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(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Alvah and George Howes of Ashfield, Massachusetts were early experts in the field of photography. The two brothers were also businessmen. They systematically photographed houses and then offered to sell these photographs to residents. They produced many thousands of images whose glass plate negatives are now housed at the Ashfield, Massachusetts Historical Society. This photograph of a house on Sugarloaf Street in South Deerfield is one of many pictures of houses on that street taken by the Howes. It transmits important information about the housing and culture of middle class Americans. A large veranda, or covered porch, extends the leisured and public space of the home. There is no front hallway; the entrance door opens directly into the front rooms. The woman and child wear everyday clothing. Note how the clothing the little girl wears differs from adult female apparel.

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