(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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With torch in hand, the Spirit of Religion leads the Pilgrims out of England to find religious freedom in this scene from a pageant in Deerfield, Massachusetts as photographed by Frances and Mary Allen.. This scene communicates the common belief that the primary reason early settlers came to this continent was for pious reasons. The fact that the majority of early settlers came for economic advancement is cast aside in Deerfield's pageants. The "Spirit's" costume reflects neoclassical influences popular at the time with the flowing robe and laurel wreath in her hair.

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"Spirit of Religion Leading the Puritans"

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