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 front entry photograph essay reads:
"Coats, umbrellas, walking sticks, dog leashes, and in years gone by the dog’s water bowl. …To the left of the front door, facing out, was the barometer and just outside the narrow window hung the thermometer. Both were read by the Skipper first thing each morning, and always glanced at and 'tunked' by whoever went out, stick in hand, leash in pocket, 'for a little stretch over to Oaklands.'
The constant out-flow of mail often paused here for weighing before the letters were put in the box behind the door - waiting for Bert, or John or Betty or Gloria to take them to the Post Office. Calling cards were left by those who had 'just stopped by.' And though the day is young, already Rosalind or Betty has picked flowers from the garden and arranged them."
About This Item
- Title: Front Entry, 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 39/2
- Collection: The Yellow House papers, Laura E. Richards collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Corridors
- Doors
- Flowers
- House furnishings
- Interior architecture
- Rugs
- Staffs (Sticks, canes, etc.)
- Umbrellas
- 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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