The Garden Club of the Back Bay opens its 2013/2014 “Author Year” with a visit to the historic home of the extraordinary Alcott family, where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set Little Women. Amos Bronson Alcott originally purchased two houses set upon twelve acres of land on the Lexington Road in 1857 — both dating to circa 1690-1720 — for $945. He then moved the smaller tenant farmhouse and joined it to the rear of the larger manor house, making many improvements to the home, as explained in his journals of 1857-58. The grounds also contained an orchard of forty apple trees, which greatly appealed to Mr. Alcott, who considered apples the most perfect food. It is not surprising, then, that he should name his home “Orchard House.” Fortunately, there have been no major structural changes to the house since the Alcotts’ time, and on-going preservation efforts adhere to the highest standards of authenticity. Since approximately 80% of the furnishings on display were owned by the Alcotts, the rooms look very much as they did when the family lived here, causing many modern-day visitors to comment that, “A visit to Orchard House is like a walk through Little Women!” Following our Thursday, September 26 tour, which will begin at 10 am (our Garden Club members will receive written notice and car pool information in the mail) those who can stay will enjoy an optional Dutch treat lunch at The Concord Inn. If you are not a member of the Garden Club of the Back Bay but wish to join us, please email info@gardenclubbackbay.org.
