Orchard House: A Glimpse into the Heart of Little Women
Exploring the Historic Home of the Alcott Family
Orchard House Concord, Massachusetts
The Orchard House, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a historic treasure that offers a glimpse into the literary legacy of the Alcott family. Built in the 1600s and purchased by Amos Bronson Alcott in 1857, it became the home where his daughter, Louisa May Alcott, penned the beloved novel Little Women. Stepping into the Orchard House feels like traveling back in time, as the rooms have been meticulously preserved to reflect the Alcott family?s way of life. Visitors can explore the spaces that inspired the book?s characters, immersing themselves in the charm and history of this iconic American literary landmark.
Here are Eight fun facts about the Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts:
Historic Significance: The house was built between 1690 and 1720, making it a significant historical landmark. Before the Alcotts purchased it in 1857, it was known as "Hillside."
Revolutionary War Connection: The Orchard House has ties to the American Revolution. John Hoar, one of the earliest settlers in Concord, lived in the house in the 1600s. His great-grandson, Timothy Hoar, was a member of the Concord Minutemen and lived in the house during the Battles of Lexington and Concord.
Preservation of History - The house has been preserved almost entirely in its original state, offering visitors a genuine glimpse into 19th-century life. Over 75% of the furnishings are original to the time when the Alcotts lived there, providing an authentic experience of their daily life.
Inside the House:
- Many of the doorways are unusually low because Bronson Alcott, who was quite tall, wanted to ensure people bowed when entering rooms.
- The house has a secret passageway connecting two bedrooms, which the Alcott children used for their theatrical productions.
- May Alcott's original drawings still remain on her bedroom walls and windowsills, as her parents encouraged her artistic expression.
- The family's original bread board with the inscription "Give us this day our daily bread" is still in the kitchen.
School house on the Orchard House property.
Educational Hub - Bronson Alcott, Louisa's father, was an educator and philosopher, and he ran the Concord School of Philosophy in a building next to Orchard House. This school attracted many of the era's thinkers and was one of the first adult education centers in America.
Innovative for Its Time - Bronson Alcott was quite progressive in his living arrangements and educational philosophies. Orchard House included features unusual for the time, like a form of central heating and an early version of a laundry machine. Furthermore, the family was involved in social reform movements, including abolitionism and women's suffrage, reflecting their forward-thinking attitudes.
Film Location: The Orchard House was featured in the 2019 film adaptation of ?Little Women,? directed by Greta Gerwig. Some scenes were filmed inside the house, adding to its historical and cultural significance.
A rare picture of the backside of the Orchard House
Preservation Challenges
- The house was saved from demolition in 1911 by the Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association
- In the late 1990s, it was discovered that the entire house was slowly sliding down its hillside location
- Extensive structural work was needed to stabilize the building without damaging its historical integrity
Haunted Happenings?
Windows that I saw movement.
Back in the early 1990s, I took a friend visiting Massachusetts on a tour of historic Concord. We stopped by all the must-see spots, and after a nice dinner at the Colonial Inn, we decided to visit the Orchard House.
As we sat in the car, I shared some of the house's fascinating history, when suddenly, I noticed movement in the front doorway windows. It was late, the night was dark, and a faint light glowed from inside the house. There wasn?t another car in sight, and the house has no residents?so what was moving in the front hallway? Was someone watching us, or playing a prank? Chilled by the mystery, we quickly drove off, heading back to town. It was a fleeting moment, but it still sends shivers down my spine to this day.