I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship.
Louisa May Alcott

Arlene and I took a ride to Concord.

This is Orchard House

And came to the home of Louisa May Alcott, and her family

As you walk to the entrance, around to the left you come across The School of Philosophy.

The Alcotts, and their neighbors the Emersons. practiced. believed in Transcendentalism.

We didn’t go in here. The site wasn’t part of the tour.  These structures are very old and certainly need work.

Coming along to the entrance of the house, is a sign, showing the Little Women Garden. Each sister had

her own little patch to plant her flowers. They liked to pretend elves lived there. Later in the season I’m sure

it’s lovely. It’s still too early for blooms here.

We were not allowed to take pictures inside her home.  I thought the museum store would have pictures or postcards.

They did, however there were only a couple, of views.  The most of the items were, her books, and writings on

Transcendentalism.

Her bedroom and writing desk.

They had wooden shadow boxes, showing some lovely miniatures.  We were allowed to take these pictures, before the tour.

A photograph of Louisa May

The plaque showing the home is, on the National Register.

It was a lovely visit. We learned a lot, about her family. The father, was a teacher, and made sure his daughters

kept journals.  Also that educating girls was just NOT done.  He had a more progressive view. All children should

receive and education.  Which had him fired from many positions.  Therefore they were quite poor. It wasn’t until

Louisa’s books were published and sold. They were able to pay their friend Emerson, for the house. And live, with an

income.

This is all part of the Minute Man National Historical Park.  Very close to this house is The Wayside. The Alcotts also lived there before they moved to their nearby home.  Actually it was lived in by three American Literary figures: Louisa May Alcott, Margaret Sidney and Nathaniel Hawthorne.  You really get a great feeling of history in this area.  This is The Wayside. It was under repairs, and won’t open till May. So we were unable to visit.

We then went to lunch in West Concord center. There were some monuments dedicated to those who fought and died, in the Revolutionary War. We didn’t get to visit those sites. As the traffic home would be a problem. We plan on returning, in a few weeks.