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 Owl's Nest photograph essay reads:
"The Owl’s Nest, a barn chamber, was fitted out for Henry Richards many years ago as study, studio, and retreat. It was always a special treat to be allowed to visit there. One always searched first for the Great Horned owl, its yellow eyes glaring as though still alive, from the top of a tall bureau. In autumn there would be a fire in the Franklin stove with a tea kettle hissing comfort. Windows along three sides looked out into the garden, this one into the top of a lilac and along the porch roof. Opposite the bookcases stood an enormous mahogany desk fitted with a brass railing around the top, many slots for envelopes, cards, and paper, and at each end, full-width pull-out extensions. The descendent who presently owns it feels that he needs no other space to live. The desk (which was designed for H.R.’s father-in-law, Samuel Gridley Howe) is that big! The Indian clubs and dumbbells were used for many years by all the men-folk of the family, and some of the women too. Henry Richards felt strongly that physical fitness was of utmost importance. L.E.W. told of 'Pa' taking his family for Sunday walks up over Iron Mine hill, or to Rolling Dam, prowling in gullies and forests. An ardent naturalist, he took great pleasure in, and his children - and grandchildren - gained lasting profits from this and others of his wide-ranging interests."
About This Item
- Title: Owl's Nest, 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 39/15
- Collection: The Yellow House papers, Laura E. Richards collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Authors, American
- Barns
- House furnishings
- Interior architecture
- Private libraries
- Stoves, Wood
- 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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