Merrill Coffin’s painting captures a serene autumn view of the Freeman Farm in Sturbridge, Massachusetts, a place he and his wife Lois cherished on their travels throughout New England. This piece, Lois’s favorite, was proudly displayed as the centerpiece in their dining room on Martin Road for many years.
The scene portrays a golden autumn landscape with a classic New England barn and a white saltbox house nestled beside a tranquil pond. Two horses stand facing each other in the foreground, adding a touch of life to the farm setting. The pond mirrors the red barn and saltbox home, while a wooden and barbed wire fence encloses the property. In the distance, hints of Sturbridge Village emerge, with a white church and steeple rising as the tallest feature. Eight houses and clusters of golden trees blend softly into the cloudy autumn sky, adding depth and warmth to the landscape.
According to Tom Kelleher, the curator of Freeman Farm, the painting reflects the timeless beauty and historic essence of this cherished New England site.
Photos Provided by Tom Kellher
“Our Freeman Farm is a recreation centered on the house built circa 1812- 1815 by Chester Belknap and purchased by Sturbridge farmer Pliny Freeman (1780- 1855) in 1828. In 1950/51 the house was condemned by the Massachusetts highway department and relocated to Old Sturbridge Village. It was moved to its present location in 1956. The basic information on the outbuildings is as follows:
Barn, Charlton, Massachusetts, c. 1830-50
Corn Barn, Thompson, Connecticut, c. 1830-60
Smokehouse, Goshen, Connecticut, c. 1800.The farm lay-out is based upon historical and archeological investigations of several farms in this area circa 1830. I attach a few pictures for your reference. You can find more information at our website, www.osv.org and using the search window.
It strikes me that the beautiful painting in question was inspired by a visit here rather than a depiction of a specific Old Sturbridge Village scene.”
Tom Kelleher, curator
This piece is in the family collection.
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