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...there was no organized society for some time and to this day the central bond is of the loosest. The Society has no control over individuals. All general legislation is effected by "initiative and referendum." The secretary does not direct, but is simply a mouthpiece authorized to speak on matters which concern all alike, according to the will of the majority. All definite business is referred at once to the group or the person interested...from the first, each woman was expected to make her own designs, and stand on her own feet, and she chose to do so.
Mary E. Allen, "How They Do it in Deerfield," Handicraft Vol. III, 1911, p. 407.
Between 1901 and 1919, nationally-recognized photographer Mary Allen served as the treasurer of what was eventually named the Society of Deerfield Industries.