Little Women

My creation

My creationI was in Concord recently and I photographed my favorite landmark there, Louisa May Alcott's house, called Orchard House. I was watching the video of NBC's Today Show and they featured a Storybook Vacation talking about some enchanting vacation ideas based on the children's storybook theme. I was pleased that they included Orchard House.

On her wedding day


Alcott weddingOf course there are always fun things on the calendar at Orchard House. These wonderful events are not only for us big kids, but some enchantment for little children as well.

Orchard House Not only am I fascinated with the life of Louisa May Alcott, but Little Women holds a dear and special place in my heart. My mother gave me my first copy of Little Women and I still cherish this story.

Alcott weddingLast year I had the good fortune of seeing the wedding in period costume of Louisa May's sister.

Alcott weddingOh, I was thrilled they were having a wedding. It was the anniversary of Anna Bronson Alcott's wedding day on May 23, 1860. How exciting they were all dressed in costume and there was even an invitation, wedding cake and punch. I parked my car and was in photo heaven.

The littlest wedding guest thereNotice the red robin...the littliest guest there. Isn't it fitting that a robin would be a guest at Louisa May Alcott sister's wedding?

The brideThe bride wore Aqua, and the wedding was held in the Concord School on the Orchard House property due to inclimate weather. So charming, I think Louisa was smiling down from heaven at the festivities. I overheard the shopkeeper say that some of the people dressed in costume were relatives. Isn't that fun?

The invitation was so lovely on perfectly proper linen stationary the words so lovely:

"I've felt for the first time in my life the joyful consciousness that I am truly loved by a truly good man, one that with all my heart I can love and honor...one who loves me for myself alone, and with an unselfish, patient, gentle affection such as I never thought to waken in an human heart."

Anna Bronson Alcott
On her wedding day
May 23, 1860

Alcott wedding

Bronson Alcott, Louisa May's father wrote in a book he called Concord Days in 1982 about his home, Orchard House.

"My neighbors flatter me in telling me that I have one of the best placed and most picturesque houses in our town. I know very well the secret of what they praise. "Tis simply adapting the color and repairs to the architecture and holding these in keeping with the spot."


louisa may alcott black and white 5

No matter what season, I still find my camera wanting to photograph this place. Concord is one of the most charming towns in New England, and the history and the residents of this chapter and that of the Alcott's always gets my attention.

louissa may alcott's house
I believe the fascination for Orchard House goes way beyond Mr. Alcott's reasoning why his home was so praised. It was the love that lived there amongst the women who Louisa May based the characters in her beloved Little Women. To this day, when I walk into the doorway of this home, although a simple and less than pretty place actually...I can feel the love. It's still alive. The little shop holds so many treasures all boasting of Louisa May's glorious gift for writing.

Alcott weddingThankfully, so many little girls are discovering the magic in this book and the many books that Louisa May Alcott wrote. To think of all the lives that she has touched.

Orchard House

The song for this post is Little Women. To this day, when the world's outlook seems dim, I open up this wonderful book and get lost in another time and place. I open the door to Orchard House, a place where Jo still brings a smile to my face.


My creation
Kathleen Grace said...

When I discovered Louisa May Alcott's books in grade school, I read every last one of them. I love them all. My girls loved them too. They stand the test of time! I have never seen a picture of her house so I found this very interesting. Thank you for sharing it with us:>)

Kathleen Grace said...

When I discovered Louisa May Alcott's books in grade school, I read every last one of them. I love them all. My girls loved them too. They stand the test of time! I have never seen a picture of her house so I found this very interesting. Thank you for sharing it with us:>)

rochambeau said...

Great post and wonderful book to write about. I hope all who have not experienced it, will get to now because of your words!

My mom and her friend and Stephnie R. were blown away by MV FIber Farm youtube. Thank you Karen!

xo
Constance

Charlie McGee said...

HI KAREN, THANKS FOR SHARING ALL OF THIS. MAKES ME WANT TO GO GET THE BOOK AND READ IT AGAIN. I LOVE THE PHOTOS, IT HAD TO BE A MAGICAL TIME.
THANKS,
CHARLIE

Vintage Linen Treasures said...

Hi Karen,
I just came over from Kathy's Cottage. I almost ashamed to admit that I have never read Little Women. I LOVE to read but I find it so difficult to find decent books to read. I'm so glad I came across your blog, because I know exactly what my next book will be.
Thank you!
Patricia :o)

Marina Capano said...

Hi Karen! beautiful pictures! It is such a cute house! awesome post!
thanks for sharing! siempre tu blog es fantastico! I love its!
visit me anytime....

Mo'a said...

I have always loved going to Concord for a visit. Orchard House is a favorite stop.
I am so behind on blog reading and commenting. My family from Denmark is still with me...they will be leaving in a week. Being with them for a month has been a great gift :)

Mya said...

Karen,
What a wonderful post. I would love to visit. Your blog looks so wonderful and I enjoy reading your posts. I have an award for you on my blog. Come take a look see.
-Mya

Beverly said...

Karen, I truly loved this post. I have loved Louisa May Alcott most of my life. I think I read Little Women when I was eight years old, and I was captivated. I read every book I could find that she had written. Another favorite of mine was Rose In Bloom. Do you remember that one?

Thank you for sharing your pictures and your feelings. This brought a smile to my day.

Gabriela said...

Hello Karen,

What a fantastic post, memories of a great book!

~ Gabriela ~

Natasha Burns said...

How wonderful Karen! I can't get over that you are able to see her actual home! It's so charming and sweet

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Great post Karen! Loved the book and really enjoyed the movie. Seeing your photos here really made me want to go visit that home!
Penny

Life on the Edge said...

It has been so many, many years since I have read Little Women, but I remember how much I enjoyed the character Jo. She seemed so strong and I loved that she was a writer. I remember seeing the movie once with Katherine Hepburn, and she seemed like the perfect choice to portray Jo. I really enjoyed this post and seeing where Louisa May Alcott grew up. How wonderful to have been there on the day they were recreating a wedding! The wedding invitation was so beautifully phrased. Makes me want to use it if I had the chance!

Kady

Kady

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I too love this book. My Grandmother gave me this book for Christmas when I was 9 years old.There has not been a Christmas since that I have not read this book. It takes me to a time of s filled with so much love for ones family and the sweet simple treasures of live....Have a great weekend.....Love.....Mary

Rhondi said...

Hi Karen
What a lovely photo tour of Louisa May Alcott's home. How special that you were there for the wedding. It looks like a very beautiful place!
Hope you have a good weekend.
Hugs, Rhondi

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

OMG,I didn't even know that place existed. I have never been to New England and some day when I get there I must go see this in person. I wish I'd seen that show about other destinations like this.Wow!
xo

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