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 dining room (west wall) photograph essay reads:
"The tray is ready for a before dinner glass of sherry, usually served in the South Parlour by John (In Henry and Laura E. Richards’ day no alcoholic drinks were served.) This too was a pleasant time for visiting and callers. Not everyone partook and there were always nibbles and juice at hand. The fire was lit in autumn and winter. If the weather was warm the 'cocktails' were moved out to the porch and full view of the garden."
About This Item
- Title: Dining Room (West Wall), 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 39/10
- Collection: The Yellow House papers, Laura E. Richards collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Authors, American--Maine
- Dining rooms
- Dining room furniture
- Dinners and dining
- Decorative arts
- Trays
- Sherry
- Cocktails
- Drinking glasses
- House furnishings
- Yellow House (Gardiner, Me.)
- Women authors, American--Maine--Gardiner
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.
Please post your comment below to share with others. If you'd like to privately share a comment or correction with MMN staff, please send us a message with this link.
