The Prospect Hill Overlook in Harvard, Massachusetts is a popular destination known for its sweeping panoramic views of Central Massachusetts. This area is also of historical importance, as Fruitlands, the short-lived 1843 agrarian Utopian project, is a National Historic Landmark there. Begun by Bronson Alcott and his family, this transcendental experiment included the then 10 year old Louisa May Alcott. For photographs of Fruitlands featured in an earlier blog, click here.
The overlook is a favorite destination for photographers, especially during foliage season. Last week, I viewed the foliage just beginning to turn.
Mt. Wachusett, the highest point in Massachusetts east of the Connecticut River, can be seen on clear days.
This conservation land also includes popular hiking trails.
A 75-acre agricultural area on this property donates over 100,000 pounds of fresh fruit annually to regional hunger relief.
This photograph of the Fruitlands farmhouse was taken a few years ago. Louisa May Alcott wrote about her difficult time here in both Little Women, and in a satirical essay Transcendental Wild Oats.
Gorgeous vista, Julie, the foliage is stunning this year!
A really enjoyable fall so far!
Lovely landscape images, Julie.
I call it happiness. Enjoy!
Yes, it’s always a treat to visit there.
So beautiful, Julie.
And the history of Fruitland and all other utopian societies is fascinating. I keep thinking I want to learn more about them.
I’ve been fascinated with the Transcendental era since I was a teen in the 70’s, made all the more powerful for me because Concord is a short trip from here. Louisa May Alcott was a fascinating and important woman of the time. I bet you’d like reading about her.
Best wishes for October fun!
Julie
Good for you for learning about transcendentalism when you were young. I know just a little and keep thinking I need to read more about it.
I know Little Women, of course, and was surprised by how evangelical it was. I think Louisa May didn’t have much say in the matter, similar to the ending of the novel. Had she not conformed to her editor, she would not have been published. How sad. I need to get familiar with some of her other works.
I never liked Little Women much. I agree with you, it seemed so preachy to my teenage ears. 😉 But here’s a link about Alcott’s other activities I think you’ll like. She actually supported her family for a time with light, saleable books, and still managed to write essays of her own thoughts.
https://sites.uw.edu/twomn347/2022/11/19/louisa-may-alcott/
Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Julie
Thank you, Julie. More to add to my reading list. 🙂
Superb colour photography
Thanks so much, Derrick.
Autumn is our favourite season. We mostly get the yellows here, so it is nice to see your reds and oranges. Have a great day Julie. Allan
Thanks. I think we’ll be hitting peek foliage soon.
Such a lovely time of year to capture on film. Beautiful
My favorite time of year. Thank for visiting!
So beautiful! Such a stunning view. We went to the Alcott House in Concord many years ago, but I’ve never been to Fruitlands.
Fruitlands is interesting, but hard walking on a hillside. (Poor Louisa!) I like Concord, and have toured the Alcott House, but never did the “tea with the Alcotts” experience they sometimes offer.