Discipline: Literature

Abbie Brown

Discipline: Literature
Region: Boston, MA
MacDowell Fellowships: 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1922
Abbie Farwell Brown (1871-1927) was an American author who spent her entire life living in the family's home in Boston. She was the oldest of two children. Her sister, Clara, was also part of the literary world; she became an author and illustrator, using the pen name of Ann Underhill. In 1886, Abbie Brown received the honor of valedictorian of the Bowdoin School. When she went on to the Girls' Latin School, she was one of the founders of the school newspaper, The Jabberwock. Still being published by the school, it is one of the oldest newspapers in the U.S. Brown went to Radcliff College in 1891. In 1900 she published her first children's book, The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts. In addition to stories, Brown also produced poetry for children. Her poetry for adults was not as successful. Writing song lyrics was also part of her accomplishments. The official song of the Girl Scouts of the USA, "On the Trail," was written in part by Brown. Literary life was important to Brown, and she became a member of various literary clubs and did editing work.

Studios

Star

Abbie Brown worked in the Star studio.

Funded by Alpha Chi Omega, a national fraternity founded in 1885, Star Studio — built in 1911–1912 — was the first studio given to the residency by an outside organization. To this day, Alpha Chi sorority pledges learn the story of Star Studio and its role in supporting American arts and letters. Beginning as a nicely proportioned…

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