Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
In 1985, photographer Elijah Cobb photographed the "Yellow House," also known as the Laura E. Richards House, a historic home in Gardiner. Built around 1810, it was famous for its connection to the Pulitzer Prize winning author who lived there for the majority of her writing career.
Cobb's mother and aunt, Rosalind Cobb Wiggins and Laura E. Putnam, authored a series of essay-length labels to accompany his portfolio. The kitchen photograph essay reads:
"The kitchen with its copper hot-water heater and coal-burning stove, soapstone sink and set tubs was, for many years, presided over by Maggie Beckwith. Maggie was an original pioneer settler of Prince Edward Island, where she lived with her parents. Being the oldest girl, she had no time for 'booklearning' but developed a prodigious memory. L.E.R., when she wanted Maggie to make something new, would read the recipe over to her three times. From then on, whenever asked for, it would appear, perfect in every respect. Her flaky pie crusts, fragrant bread, and above all her 'Scottish Fancies' were food to dream about. Other cooks came later (Maggie retired at 80), but none could compare in cookery or storytelling. She would give a restless child a bit of dough to shape and knead into her own rubbery muffin, all the while narrating how the bear tried to steal her pet lamb, so she whacked it on the nose with a piece of kindling wood.
The stove has been re-fitted for oil, and the great copper tank is only an auxiliary now, but still their warmth provides all the heat that is needed. Electrical appliances have superseded and the set tub is covered, for a counter. A modern 'fridge' replaces the old ice-box which was replenished with blocks of ice from the river twice weekly. But in the old wooden cupboards, the utilitarian open shelves, and above all the warm, welcoming stove and gleaming copper tank, the spirit of those older days peeps out merrily."
About This Item
- Title: Kitchen, Yellow House, Gardiner, ca. 1985
- Creator: Elijah Cobb
- Creation Date: circa 1985
- Subject Date: circa 1985
- Location: Gardiner, Kennebec County, ME
- Media: photographic print
- Dimensions: 35.6 cm x 27.9 cm
- Local Code: Coll. 2085, RG 39/16
- Collection: The Yellow House papers, Laura E. Richards collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
People
Other Keywords
- Authors, American
- Boilers
- Cooking
- Dwellings
- House furnishings
- Kitchen appliances
- Kitchens
- Stoves
- Suggested headings:
For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
Website
This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.
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