the Historic Deerfield Library suggested the topic to me because they have a small collection of manuscripts that cover the dedication of the statue and the philanthropic work of the group, as well as some meeting minutes of the society. I still have to discuss it with Josh, but it may be a good idea.

Afterward, all of the Fellows attended a potluck hosted by the President of Deerfield, Phil Zea. All of the sweet older folk who volunteer here and the staff who work here made delicious dishes for the occasion. Best potluck I've ever been to! We met many of the Master Guides, as well as volunteers, and other important museum staff members.

After dinner, a few of the Fellows, Horace, and I trekked through the Blake Channing Meadow Walk which goes through farm land, walked to the Deerfield River, explored the campus of Deerfield Academy, perused the Old Burying Ground, and discussed some of the historic homes and their beauty.

Now I am sitting in my cozy room, getting ready to start my readings on early ceramics. By the way, stopped at the home of the Deerfield Innkeepers and owners of Champney's Restaurant (the most comfortable and quaint Inn and restaurant EVER). They had two dogs and a cat named Fat Martha. We visited with them. Very friendly people. If you ever come to Deerfield, go to the Inn! The people there are the best and friendliest around.