Society of Deerfield Industries

The Society of Deerfield Industries made handcrafts at a time when people worried that colonial skills and crafts were being lost. The turn of the twentieth century saw more and more factories and mass-produced items. Americans responded by joining in England’s Arts and Crafts Movement, creating handcrafts that were both beautiful and useful.

The Society of Arts and Crafts started in Deerfield in 1901, changing its name when it reorganized in 1906. Members made items such as willow and sweet grass baskets, pottery, braided rugs, and woven bed and table covers. Decorative iron objects were made by blacksmiths who found they had less horseshoeing work after the coming of the automobile. A separate group, the Deerfield Society of Blue and White Needlework, embroidered wall hangings and other items. Deerfield’s crafts were sold from homes and at the Society’s yearly exhibit, and were in great demand.

“The Society of Deerfield Industries”. View this item in the Online Collection.

Details

Date1901–1926
PlaceDeerfield, Massachusetts
TopicArt, Music, Literature, Crafts
Colonial Revival, Arts and Crafts Movement
EraProgressive Era, World War I, 1900–1928
Great Depression and World War II, 1929–1945