Ceiling interior of the Round Barn
at Hancock Shaker Village.
ANIMACTIONS UNLIMITED
44
GLENWOOD AVENUE - PITTSFIELD, MA 01201
(413)-448-2115
e-mail: richerla@aol.com
SIGHTSEEING TOUR DESCRIPTIONS
TOUR 3 - A BERKSHIRE TIME CAPSULE
Over 300 years of history are stored in the Berkshires. This tour will focus on landmarks and their respective associations of events that occupied three centuries provided through the courtesy of Father Time. Please keep in mind that sightseeing programs can be modified, or customized to fit your group's needs.
LET'S ANIMATE !
Ceiling interior of the Round Barn
at Hancock Shaker Village.
Starting in 1790, visit HANCOCK SHAKER VILLAGE. A guided tour of this museum restoration, will include a sampling of the 20 preserved, or restored buildings that immortalize the incredible history of the Shakers. First, see the working gardens that not only grew food for the Shaker community, but also grew herbs for medicinal purposes. Visit the Brick Dwelling, still standing strongly erect from its 1830 beginnings. The Laundry Building, the oldest of all of them, displays their ingenuity of efficiency. But, perhaps the greatest example of their genius is reflected in the famous Round Barn, begun in 1824 and restored in 1968. Their "simple gifts" of hard work, basic perfection, equality between men and women, and religious reverence, which lasted until 1961, will leave an indelible memory to any present day visitor.
As the tour continues, the route of enroute sightseeing bobs in and out of the three centuries of Berkshire history. There's also the 21st century, represented by a drive through the center of Pittsfield, the county's largest town and seat. Then, back to the 19th century as one passes by ARROWHEAD, the once home of Herman Melville (between 1850 and 1862), and where he wrote "Moby Dick". Then comes Lenox, with its prim village center, including the Church-On-The-Hill, the ornate library and town hall. Time, weather and circumstances permitting, a stop will be made at TANGLEWOOD, for a brief but fascinating lecture as to how it became the world famous summer home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Proceeding to Stockbridge, the 19th century "gilded age" is on view as one passes a representation of "cottages", reminders of that opulent period.
Back to the 18th century, once again, for a delightful THREE COURSE LUNCH at the RED LION INN, originally established in 1773.
Naumkeag - "Gilded Age Home
of
Joseph Choate, built in 1885
NAUMKEAG is one of the 19th century "cottages" that still stands in the way it was originally lived in. It was the home of Joseph Choate and his family. Choate was a self-made millionaire, the result of being a successful lawyer, who was also appointed Ambassador to the Court of St. James in London. His "cottage" was built in 1885 and designed by Stanford White, the famous American architect. After his death in 1917, his daughter, Mabel, maintained Naumkeag, and together with the aide of Fletcher Steele, a celebrated landscapist, created one of the most breathtaking gardens within the property. The tour includes a visit to see some of the 26 rooms, many of which contain a precious collection of Oriental porcelain, imported from China.
Norman Rockwell Museum
Stockbridge
Returning closer to the present and the 20th century, the tour will feature a visit to the NORMAN ROCKWELL MUSEUM. Located in the Glendale section of Stockbridge, once the site of the Linwood Estate, the museum displays a proud collection of the artist's Saturday Evening Post's magazine covers that spanned American history from the 1920's until the 1960's. There are also exhibits of works of other artists on display at different times. The artist's original studio, moved from its original location to a spot, adjacent to the museum, is available for inspection.
My how time flies! A memorable day comes to an end with return to the morning's starting point.
NOTE: Dining accommodations at the Red Lion Inn are subject to availability. In the event of non-availability, luncheon arrangements will be made at another restaurant of similar grade.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO BOOK THIS TOUR FOR YOUR GROUP? CALL 413-448-2115 OR e.mail: richerla @aol.com
Other tour descriptions:
Or return to: