Qass Book f '^p. '" '. ' A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL . A GUIDE TO THE MUSEUM OF THE POCUMTUCK VALLEY MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION. By GEORGE SHELDON. WITH ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATIONS BY FRANCES S. AND MARY E. ALLEN. DEERFIELD, 1908. Copyrighl, 1908 By GEORGE SHELDON LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Frontisyiece 9 10 12 14 17 19 20 21 22 OF Deer Memorial Hall, from the Southwest Millstone Exhibit .... PocuMTUCK Cannon .... Old Indian House Door Relics from an Indian Grave West Wall and Table of Pitted Stones Fireplace Evolution of the Spice Mill Light of Other Days Dresser with Pewter Tablet Commemorating the Desolation FIELD, 1704 Other Mural Tablets Stephen Williams, One of the Captives Evolution of Linen Cloth Unique Fl.\x Wheel .... Autograph of John Williams, 1713 Leaf from an Orderly Book, Washington's An nouncement of the Treason of Arnold . Revolutionary Group Rare China Bonnets and Bandboxes English Bridal Chest, about 1600 Buffet from the House of Parson John Williams Chest from Scotl.\nd, 1675 . . . . . OF 1704 24 25 26 28 29 31 33 35 40 42 43 44 46 [3] LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Hand-wrought, Black Lace Veil . . . .49 The Bed Room 51 Unique Chest and Drawers 52 Fire Frame 54 Jacobean Cabinet 55 Draft Cylinder Used in the Rebellion . . 56 Bottle Made from the Palisade of 1704 . . 58 [4] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL This Quide is not a Catalogue. Its aim is to call the attention of the visitor to some of the more important and interesting his- toric articles; many of these are described and illustrated. First of all is Memorial Hall itself, the building in which our treasures are kept. This is an historic edifice and it seems fitting that a brief history of it should here be given. It was built in 1797-98 for the Dee'rfield Academy. The charter for that institution was signed by Gov. Samuel Adams, March 21, 1797. The' corporators were Esq. John WilKams, Maj. Seth Catlin, Col. Joseph Stebbins, and Lieut. Joseph Barnard. The first officers under the corporation were: Presi- dent, Rev. Roger Newton, of Greenfield; Vice- President, Rev. John Taylor: Treasurer, Dea. Jonathan Arms; Secretary, Dr. William Stod- dard Williams, all of Deerfield. This building stands upon an acre of land which was part of the homestead owned by Godfrey Nims, in 1692. In June, 1797, the corporation voted to erect a two-story brick building:, 60x28 feet. The bricks were made [5] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL from clay and sand found on the same home lot. The expense was met by a subscription among the citizens of Deerfield. A permanent fund was also begun at the same time and in the same way. To increase this fund, the Legislature of Massachusetts, in 1798, granted the trustees half of a township of land in the District of Maine. The school was opened with great eclat and ceremony, January 1, 1799. It was among the earliest academies of New England, and was for years the leading educational center of western Massachusetts. It contained at an early date a museum, a good library, and in its laboratory was a fine collection of philo- sophical apparatus. The first preceptor was Enos Bronson, Yale, 1798. The attendance for the first year was 269 boys and girls, 68 of whom were from Deerfield, and 201 from the well-to-do families in the region ranging from Springfield, Vermont, on the north, to Spring- field, Massachusetts, on the south; and from Royalston on the east, to Albany, New York, on the west. The school prospered, so that in 1809 it was found necessary to enlarge the building and a wing 30x30 feet was added, and the whole made three stories in height, more than doubling its capacity. It then be- came a boarding school. At first the pre- ceptors were generally graduates of Harvard or Yale. Later they were usually taken from its own alumni. Among these, one was Ed- [6] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL ward Hitchcock. Of all the distinguished men and women connected with this school, and these were many, — scientists, jurists, di- vines, authors, soldiers, statesmen, artists,^ none was more noted than Hitchcock. Born in 1793, the son of a Deerfield farmer, his whole academic education was obtained dur- ing six winter terms in the new school, mean- while working for nine months of the year on the farm. He was the preceptor, 1814-19. In 1825 he was called to a professor's chair at Amherst College, and to the presidency in 1845. He became the recipient of high honors from Harvard and Yale, with a world-wide fame as a man of science, although a graduate of no other institution than Deerfield Acadeniy. The corporation now owning this building is the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Associa- tion, chartered by the General Court in 1870 and organized May 26 of the same year. The object of this Association, as declared in the charter, was the ''collecting and pre- serving of such memorials, books, papers, and rehcs as would illustrate and perpetuate the history of the early settlers, and of the race which vanished before them." To that end much original matter has been published, and many thousand articles have been gathered. The Dedication. — This building was dedi- cated to its present use, September 8, 1880, when a large assembly was gathered on the OTOunds. Addresses were made bv men of [7] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL State and National reputation, among them George William Curtis, Charles Eliot Norton, and Charles Dudley Warner, and original poems were contributed by George B. Bart- lett, of Concord, and Cornelia Allen Smith, of Philadelphia. Thenceforth our collection rapidly in- creased by gifts from an appreciative public. Old erarrets were ransacked, dust-laden chests gave up their long forgotten things; upper shelves revealed queer treasures, unknown even to the owners. A certain horse and wagon became a familiar sight in the country round about, and the driver was allowed to forage at will by the long-suffering house- wives. They now come here by scores, and their hearts are gladdened to see their ''old duds" honored and safely housed. It should be added that in consequence of our action many thousands of articles are here and else- where preserved, which would otherwise have been destroyed. This fact is fully realized and often proclaimed by a thankful public. Before entering the building it will be well to linger awhile on its threshold. Here are two "relics": one of the ''Early Settlers," and one of the "Race which vanished before them," — to quote from our constitution — which show a fundamental difference between the races. The principal cereal of each was Indian corn; one mode of preparing it marks civilization, the other savagery, and both are here seen [8] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL in this Millstone exhibit. On the left is the first of its kind set revolving by water power in the valley of the- Pocumtuck; from its whirling edge a golden stream poured forth PH ^^MtfSfil^BH^^Hi^l^^^^^^^^^^^H MILLSTONE EXHIBIT abundantly at the touch of the miller's lever. On the right hand, in sharp contrast, stands the primitive Mortar, in which a scant portion of corn was slowly crushed and pounded by the pestle of the patient squaw. [9] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL OLD DEERFIELD CANNON THE VESTIBULE Here the visitor is expected to register. Over the right el- bow as he sits at the desk is the prototype of the gas brack- et and the German student lamp, a unique contrivance made by a gunsmith in Deer- fiekl about 1750, and used on his shop bench for evening work. At the left hand stands a good specimen of the tall Hall Clock made long ago by a Willard in Boston, and for gen- erations regulating affairs in the family of a collateral de- scendant, Samuel Willard, the fourth minister of Deerfield. Beyond that is the old Po- cumtuck Cannon, renowned in the annals of the town. It was here before 1748. Above this hangs an Aegis or allegorical painting, which formerly hung in the dancing hall of the old Nims Tavern. Over a door on the right of the entrance is the head of a Rocky Mountain Sheep of remarkable size, which was picked up by a Deerfield [10] INDIAN ROOM boy in the Bad Lands of Montana. Under this we enter the INDIAN ROOM Here are thousands of articles connected with Indian history, or used by the aborigines as weapons of war or the chase, implements employed in agriculture, manufacture, or in the domestic arts; badges of authority, orna- ments, etc. The strongest magnet in this room is the old ''Indian House Door." Here, Indian and English history unite. On its gashed face may be read an epitome of the bloody wars of Eng- land and France, — religious wars, and wars of conquest, projected into the New World Colonies. In all New England there is not preserved in any historical collection to-day any single relic that can compare with this old battered Door. There is nothing so realistic, nothing that brings us in such close touch with the horrors of Indian warfare, which terrorized and desolated the English settlements, as this old tale-telling, hatchet- hewn Door. It tells how it stood stubbornly defying the ferocious savage and defending those within from captivity or murderous slaughter. The evidence of this is certified to by the cuts of the Indian axes upon it, made on the night of February 29, 1704, when this town was assaulted by 350 French and Indians [11] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL OLD INDIAN HOUSE DOOR [12] INDIAN ROOM from Canada under Sieur de Rouville, a scion of the French nobihty. An engraving of the leader hangs beside this exhibition of his work. Look upon his portrait and then upon his work, and a queer feehng of surprise comes over you. On one hand the face of a high-bred young man in the rich costume of the Court of France, with the kindly face of woman, every feature peaceful and serene; on the other hand, the bruised and wounded face of the heroic door with the marks of the bloody demoniac horde which this man had led three hundred miles through the wilderness that they might surprise, break through, and butcher those under its protecting shelter. Here is seen a contrast hard to reconcile with the facts. The Oak Chest hard by, could it speak, might tell of the fearful scenes of that night of horrors. It was no doubt taken from the burning house of David Hoyt by some savage eager for pillage, and so escaped the devour- ing flames. A companion for the Chest is now seen on a shelf in the southeast corner. It is all that remains of a six-pail Brass Kettle that was in the same house with the Chest. The Kettle was filled with wort, and was melted down as fast as the liquid was evapo- rated. The bottom was later converted into a culinary vessel. The Kettle's story has been translated by one who entitled it ''Sounding Brass," and it has now a permanent place in Vol. I of our "Proceedings." [13] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL [14] INDIAN ROOM Near the Chest is a case containing reHcs from an Indian grave on the Sheldon home lot. A piece of Pottery which is one of a few found unbroken in New England, a small amount of the true Wampum, a large number and variety of Glass Beads, and some ornaments of Shell. To the east is a long case contain- ing the collection of Jonathan Johnson, a pioneer in this work and in this Association, where can be seen a general assortment of Indian fabrications. In a frame on the wall beyond is shown the handiwork of the late James Smith, of Whately, an ingenious mem- ber of our body, who could outdo the natives in their own field, on a trial of skill in fashion- ing Arrow Points. In a case near the entrance, made to shelter the Old Door before it came to our hands, hangs the coarse home-made Linen Shirt worn by Samuel Allen, when killed by Indians at the Bars in 1746, — a bloody memorial of the times that tried the souls of our fathers and mothers. Lying on Case B is a Gun in a far- gone condition of decay. Generations ago it was found on the field of the Turners Falls Fight of 1676. This is doubtless a memento of that event, covered and preserved by the drifting sand. Lying near by is what remains of a small Red Shoe. It tells a thrilling tale of little Sarah Coleman. When four years old she was torn from her home in Hatfield, and [15] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL carried with others to Canada — the first captives from New England to take this sad journey. Redeemed the next year, she came home on foot, via Lake Champlain and Albany. This is one of the shoes in which she walked these hundreds of miles through the wilderness. A table at the left of the entrance is covered with stones bearing artificial marks, but of unknown use or history. It has been gen- erally supposed they were connected with the Indians, but no trace of such connection has yet been discovered. Probably they belonged to some prehistoric race. They are found only in limited areas, loosely defined, and not at random as are common Indian belongings. In size they vary from 3 ounces to 63 J pounds. We name them ''Pitted Stones," from the indentations on either side by which they are characterized. The number of pits vary from one to fifty. On the wall near by is an original Deed, from Chauk (Chaqve), Sachem of Pocum- tuck, and the photograph of another, given by Mashshalisk, an Indian woman. It is very commonly said and believed, that the English settlers stole the land they occupied from the simple Indians. Here we see absolute proof that the soil which we have inherited was bought from those whom they found in posses- sion. An examination shows that it was not ''bought for a song," but at a rate equal to the M ^y^ [16] INDIAN ROOM [17] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL cash price current amongst the English at that date. The proof is in four deeds, " signed, sealed and delivered" in 1666, 1667, 1672. On the wall are, also, under glass. Manu- script Letters and Military Papers testifying of King William's and Queen Anne's Wars, 1692-1713, and a Letter from a captive of February 29, 1704. To the right are Me- mentos from the battlefield of Little Big Horn, the scene of the Custer slaughter. These were given by William O. Taylor, one of Custer's troopers, who picked them up the morning after the fight. They are forceful reminders that civilization and savagery are still at deadly odds. Across the vestibule is the KITCHEN Here is another atmosphere, and another phase of early life confronts the visitor. With slight imagination the olfactories are regaled with the odors of savory viands, roasting, boil- ing, frying, in and about the great Fireplace, with the Back Log and the Forestick, on the Goose-neck Andirons. Here is the Gridiron, the Frying-pan, Spider, Skillet, and all the appliances for old-time cooking. In Case A is shown the evolution of the Spice Mill, the Molds for casting Pewter Spoons, the Steel Forks and the Knives with the swelling end for conveying food to the mouth, used until it [18] KITCHEN [19] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL became a deadly social sin so to do, and society was put in training until it could eat peas with chop sticks, or an equivalent. Here is the Bread-trough, Knot-bowl, Mortar and Pestle; the Dash Churn; and all things needful for makino: Candles. The Turn-up Bed, the progenitor of all modern folding beds, the EVOLUTION OF THE SPICE MILL Foot Stove and Warming-pan, the Candle- stick, the Tinder Boxes, for striking fire, the Betty Lamp, are all old and full of in- terest. Here may be studied the evolution of the Lamp. On the north wall is the generous Dresser, loaded with old-time household Pew- ter; on its top is a set of official Measures furnished Town Sealers by the Colony. To the right in the illustration is seen the small [20] KITCHEN TINDER BOX AND BETTY LAMP [21] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL [22] MEMORIAL ROOM iron Kettle ^Yhich was used in the family of ''The Redeemed Captive." Apparatus for making cheese is in the little annex behind the fire-proof door. The Settles, where one can sit and see all these and a hundred other things, are more than a century old. Up one flight from the Vestibule is the MEMORIAL ROOM Facing the stairs are the Mural Tablets, commemorating the killed and captured, in the assault bv the French and Indians on Deerfield, February 29, 1704, with references to some of those who remained in Canadian captivity. Larger tablets opposite, commem- orate individuals, mostly early settlers of the town, and were placed there by their descend- ants, among whom are Vice-President Levi P. Morton, and Marshall Field. Here are gathered portraits and personal memorials of men and women, which their descendants have been wise enough to place in our care. Notable among these are por- traits of Stephen Williams, son of the ''Re- deemed Captive;" of Elijah Arms, who died in 1802, and his wife, whom he married m 1774, artist and date unknown; of President Edward Hitchcock; of Col. Elihu Hoyt, born and for sixty-two years an inmate of the Old Indian House which he guarded with constant care; Ephraim Williams, father of [23] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL ERECTED A. D. MDCCCLXXXII. Br THE POCUMTUCK VALLEY MEMORIAL ASSOCIATION: m HONOR OF THE PIONEERS OF THIS VALLEY. BY WHOSE COURAGE AND ENERGY. FAITH AND FORTITUDE THE SAVAGE WAS EXPELLED AND THE WILDERNESS SUBDUED; AND TO P£BP£TUAT£ THE REMEMBKANCE OF THE SUFFERINGS AT DEERFIELD, FEB. 29, 1703-4, Xl^HEN BEFORE THE SHEAK Of DAY. S40 ffiEMCH AMD IHDIANSX JUNDER THE SfEUR HERTEL DE ROUVILLE, JSWARMING IN OVER THE PALISADES ON THE DRIfTEO SNOW.| ISURPRISED AND SACKED THE SLEEPING TOWN, AND KILLED OR CAPTURED THE GREATER PART OF ITS INHABITANTS. On Inhlit. „r ,"!,<■, hn„,l r^rordtd „< In, > ,i,,,,.,,„,, /.y their- I,,,,!,;,). art th, .»:/.>//> ,u, foccajrr /£^ UtStlK^^ Hk -9^ AUTOGRAPH OF JOHN WILLIAMS [31] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL when the power lay behind either of them. Nobody will read them any more save the historical student seeking the trend of the road, and the broken shackles of the grosser superstition left by the wayside in the onward march toward ultimate liberty of thought. We keep these works as curiosities, as we do the stone axe, the long-handled frying-pan, the tinder box, the tithingman's rod, and the leather breeches. Old Account Books of farmers, traders, and craftsmen, crammed with material for the study of local life and habits in days lang syne, may here be found. Our many thousand pieces of manuscript are not yet catalogued, and are not available for use except by spe- cial arrangement. Some of the most rare historical papers, however, are shown under glass on the walls. Among these are Auto- graphs of Governor Andros, 1686; several men of Dedham, 1671; General Gookin, 1664; Colonel Pynchon, 1665; Ezekiel Cheever, 1665; and Parson John Williams, March 24, 1712-13. This is a deed to John Sheldon of one-half of two islands in the Connecticut river, granted to Mr. Williams by the Gen- eral Court. His wife, Abigail, makes her mark, but we have her autograph in 1729; also the autograph of John Williams's daugh- ter Esther, 1707, and son Stephen, 1733. Be- sides these there are autographs of Col. John Stoddard, 1729; Governor Belcher, 1740; [32] LIBRARY TREASON OF ARNOLD [33] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL Governor Hutchinson, 1749; Governor Ber- nard, 1761; Paul Revere, 1765; many men of Hatfield, 1774; John Hancock, 1785; Samuel Adams, 1799. Other papers are two Deeds signed by Pocumtuck Indians 1667; official paper relat- ing to Hadley, 1661; part of plan of Deerfield Street, original survey, 1671; an Orderly Book used at West Point, containing the announce- ment by Washington that " Treason of the Blaclx'est Die was yesterday discovered.'' It was the attempt of Arnold to sell West Point to the British, September '-25, 1780. The Deerfield Alcove. — In the Annex, one of the alcoves is devoted to books and other literature by natives or residents of Deerfield. Additions are invited from those entitled to representation therein. Of modern works, the "Soldiers and Sailors of Massachusetts ' in the Revolutionary War, will be found a most convenient place to seek credentials for membership in the patriotic societies. MAIN HALL This Hall is up one flight from the Memorial Room. Here are shown an almost endless variety of relics and curiosities, connected with the historic past. Prominent and noteworthy, at the head of the stairs, is the Revolutionary Group, a realistic exhibition. [34] MAIN HALL [35] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL Near the center is the bold signature of bold John Hancock, which "John Bull could read without spectacles." It was written Julyl, 1775, while he was President of the Continen- tal Congress, and is affixed to the delayed commission, appointing Joseph Stebbins a captain in the New Continental Army. Steb- bins had actually held this office on Bunker Hill, June 17th, two weeks before. At the left hangs his business-like Sword which is flanked by that of his lieutenant, John Bard well. Here are Muskets, which on the same occa- sion sent the leaden hail into the ranks of the advancing Red Coats and taught the proud Briton the power of a freeman's hand. Face to face with these are mementos of the great victory at Saratoga, where the haughty Bur- goyne-laid down his sword at the feet of an aroused yeomanry; English and Hessian Mus- kets ; Ammunition Boxes and other fixtures for Cannon. A fragment of a Silk Crimson Ban- ner, which appears to have been divided among the captors; a Linen Towel, and a Brass Candlestick; the three probably from the headquarters of the commander. Con- trasting with this English flag, is a fragment of a homemade Continental Flag, of linen with red flannel stars, which saw service in the regiment of Col. Hugh Maxwell. Here is a Watch, which bears upon its face evidence of the friendly relation of France to the United States during the Revolution. Instead of the [36] MAIN HALL usual figures marking tlie hours from one to twelve, we see the twelve letters comprising the w^ord Independence. The watch was made in France for the American market, and this specimen was a gift from a citizen of Ashta- bula, Ohio, a descendant of John Stebbins (one of the captive boys of 1704), and a hero of the great Civil War. Here also are Autographs of Revolutionary soldiers; Paul Revere's picture of the Boston Massacre, and a score of other articles recall- ing this period. Next beyond are some remains of the Deer- field Meetinghouse built by the town for the Redeemed Captive in 1729, and some of the brass works of the Old Clock placed in the steeple in 1744. Appliances for personal use lie scattered about. A table near by shows the everyday Shoes of ''Uncle Sid," a great variety of Leather and Wooden Shoes, and some Shoemaker's Tools. One table is oc- cupied with a set of Cooper's Implements, another with a multiplicity of old Carpenter's Tools, which moderns like to contrast with their own, and other mechanical appliances. Hanging in a line above, are x\gricultural Implements from the Azores, for comparison with the exhibit of those used by our fore- fathers. Notable are the Wooden Plows and Shovels, and the varying patterns of the Skepe or Corn Fan upon the walls. The Saddler's Kit, the Saddles, the Saddle Bags, [37] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL the Portmanteaus, and the Bridles, strongly suggest the old mode of traveling, and this is emphasized by the collection of Tavern Signs of the eighteenth century here displayed. There are also two beautiful examples of old Side Saddles; one, owned bv Marv (Hoyt) Williams of Deerfield, 1760-1821;^ another, owned by Keziah (Plympton) Harding, 1740, a descendant of the unfortunate Sergt. John Plympton, one of the first settlers of Deerfield, which remained in this family for 166 years. Continuing we face an ancient Chest and Drawers marked S. AY., said to be Susanna White of the Mayfloiver, ornamented by paint- ing instead of the usual carving. This came down in the White family with an interesting history. Near by is an Astronomical Instru- ment made and used by President Edward Hitchcock, and also his Surveying Apparatus. Here are Bricks from old houses; one ob- tained at York, Maine, from a house built in 1630, and another, a sun-dried brick from Salem, dating back to 1667. Here for special reasons are placed Fossil Animals from the West, and unique Claystones from the Con- necticut valley. Case A is devoted to old Costumes, Cocked Hats, long Stockings, Knee Breeches, ''and all that." Case B is occupied for the same purpose. Here may be seen a Brocade Wedding Gown of 1785; a Boy's Suit worn in 1784, a Red [38] MAIN HALL Ridinghood Cloak; a Woman's Cloak of 1766, from Vermont; and the small Gown made for ''Little Mary" Hawks. Case C contains the remnants of a museum which was established in the Deerfield Acad- emy at its very beginning, 1799, and which came to us with the building; to this some miscellaneous matter has since been added. The museum was originally made up from articles obtained by travelers and sea captains, from the Indies, and the far-off islands of the sea. The Chinese Pagoda "made of boiled rice" was considered by us boys as the eighth ''wonder of the world;" and Ave revelled in the strange garments, utensils, and weapons of the tropics and the Cannibal Islands. This was largely a loan collection, and it was broken up by the recall of the most valuable relics about 1840. In view of this example, our Association adopted the rule that every ar- ticle placed here must be a gift, and not a loan. Case D. — On one shelf are some Fossils similar to those of Avhich we have already spoken. Here are collections of Coins and Medals, rare Pitchers, Dishes, and Plates, many of them of historic interest. The top shelf is devoted to Pumpkin Hoods, Calashes, and other quaint bonnets. Queer old Band- boxes, in which this head gear was kept, are on the top of this case. One of these is of birch bark. Case E is crowded with a rare collection of [39] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL [40] MAIN HALL miscellanies; among them exquisite pieces of Glass and China, Lowestoft, and other table ware, Mahogany Castor, Pocket Nutmeg Graters, Patch Boxes for l)eauty spots, a Gold Locket and Miniature (Philadelphia, 1831). Below are seen a Wedding Ring, Sleeve Buttons, Needle-book of Diana (Hinsdale) Dwight, married 1774; homemade Linen, 1754, 1761, 1774; Cowhide Baby Shoes, 1767, and a Buckskin Wedding Glove of the baby's father; grown-up Shoes worn by "Little Mary" Hawks; Silver and Ebony Hat Pins of the eighteenth century, the counterpart of those of 1908; Tortoise Shell Combs, and scores of articles of local and general interest. Case F. — ^This case contains a collection of rare Mugs, Pitchers, and Cups; also articles from the glass works of Warwick, 1812. Here, too, is the Pitch Pipe of Justin Hitch- cock, 1752-1822, used in leading the choir. There are also a large number of relics of historic objects and places; wood from the Charter Oak, Boston Elm, and Old Iron- sides; also interesting old Snuff Boxes. On the north side of Case F are Wedding Slippers, Spectacles, and Barlow Jack Knives galore. The small Bell near the stairway was taken from the bell tower of this building, where it was used by the Deerfield Academy for school purposes. Near by is an elaborately carved Bridal Chest from England, some three hun- dred years old. It was used for generations [41] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL in the Old Indian House. Hanging above this is the huge Camp Kettle of Maj. John Burk, used in the campaigns of the French and In- dian Wars. On the south wall opposite is a Pew Door taken from the "Old Ship" in Hingham, in 1873. This meetinghouse was built in 1681, and is the oldest in the country which has been BONNETS AND BANDBOXES in continuous occupation down to the present day. It had a new floor and new pews in 1873. Below this is a Highboy which be- longed to Dr. Elihu Ashley, who was married in 1775. It is not unlikely that this came down from his father, Jonathan Ashley, the second minister of Deerfield. Case G contains an incomplete Hookah — - [42] MAIN HALL an elaborate Pipe handsomely inlaid with silver, originally from the East, and later a part of the old museum. Here, also, are brass and silver-plated Knee and Shoe Buckles of various design ; brass Candlesticks, 1780-1830, and Scales for weighing gold and silver coin, 1752 or earlier. ENGLISH BRIDAL CHEST, ABOUT 1600 Case I appears on the right as we pass to the west; it is the old Buffet taken in 1878 from the house built for Parson Williams by the town in 1707. (It may here be noted that this is the only article in the Hall which is not a gift to the Association.) Its semicircular shelves hold an assortment of rare old China. Several pieces are from the household service [43] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL BUFFET FROM THE HOUSE OF JOHN WILLIAMS [44] MAIN HALL of Roger Newton, the second minister of Greenfield, settled in 1761, and there are pieces from the family of Joseph Warren of Bunker Hill fame; others were owned by Gov. Levi Lincoln; others long in use in the Old Indian House. Some are Willow^ Ware, some Wedgwood, some Delft. Near this Buffet is a gilt-framed Mirror with curious ornaments. It was given by Col. David Field to his daughter Filana on her marriage to ''Uncle Sid" about 1785. Below this is a fine specimen of the Chest and Drawers, bearing the Scotch thistle carved on the front. According to a tradition in the Kenny family in which it came down, this chest was brought from Scotland by an an- cestor about 1675. The Grate in the fireplace was taken from the Parson Williams house, w^hen it was removed to its present site in 1878. Good specimens of brass Andirons are here displayed. Close at hand is what remains of a Spinet made about 1750, and owned by Miss Susan Barker, of Hingham; near it is a Piano of London make. This was brought to Deerfield in 1808, by Mrs. Susan (Barker) Wlllard, and was the first instrument of its kind in this region. Standing between the two instruments above named, is a quaint Bureau which belonged to Persis Hoyt, who was born and brought up in the Old Indian House, and who married John Sheldon in 1769. Case K resting upon this bureau is filled with [45] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL [46] NEEDLEWORK ROOM a choice selection of China, etc., from the Sheldon family. On the walls about hang life- sized Silhouettes and old-fashioned Prints. Case J is mostly occupied by old Teapots and Sugar Bowls; some interesting from age, and others by reason of peculiar color and construction. Case H contains about a hundred articles of pewter and earthenware; among these are Tankards and other vessels of pewter for the Communion Service; a Platter said by the donor to be about 500 years old, and a variety of dishes. On the wall hard by are rare old Umbrellas and Parasols; a Bass Viol made in Deerfield by Justin Hitchcock, about 1775, and used in the Sunday choir. A late musical authoritv says it is probably the first made in America. Here is a Parlor Organ built in Winchester, N. H., about 1820, one of the earliest built in this country. To the west is the NEEDLEWORK ROOM Notable among the articles hanging on the walls are the specimens of Embroidery by our grandmothers. Several of these were wrought by those who were pupils of Deerfield Acad- emy in this very building, 1799-1810. Land- scapes in colored silk are found here, with blue trees, pink and crimson cows, and yellow water,— the pride of parents and grandpar- ents, the finishing touch to the ornamental [47] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL education of the daughters of Deerfield and the gentry of the surrounding towns. Here also are the Samplers, the task and the delight of "Mary Aged 9," and "Abigail Aged 11," and their compeers. In these was foreshadowed the day of all days, the wedding day, — for were not these letters to be repro- duced in marking the finished outfit, after the girls had spun, woven, bleached, and fash- ioned their linen for the needs of the new household ? Thus every stitch was linked to their day dreams of the coming prince, and their castles in Spain. Under glass upon the wall are two exquisite specimens of domestic patience and industry, one a Black Lace Veil (one-quarter of which is shown) wrought by a farmer's wife some seventy years ago, chiefly by the light of a single tallow dip, after the household duties of the day were done (the illustration shows the veil entire) ; the other a large White Lace Shawl embroidered by a Philadelphia schoolmarm during intervals of leisure, about 1839. In one case may be seen part of a set of Bed Hangings, that masterpiece in blue and white, by the hand of Lucy Lane, a century before the present Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework had earned its widespread fame. This society in fact received its first inspira- tion and its name from this very article. In this room are also shown Bead-work, Fruit and Flower pieces on velvet, and a great [48] NEEDLEWORK ROOM LACE VEIL [49 A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL variety of embroidery, notably a homespun, finely wrought family Christening Robe. The infants have grown old and have turned to dust, but the handiwork of the loving mother is as perfect as when first glorified by the precious little lump of humanity. Adjoining is a small hall, called the Ante- room, little used at present; but here is a case containing a collection of fragments of sculp- tured Marbles from various ruined cities in Turkey and Asia Minor; a "Lily Chest," an album and an applique Bedquilt, and Quilt- ing Bars. Opening from this hall is the BED ROOM The most prominent article is a high Post or Tent Bedstead, of the last half of the eighteenth century; its hangings and furnish- ings correspond in age. It was part of a bridal outfit in 1810, but went out of fashion before 1840. At the left is the Hawks-Wells Chest and Drawers, of 1726. This is unique, as being, so far as can be learned, the only piece with three drawers, discovered and figured by the collectors. On the right is the Stebbins-Hinsdale Highboy, 1772, of elegant proportions and fine workmanship. Between these two can be seen the Chest with one drawer, which has come down in the Arms family, with the tradition that its first owner was William Arms, an early settler in Deer- [50] BED ROOM [51] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL UNIQUE CHEST AND DRAWERS [52] NEWTON ROOM field, and the first of his name in the country. He was married in 1677. From the Anteroom a flight of stairs leads down to the NEWTON ROOM This room is devoted to what our Associa- tion secured under the will of Solon L. New- ton, of Greenfield, in 1901. Mr. Newton spent much time, money, and loving care in gathering rare and curious antiques. Here are seen choice specimens of Ceramics, odd forms of old Pewter and elegant Brasses. Several of the pieces Avere valued by Mr. New- ton as high as $100.00 each. Of iVndirons, Frying-pans, Pots, Kettles, Trivets, and Spi- ders there is no end. Two old Fire Frames with cranes and interesting features are promi- nent. A quaint Corner Cupboard contains coarse kitchen ware, Milk Pans, and Stone Jars. A Turn-up Table and Spinning Wheel are near by. Upon the wall are some curious productions. The most notable article of old furniture is a carved Jacobean Cabinet over 300 years old. The articles here named are but a few of those on exhibition. It is a common remark of tourists that our collection of Pewter is not excelled by any in the country. We have a total of 345 pieces of which 240 are in this room. Opening from the Newton Room on the right, is the [53] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL FIRE FRAME [54] NEWTON ROOM JACOBEAN CABINET [55] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL MILITARY ROOM Here are seen old Flintlock ^Muskets of un- definable periods ; the same may be said of the old Pistols and Swords. There are flaskets and Knapsacks of the War of Impress- ment, and other military trappings. Articles relating to the War of Inde- pendence we have already seen in the Revolutionary Group in the Main Hall. In the glass case are other rel- ics of the late Civil War. Hanging on the wall is a me- mento of local in- terest, the Cedar Canteen of J. C. Peters, of Alaba- ma, a confederate soldier of Port Hudson, which was bought of him by John Barnard, of Deerfield, after the surrender of that fortress, July 8, 1863. The Draft Cylinder was used in drafting soldiers in the Civil War. [56] DRAFT CYLINDER THE FORT The Civil War collection is small. It was not through lack of foresight, but the lack of room, that we did not solicit relics relating to this period. Now we invite, and shall welcome and care for, all contributions to this depart- ment. Winding stairs from the Newton Room lead down to the door of the COUNCIL ROOM Here are held the business meetings of the Association. The room contains an antique Mahogany Desk and a few pieces of ancient furniture. On the walls hang prints and paintings worthv of note; two of the latter are from an ancient Mission in Mexico, age and artist unknown. Another is of Boston Harbor, which is bad enough to be really good; note the bending trees on the Mill Dam, and the ships under full sail, each regardless of the other, or the ways of the wind. This Panel was taken from over the fireplace, when the old Burk Fort in Bernardston was demolished. Here also is a Panel with a series of old English sporting scenes by the celebrated Hollar, 1607-77, original prints of the period. East of the Council Room is a large apart- ment called THE FORT Although this room contains a miscellaneous collection, it must have a specific name, ihe [57] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL Fort was suggested by the most impressive ob- jects in the room, which are some twenty memorials of frontier forts of the French and Indian Wars; and it was emphasized by the BOTTLE FROM PALISADE OF DEERFIELD FORT old Pocumtuck Cannon which stands guard at the exit into the Vestibule. The relief which brings us most closely in touch with the events of Februarv 29, 1704, is [58] THE FORT the Drinking Bottle made from fragments of the old stockade used in fortifying Deerfield. Here is a piece of the door of Fort Saw telle, at Vernon, Vt., built 1740; timber from Fort Lucas, Colrain, 1744, and a Mattock found on the site of this fort; a Panel from the door of Taylor's Fort at East Charlemont, 1754, and an old Fork from Burk's Fort. A picture of the Junkins Garrison House at \ork. Me., built before 1675, is framed from the panel moulding on one of its doors. Besides these there are Bullets from Fort Hill, the site of a Pocumtuck Indian Fort, and from the site ot the Jonathan Wells Fort. There are plans of Fort Dummer and Fort William Henry, ^ylth Bullets from the site of the former and a piece of wood from the latter. Here, also, is a block of wood and the end of a dowel pm from lort Shirley, at Heath, built in 1744. Wong the miscellaneous articles is the tront Door of the Old Smead House, built about 1710, with block sections of all the timbers m its framework. Many relics there are from other old houses. Here is a Machine for mak- ing corn brooms, not so very old, but out ot date, and growing older every day. 1 here is a row of Franklin Stoves, coining of late into fashion; this row is capped with a Revo ving Cooking Stove, of 1835, a great curiosity to housekeepers. Near by is a pump and smk for the convenience of visitors. An old i:'o^^ - dering tub,"— plain pork barrel,— with a lus- [ 59 ] A GUIDE TO MEMORIAL HALL tory and tale of travel, stands near by. It was carried by ox-cart from Connecticut through Deerfield to Townshend, Yt., by a first settler, about 1775. It was in constant use in the family with no repairs, until given us in 1874. Here is a Traveling Basket, unique so far as known. It is in the line of the evolution of the *' Saratoga." The student of Colonial ways finds a re- minder of old times in the top of a Gate Post, with an iron hinge hook, on which hung a *' great gate" in the line of ''Meadow Fence" which guarded the Common Field, now Deer- field Meadow. This fence was some ten miles long, built to keep out the live stock of the settlers, which roved about the surrounding woods. Gates, or bars, were erected wherever the fence crossed a highway or a private entrance. Standing near the exit from the Fort is a section of timber from the bullet-proof walls of Burk's Fort at Fall Town — a realistic relic of border warfare. We touch this with grati- tude akin to reverence. Eight score years agone it redeemed its trust by breasting a fierce attack, and standing between the in- furiate savage and the settlers at Fall Town who had sought its protection. The garrison was small, but apparently magnified by a rapid fire made possible by the brave women, who promptly loaded the empty guns. This rep- resentative of the Fort rejoiced with the in- [60] THE FORT mates in the triumph, when the enemy fled and its charge was saved. The tree from which this timber was hewn was doubtless growing when the Maypwer anchored at Plymouth. Exit into the Vestibule by the fire-proot door. [61] T. MoREY & Son- Greenfield, Mass.