The Alcott family lived in Orchard House from 1858-1877, across from their previous property, Wayside. Amos Bronson Alcott wrote his book on Ralph Waldo Emerson here and his daughter, Louisa May wrote her autobiographical novel, “Little Women” here. Her sister, Elizabeth, who became Beth in the book, died two weeks before the family moved in. The house was set on 12 acres, including an apple orchard, hence the name of the house. Mr Alcott built a chapel and made several changes to the house, creating several nooks and crannies. The house is much as it was when they lived there. Most of the furnishings belonged to the Alcotts.

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