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 north parlour (south view) photograph essay reads:
"This wall of the Parlour held a wealth of family treasures along with many favorite books. In the left-hand bottom shelf were 'The Binx,' bound copies of Saint Nicholas, Joan of Arc (Joan storming the battlements), Noah’s Ark (Noah directing all the animals toward the great opening in the hull) delightfully illustrated and enticing for all children.
The bust of Samuel Gridley Howe, done by Henry Richards, is now at the Perkins Institute for the Blind. H.R. was an architect and watercolorist by training. When asked about the bust, 'perfectly simple!' he’d explain, 'One just makes exact measurements of every conceivable plane and copies it in the clay.' The glass case holds John Richards’ Croix de Guerre given him and Afro-American troops for their distinguished and gallant service during the First World War. He kept in touch with his men all his life long, going to New York yearly to visit those who could be there.
The photograph in the upper left is of four generations: (left to right) Julia Howe (Richards) Shaw, Julia Ward Howe, Laura Elizabeth (Howe) Richards, and Henry Shaw in J.W.H.’s lap. Next is Stephen Jones, a forebear of H.R.’s, and then E.A. Robinson, a familiar of the household for many years."
About This Item
- Title: North Parlour (South View), 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 39/6
- Collection: The Yellow House papers, Laura E. Richards collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Busts
- House furnishings
- Interior architecture
- Living room furniture
- Living rooms
- Military decorations
- Private libraries
- Souvenirs (Keepsakes)
- Women authors, American--Maine--Gardiner
- Yellow House (Gardiner, Me.)
People
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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