August 2016

Lavinia Dickinson with her cat

In honor of World Cat Day (August 8^th), Lavinia Dickinson is pictured here holding one of her beloved cats. According to Barton Levi St. Armand, “Emily Dickinson’s unswerving distaste for cats was paralleled by her sister Lavinia’s extravagant devotion to them.”

(Originally posted on August 4, 2016)

Happy (Almost) Birthday, Robert Francis

Poet Robert Francis was born on August 12, 1901 and came to Amherst in 1926. He is pictured here (4^th from right) at a family gathering seated across from his parents.

(Originally posted August 11, 2016)

Moving Marsh House, March 23, 1989

Built by Baxter and Jane Marsh in 1896 and 1897, this historic house was relocated nearly 100 years later to make room for the new police station.

(Originally posted on August 18, 2016)

Janet Dakin with two dogs

Tomorrow is National Dog Day and we’re celebrating a day early! Janet Wilder Dakin is seen here with two canine companions. In 1982, Dakin and friends founded the Friends of Amherst’s Stray Animals, now known as the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society.

(Originally posted on August 25, 2016)