Explore the Fascinating Lives of Deerfield's Locals

The Dutton Family

Deerfield has always been known as an "agricultural" community. One of Deerfield's most beautifully situated farms was that of the "Dutton Brothers" on South Road.

In 1878, Frank Dutton and his wife Priscilla came to Deerfield to rent the farm from Nathan Merril, Frank later became the owner.

The Duttons raised a family of three girls and two boys. Leonard, Osma, Mattie, Lottie and Lulu

The Duttons were well known as industrious people spending long hours in their well kept fields and barns raising almost everything a New Hampshire farm could produce and then finding a market for their high quality goods. In Manchester Osma maintained a retail sales route for over 50 years.

Lulu married Mr. Luckenbach of Derry NH in February 1922, and sadly passing on May 5 1923. Mattie married Frank Caveric and settled in Kingston NH, Lottie remained single and kept house for her brothers, Leonard and Osma.

The Deerfield Historical Society obtains several Dutton artifacts. On display is a dress owned by one of the Dutton sisters, presumed owner Lottie, along with a braid of Lulu's hair, and Lottie's telephone pin.

For more information of the Dutton family refer to "Tales of Old Deerfield" Vol. 1, 1964 by Joanne Flint Wasson available in the museum store.

Exploring the Lives of Deerfield's Locals

Bernice C. Yeaton 1890-1945

Bernice Cora Yeaton was born in 1890 in Deerfield NH to Edson F. Yeaton and Hattie J. Yeaton. She lived her entire life in Deerfield and passed away in 1945 at the age of 55. Bernice is interred at Old Center Cemetery. The following is from an article published in The Union Manchester NH Thursday February 17th 1938.

Stricken at one year of age with Infantile Paralysis, which has kept her practically bedridden since Bernice C Yeaton, 46, of Deerfield, shown in upper panel with Mother, Mrs. Hattie J. Yeaton, as she turned to smile at cameraman, can turn out remarkable outline drawings, sample in lower picture, which she accomplishes by clasping hatpin between thumb and forefinger of left hand. She also does fine fancy work in a similar manner.

Local Legend: Bernice C. Yeaton

The Union Manchester NH Thursday February 17th 1938:

Deerfield Paralysis Victim Becomes an Artist

Recent developments in the treatment of infantile paralysis come too late to be of assistance to Bernice C. Yeaton of this town, stricken with the dread disease 45 years ago when she was one year old...

Had Miss Yeaton been permitted to receive treatment at such an institution as the Warm Springs GA Foundation, the chances are strong that she would have recovered, sufficiently at least to lead a fairly normal life and take care of her own wants. However, knowledge concerning paralysis was not a far advanced then as today. Although Miss Yeaton's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Edson Yeaton, consulted more

Indomitable Spirit

Bernice is possessed with an indomitable spirit, however and in face of all these difficulties, has achieved considerable success with fancy work and outline drawings which she accomplishes by clasping a needle or hatpin between the left thumb and finger. The pattern or paper is pinned on a quilt in front of her as she works. Centerpieces, bureau and table scarfs and other caref

Explore the Fascinating Lives of Deerfield Locals: Arthur J. Hammond

Arthur Josiah Hammond (1875-1947) Born in Vernon CT.

In 1880 Arthur was living on a farm with his Connecticut born parents. He studied art under Eric Page, Charles Woodbury and G.L Noyes at the Pape School of Design in Boston.

In 1902, Arthur married Ruth S. Freese of Deerfield. The couple traveled to England, Wales, Belgium, Holland and France. Arthur studied at the prestigious Academie Julian in Paris. During this time he was said to have produced over 300 works in the two and a half years spent abroad. Upon return to the United States the couple made Deerfield home. In April 1910 he listed himself as a "Landscap

In the 1920's he traveled along the California coast, with Ruth and their son, Maro Freese Hammond. The Hammond Family briefly took up residence in Carmel, working along side artist Harold Knott and Edmond Kingsbury as they sketched in the desert near Palm Springs.

Arthur had 21 of of his works exhibited at the Stanford University Art Gallery. He also had his work showcased at the 1915 Panama- P