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 (north view) photograph essay reads:
"Beside the window is Laura E. Richards’ oak, roll-top desk where she spent much of her time in later years. Just behind her chair stands her reference shelf: encyclopedias, dictionaries, Bartlett’s, etc. The portrait over the sofa is of her grandmother, Julia Rush Cutler Ward and over the fireplace is a portrait of Henry Richards’ mother, Mrs. Francis Richards. Here too is Alice Richards’ upright concert grand piano; her library of music has been a source of wonder and delight. Her gift, having skipped a generation, has reappeared and the piano once again is in full use. Thursday evening open house welcomed friends and neighbors with hot chocolate and conversation. There would be times when Alice would play the piano, someone would sing, or a neighbor read his latest verses. Laura E. Richards held Howe Club discussion groups here for young men of Gardiner."
About This Item
- Title: North Parlour (North 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 39/3
- Collection: The Yellow House papers, Laura E. Richards collection
- Object Type: Image
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Desks
- House furnishings
- Interior architecture
- Living room furniture
- Living rooms
- Photographs
- Portraits
- Private libraries
- Rugs
- 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.
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.
