Deerfield

Early Deerfield was a town on the edge. Surrounded by Native Americans, caught between the English and the French, built on the frontier of New England, it was burned twice and its residents taken hostage. Most of the homes were purchased in the 1940s by Henry and Helen Flynt. It is now a museum of 17th century homes and home to three schools including Deerfield Academy, a prep school. The Street was formerly a trail for the Pocumtuc tribe and now is lined with pre-colonial homes open for docent as well as self-guided tours. The Wells-Thorn House presented a chronological progression of home furnishings from 1720 to 1850. Most apparent was the ever increasing show of success and wealth as depicted in the furnishings, paneling and wallpaper. Photos were not allowed so you will have to trust us that this was a most interesting and informative tour.

Jerry got lost in the Dwight House with its 18th century wood tools. The Flynt Center of Early New England Life further satisfied his furniture making soul with its room filled with 17th and 18th century furniture disassembled to see the construction. The center also had an excellent display of textiles, an interest of Helen Flynt.





The best part of the center was the “attic,” upstairs where the rest of the collection is stored in glass cabinets easy to explore. Among these items were ceramics, toys, more furniture, and powder horns, all worthy of display.