The reclusive and mysterious Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson is one of the leading 19th century American poets. Her honest and uninhibited writing made her an early feminist voice, even as she maintained an outward appearance of submissiveness. 

One of her most famous quotes: “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.”

Emily Dickinson was born in 1830 at her family homestead in Amherst, Massachusetts. She lived at the homestead for most of her life. Her brother, Austin, lived next door at “The Evergreens.”

The Dickinsons were well known in Massachusetts. Emily’s father, Edward, was a lawyer and served as the treasurer of Amherst College. Emily’s grandfather was one of the founders of Amherst College. Emily’s mother, Emily Norcross Dickinson, was a hardworking housekeeper and an introverted wife. Both parents were loving, but rather austere. Emily, as a result became quite close to her brother, Austin.

Here is “The Homestead,” where Emily spent most of her life.

The Homestead is just as nice inside, as it is outside. Here is the parlor.

And no surprise, they had a music room.

Here is Emily’s bedroom, where she spent most of her time writing. She was known as somewhat of a recluse.

Here is “The Evergreens,” which is right next door. This is where her brother Austin, and his wife Sarah lived. Sarah was a childhood friend of Emily’s.

Here is the front parlor. I’m not sure if the parlor was always this cluttered, or if this is just temporary, as renovations continue on the Evergreens.

Here is the sitting room.

Here is the dining room. Austin and his wife, Sarah, loved to entertain. This meant they had a whole staff to help.

Here is behind the scenes in the kitchen. Can you imagine having to cook an entire meal using this stove?

I wasn’t too sure how Mr. Ken would react to this tour, but he loved it! He is still talking about how much he learned.

Have you ever been to Amherst, Massachusetts?