by Shari Randall
When a friend invited me to visit in Amherst, Massachusetts, I didn't hesitate to say yes. I adore visiting author homes and high on my list is the The Homestead, the birthplace and home of Emily Dickinson.
Most of us are familiar with the poetry of Dickinson, AKA the Belle of Amherst. Her approximately 1,775 poems comprise some of the most popular works in the world. Come along and visit with me, and I'll share some surprising facts about the home and poet.
This portrait of siblings Austin, Lavinia, and Emily (left, with the knowing expression) as a child offered the first surprise - her red hair.
The Victorians really liked pattern and color. The Homestead is full of brightly colored wallpaper and rugs (The docents are sure to mention that most of the furnishings are not original and are recreations.) Look at that rug in the living room!
Right next door is Emily's brother and sister-in-law's home, Evergreens. The surprise here was art-stuffed rooms, soot blackened walls, and overall haunted-manor vibe. The Evergreens was built for Austin, and his wife, Susan, at the time of their marriage in 1856. After their deaths, the home remained inhabited and kept intact by their daughter, Martha, until 1943. The furnishings are original and the home is undergoing a restoration process. Evergreens is a time capsule for those who want to see how it was when the Dickinsons lived there and Emily spent time there.
The dress on display in Emily's bedroom is a replica; the original is held by the Amherst Historical Society. Biggest surprise: You can spend a hour or two writing in Emily's bedroom! The Museum offers studio sessions here on their website: https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/studio-sessions/
One surprise was utterly mind-blowing to this writer. Many writers cringe at the thought of an editor changing their prose, but Emily took a different approach. One room is set aside for visitors to engage with her poetry and play editor. When writing her poems, Dickinson would place a plus (+) symbol next to select words and in the margins she would list suggested replacements. The museum has built a poem "slider" where visitors can change the text of her poems by replacing words and phrases with Emily's suggestions.
No surprise here. Amherst cherishes Emily's legacy, as shown in this mural that looks over West Cemetery where she is buried. Fans and aspiring writers visit and leave tokens of their esteem and their own poetry.
Are you a fan of Emily Dickinson's poetry? Do you have a favorite?
What an amazing trip, Shari!
ReplyDeleteAnnette, the town of Amherst and the entire area is so charming and easy to get around. I will go back and meet you there!
DeleteThings have changed a lot (or I suppose my memory is particularly untrustworthy) since I visited Emily Dickinson's home ~45 years ago , and for the better.
ReplyDeleteThere's been a lot of interest and restoration/recreation. It's a pleasure to visit, especially since the docents are so knowledgable.
DeleteThanks for the report and, especially, the great pictures. On my list of "someday" visits.
ReplyDeleteI hope you make it happen, KM!
DeleteLovely photos and descriptions. Dickinson was a favorite of mine in high school, but I haven't visited with her in quite some time. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteVery cool, Shari. Thanks for the tour and great pictures.
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