North Parlour (West View) [wide view of piano displaying full windows on either side], Yellow House, Gardiner, ca. 1985

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 (west view) photograph essay reads:

"On the wall opposite the piano there hung, for many years, a portrait of Alice Richards, done by her father, Henry Richards. According to L.E.W., when the paper mill failed, after a period of reflection and discussion, Henry Richards took the train to Boston and bought canvas, easel, and oils. He returned and set up the north parlour as his studio, working there daily on the painting. At the same time he was considering and exploring what path to follow in the coming years. It was during this period that the idea of Camp Merryweather was drafted and set in motion."

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About This Item

  • Title: North Parlour (West View) [wide view of piano displaying full windows on either side], 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 39/5
  • Collection: The Yellow House papers, Laura E. Richards collection
  • Object Type: Image

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For more information about this item, contact:

Maine Historical Society
485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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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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