What Happened to Mark Twain's House?

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 พ.ย. 2022
  • He was known as the “Greatest Humorist the United States Has Produced,” But how did he live? Today we are exploring the home of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain.
    Location: Hartford, Connecticut.
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    Photos from: Library of Congress
    Public Domain Photos from: Library of Congress
    CC2.0 Photos from: bootbearwdc, dwhartwig, Joey Hoey, Mike Shell
    CC3.0 Photos from: Kenneth C Zirkle, DTParker1000
    Music from: Epidemic Sound
    Video from: Envato

ความคิดเห็น • 513

  • @wandabissell
    @wandabissell ปีที่แล้ว +77

    My father-in-law's parents bought the house from the Clemens, f-i-l was born in the billiards room! It was sold to a private school, Kingswood-Oxford, and later was sold again before the restoration. We have a pic of him, mother, siblings in the conservatory. If you like the stately CT houses, Hill-stead Museum in Farmington is a must see. It was the home of the architect Theodate Pope Riddle, and is amazing.

    • @vonrock6862
      @vonrock6862 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How awesome. I watched the Ken Burns documentary years ago, did the pipe (intercom) still work.

    • @janicelee9923
      @janicelee9923 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Who was born in the billiards room? I was a tour guide in the 1970s. I realize now that The eclectic style of the house deeply affected me when I was I finally furnished a place of my own in NYC. I was sorry that the video did not really. mention his other two daughters, one of whom I believe died at 16. It tore her father’s heart out. He never recovered. I learned a lot about Clemens from this video .
      It is astonishing that he was totally self educated,; that and his adventures also supported a way for his genius to express itself in the literature he created. I’m happy that the writer of the video referred to him as America’s greatest humorist. That he is still adored by many. Thank for making this charming and informative video , sincerely Janice Lee

    • @JameGoFast
      @JameGoFast ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What’s a ct house

    • @nunyabiznes4471
      @nunyabiznes4471 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

      @@JameGoFast Connecticut, the state. There are a lot of beautiful houses in CT. Unfortunately, Mark Twain’s Hartford house is right next to a slum. Hartford was a beautiful city at the turn of the century. It’s a complete cesspool of filth, breaks my heart. Some of the old architecture is stunning.

    • @PK-bh1ww
      @PK-bh1ww หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@janicelee9923 none died at age 16. Suzy 1872-1896 age 24 died from meningitis. Clara 1874-1962. age 88 old age. Jean 1880-1909 age 29 Epilepsy.

  • @rsykesjr
    @rsykesjr ปีที่แล้ว +109

    I’m so glad to know the home is still standing and well preserved.

    • @Taledanoneya
      @Taledanoneya ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @R Voit wtf 😒. That's crazy smh

    • @cybernoid001
      @cybernoid001 ปีที่แล้ว

      to be honest, this video confused me since I live close to Virginia City in NV and we have no idea where his house there used to be as it has been lost. Then I realized this was for a different house of his.

    • @rsykesjr
      @rsykesjr ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @rvoit Thanks for letting us know, but so sad to hear that. I wonder if there is someone that could be contacted regarding taking better care against the vandalism you spoke of.

    • @rsykesjr
      @rsykesjr ปีที่แล้ว

      @rvoit Man…. that is such a shame.

    • @woodrowcall3269
      @woodrowcall3269 ปีที่แล้ว

      @R Voit Hartford is a ghetto now. If it wasn’t for Aetna being there that area would be a total 💩 hole. Remember, SIMPLE MINDS DO SIMPLE THINGS.

  • @rhiannonrede
    @rhiannonrede ปีที่แล้ว +30

    I was so mad about Twain as a child, I had my parents take us to Hannibal to see his boyhood home. It was wonderful & one of my childhood delights.

    • @finnmcginn9931
      @finnmcginn9931 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      At first I was wondering why you were angry with Mark Twain as a child but then my wife reminded me that I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed. Have a great day.

    • @wyntersynergyundignified
      @wyntersynergyundignified ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A family trip to Hannibal is one of my favorite memories!

    • @yukino4636
      @yukino4636 24 วันที่ผ่านมา

      I was born and raised there, it's a shame how it's just rotting basically, only caring about the very small mark twain tourism and the cave, the city has lost so much

  • @howiewilliams7378
    @howiewilliams7378 ปีที่แล้ว +110

    When I toured the home seceral years ago the guide told a story about Mark Twain's butler. When someone came to the door that Twain didn't want to see he would tell the butler to tell the person Twain wasn't home. The problem was the butler would not lie and go ahead and let them in. They later found a solution. When Twain someone come to the door he did want to see he would step out onto the balcony and then the butler could truthfully tell the person Mr. Twain just stepped out.

    • @septembersurprise5178
      @septembersurprise5178 ปีที่แล้ว +14

      "I am different from Washington; I have a higher, grander standard of principle. Washington could not lie. I can lie, but I won't."
      - Mark Twain

    • @timmccrory7630
      @timmccrory7630 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      I live right next door

    • @cynthiablake6208
      @cynthiablake6208 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Oh? In the Stowe house?

    • @dosesandmimoses
      @dosesandmimoses ปีที่แล้ว +7

      There are three types of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics! -Twain

    • @michaelangelo7511
      @michaelangelo7511 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      In all probability this is true knowing the personality of Twain.

  • @stevekaschak9442
    @stevekaschak9442 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    My Wife and I visited this home several years ago. We have visited many notable homes, Mr. Twain's home is by far my favorite.
    A guy's house with comforts for the Ladies. The craftsmanship is amazing, well worth the visit.

  • @karenflanagan1961
    @karenflanagan1961 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That's awesome to keep a very important author & his beautiful family home up and & a part of American History.

  • @daren7889
    @daren7889 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Mark Twain was a good friend if General Grant! When the stock market had a big fall , Grant lost a lot of money. Twain encouraged Grant to write his memories of his life! So he did which helped his family survive after Grant completed his books! Grant was dying of throat cancer , he was a heavy cigar smoker ! He completed his book and died leaving his family in a good financial way! 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲🇩🇪🇨🇭🇺🇲💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙

  • @rebeccablakey2637
    @rebeccablakey2637 ปีที่แล้ว +90

    This is an extremely beautiful home. Sounds like the home was decorated with such love and care. Mark Twain and his family was very lucky to have been able to to live this amazing home. I am so glad that the home is now a museum.

    • @David-yx2dk
      @David-yx2dk ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Unfortunately, Twain and his family only lived there a short time. Despite being a popular author,Twain was not a wise investor. Between that and the lavish expense of building this luxurious house,Twain was forced to go on tour to pay expenses. He ended up selling the house shortly afterwards.

    • @Taledanoneya
      @Taledanoneya ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@David-yx2dk wow

    • @septembersurprise5178
      @septembersurprise5178 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@David-yx2dk "OCTOBER: This is one of the peculiarly dangerous months to speculate in stocks in. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August, and February."
      - Mark Twain

  • @heatherwhittaker6169
    @heatherwhittaker6169 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Thank you. Mark Twain has always been one of my favorite authors

    • @gbear2253
      @gbear2253 ปีที่แล้ว

      How did the daughter die? 🥲

  • @Gratefulman1965
    @Gratefulman1965 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    My favorite room,
    Definitely the Library. I can see that room with my books and musical gear filling it, man! What an oasis that would be.

  • @jmcgsd
    @jmcgsd ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Growing up in Hartford in the 50’s I remember this as my local library! I’ve always felt privileged that I had that opportunity.

  • @MissBEson
    @MissBEson ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I've been to the Mark Twain House multiple time. If you are ever visiting CT you should put this place on your list to visit. It is a beautiful home and they do a wonderful job with preserving the home.

  • @anneruby4182
    @anneruby4182 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    On a tour of the house I remember hearing that the bed frame in the master bedroom was from Italy and quite expensive. Typically the carving on the headboard was more elaborate than on the footboard. Twain wanted to admire the best part of his investment so they slept with their heads at the foot of the bed. They needed a light by their heads so that’s why there’s an electrical cord dangling from the ceiling at the foot of the bed.

    • @mariashaffer-gordon3561
      @mariashaffer-gordon3561 ปีที่แล้ว

      That was one of the tidbits that stuck in my mind, too.

    • @UHFOnline
      @UHFOnline ปีที่แล้ว +1

      On my visit the tour guide said that Twain had purchased the bed frame under the impression that it was a valuable antique. He paid a lot of money for it only to find out later it wasn't an antique at all and that he had overpaid substantially for it. According to the guide, they slept at the foot of the bed so he could gaze ruefully at his bad investment when he woke up each morning.
      The house is stunning and a must-see for anyone visiting Connecticut. Unfortunately, interior photography is not allowed.

  • @randomviking8676
    @randomviking8676 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I would love to have a library just like that one, along with the attached conservatory. I'd never want to leave. : )

    • @mariashaffer-gordon3561
      @mariashaffer-gordon3561 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That was my favorite part of the house, too. As Twain said in a letter to his mother in 1853, "If books are not good company, where will I find it?"

  • @christinacody8653
    @christinacody8653 ปีที่แล้ว +35

    I love how you chose to hide the fate of the Mark Twain home until the end. Glad it was able to be preserved.

    • @judihughes3736
      @judihughes3736 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      And you ruined it for the rest of us!

    • @ganymededarling
      @ganymededarling ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Spoiler alert!! Jk 😂

    • @Bahia82
      @Bahia82 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Right lol!!!

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@judihughes3736 One should not look at the comments until watching a video, "Spoilers" are ALWAYS in the comment section.

    • @chadbailey189
      @chadbailey189 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      the home is in amazing condition, but sadly, it's has criminal, low lifes, crack heads , mentally ill and homeless that live around the hole area where it's located. only visit during the day

  • @sprague49
    @sprague49 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    The Mark Twain house is wonderful example of the Aesthetic Movement in interior design, which flourished in the 1870's, and was the first to incorporate Japanese inspired elements in the woodwork. Thank you, Ken, for featuring this beautiful and unique home.

    • @zyourzgrandzmaz
      @zyourzgrandzmaz ปีที่แล้ว

      This house is European architecture not japanese.

    • @terpinator24
      @terpinator24 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@zyourzgrandzmaz Correct...that is why the commenter used the word "inspired. "

    • @finnmcginn9931
      @finnmcginn9931 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@rvoit another "non profit" where the administration rewards themselves greatly?

    • @mariashaffer-gordon3561
      @mariashaffer-gordon3561 ปีที่แล้ว

      @R Voit I'm sorry you feel this way. My husband and I really enjoyed our tour.

  • @Bill_Russell_aka_Coolbreeze
    @Bill_Russell_aka_Coolbreeze ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I've been through that house many times. It's spectactular and I see something new every time I visit that I didn't see before and learn new stories of Clemons time there as well. One of my favorite parts is actually the little phone booth discretely tucked away. It had an old fashioned phone and if you picked it up you could hear Mark Twain's voice say, "I'd like to wish a Merry Christmas to all... except the s.o.b. that invented the phone". Mark Twain didn't like the phone much and viewed it as a distraction that would interrupt him and his writing. There's also the story of how Mark Twain, if he had a button come off one of his shirts, he'd often throw it out the upstairs window where it would get stuck in the branches of a tree not far from the window and ultimately a servant would have to climb the tree to retrieve it. Mark Twain (Samuel Clemons) was a very unique character.

  • @badbiker666
    @badbiker666 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I am so pleased that this wonderful house still exists. One would have to call this a mansion, but it seems so much more homey than most of the houses that were built in the 19th century by very wealthy people. I am inspired by this video to someday pay a visit and explore this house myself.

    • @robinbirdj743
      @robinbirdj743 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yes it seems much more “people scale” than most large stately homes of the era.

  • @GodsFavoriteBassPlyr
    @GodsFavoriteBassPlyr ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Just this past July, I was able to tour the Mark Twain house.. .Absolutely Stunning. Thanks so much for showcasing this one. The entire complex, along with a great gift shop, is definitely worth the trip!

  • @gnolan4281
    @gnolan4281 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Since reading the tales of Tom & Huck I have often thought how deftly Twain handled the scathing question of race. I feel he was a sublime subversive.

  • @baylorsailor
    @baylorsailor ปีที่แล้ว

    I hope to see this home in person one day. I love Mark Twain!

  • @xenonarts
    @xenonarts ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I grew up in that neighborhood. I have many fond memories of poling down the “Hog River” that ran by the house. The Hog River is now pretty much all under ground. I also fondly remember the annual Frog Jumping contests held for neighborhood kids on the front lawn. It was held in honor of Twain’s short story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". Years later, I attended a special event at a nearby venue that hosted Hal Holbrook as Mark Twain. All awesome memories!

  • @Mamahubes
    @Mamahubes ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Back in the early 1970s we went there on a school trip. If you look at the Dining room fireplace, there is a window above it. Mark Twain wanted to look outside when he was eating but being over a fireplace people thought that impossible. Hence the architect put the chimney flues on both sides of the window to get the effect. People during his time thought that to me a modern marvel. You have to look closely to see that it is a window and not a mirror in the photo.

  • @samanthab1923
    @samanthab1923 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Visited about 25 years ago. We were in town for a wedding. They told a story on the tour about that carved family shield missing above the fireplace. A person on the tour recognized it in the old photos & said it was in their barn! I went to school in Tarrytown NY. Another of Twains homes was there. Hillcrest Estate now called Tappan Hill. Beautiful stone home with lovely views of the Hudson

    • @tomsmith2013
      @tomsmith2013 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Great story!

    • @kimberlyearly8918
      @kimberlyearly8918 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      That's amazing that it was in somebody's barn!!

    • @tomsmith2013
      @tomsmith2013 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @R Voit Well, doesn't that depend on whether it was "in the barn" before or after they owned the property?

    • @daren7889
      @daren7889 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hope the people that owned that barn donated that family shield back to the Mark Twain! It might have been taken many, many years ago! By someone else! 🤔🤔🤔

  • @Laura-zy5jp
    @Laura-zy5jp ปีที่แล้ว +6

    What a beautiful home Twain had built . It saddens me greatly when lovely historical homes are unoccupied and left to fall into disrepair or worse vandalism!! But fortunately Twains home found a group to lovingly restore it and open as a museum . So many of these beautiful homes are demolished a crying shame😂😢😢 A bother wonderful This House Bravo!! Love that I subscibe to a worth while topic about beautiful mansions ❤❤

    • @synchronicity1470
      @synchronicity1470 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      sadly, many local governmental authorities in the US don 't hold much store in preserving historical homes & architectural treasures. They prefer selling out to big land developers that mow everything down for strip malls, parking lots or condominiums. Even Historical societies have a hard time saving places that deserve saving. Greed for money often wins out over historical preservation.

    • @dbedazzling1
      @dbedazzling1 ปีที่แล้ว

      Like Michael Jackson home☹️

  • @laurelbraswell7687
    @laurelbraswell7687 ปีที่แล้ว +26

    I visited the home on a 3rd grade class trip! 57yrs. ago!! I never forgot the conservatory ....I believe this house peaked my interest in interior design. I did end up with a BFA degree.....but it should have been in architecture after seeing this beauty!!! So glad he resided in Connecticut for a time, my home state.

    • @Chris_at_Home
      @Chris_at_Home ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I also went there in the early 60s with a grade school class from Lebanon Elementary School.

    • @laurelbraswell7687
      @laurelbraswell7687 ปีที่แล้ว

      @rvoit Do what you love!! If you can afford it!!!

    • @sanniskett
      @sanniskett ปีที่แล้ว

      omg me to

    • @sanniskett
      @sanniskett ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Chris_at_Home then i went to live in alaska..think deadliest catch

    • @Chris_at_Home
      @Chris_at_Home ปีที่แล้ว

      @@sanniskett No way would I want to do that. I went to work in the Arctic oil field in 1980 doing electronics and retired from a communications company. Most of these were nice inside jobs but I had to work outside some when I first started work there.

  • @mariashaffer-gordon3561
    @mariashaffer-gordon3561 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    My husband and I were there this summer. It's a colorful, very Victorian house, and a fascinating place to visit. One of the tidbits not mentioned in this video is that the Twains slept in their ornate bed facing the headboard rather than the foot of the bed. Twain said that the bed cost so much that he wanted to see as much of it as possible when he was in bed, to get his money's worth. My favorite room in the house was the library. How could any bibliophile not want a room full of books? As he wrote to his mother in 1853, "If books are not good company, where will I find it?" Twain wrote comments in the margins in at least some of the books he owned.
    If you visit the house, make sure to also spend time in the Museum Center, and also tour the Harriet Beecher Stowe house, which is across the lawn from the Twain home.

  • @erepsekahs
    @erepsekahs ปีที่แล้ว

    Stunningly beautiful. A house most suited to a gentleman of his talent and character.

  • @cynthiablake6208
    @cynthiablake6208 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I want to go back, and don't care how much it cost to tour through it. It's just so incredibly fabulous and full of history, not to mention that it sits next to Harriet Beecher Stowe's home seeming to look over the city of Hartford which is built up around it.

  • @mikeilkenhons8896
    @mikeilkenhons8896 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    M6 wife and I visited the house while on vacation several years ago. We took the guided tour. Your video does justice to the magnificence of the structure and the innovations in it. My favorite room was the billiard room. In one corner was a table, the table at which lemons wrote some of his iconic works. That awed me to see the place where Clemens created literary history. I grew up in the southern tip of Iowa. Hannibal, Missouri was just down river from m6 home town. My father worked for the railroad. On a drive with the family we stopped at the old freight station (now gone). We walked maybe a hundred yards up the street and there was Clemens little two story house. Years later when the station was torn down, my father was able to acquire two copper lanterns that hung over the sidewalk near the street. It is believed that Clemens stood under those lamps at night talking to the people and watching the river boats near by.

  • @melvinhathorn4988
    @melvinhathorn4988 ปีที่แล้ว

    As a former historical interpreter for the MTH House as we called it I have many happy memories of leading tours there and the great staff I worked with their for several years.

  • @salliemorrill2671
    @salliemorrill2671 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love "the Jungle". Beautiful home.

  • @Maliceless100
    @Maliceless100 หลายเดือนก่อน

    The narrative or written copy of this video make it a favorite from THIS HOUSE.

  • @LJB103
    @LJB103 ปีที่แล้ว +105

    There were two things I liked in the house: in the Twain bedroom is the "extension cord," the hose from the gasolier ceiling light to provide gas to the desk lamp. The other is the story about the billiards table. It was a gift from Twain's admirer Henry H. Rogers (Standard Oil fortune and owner of a large mansion in Fairhaven, MA - have never seen interior photos), and a friend said that Twain shouldn't accept it as Rogers' money was tainted. Twain's reply was that the money was twice tainted: Taint yours and taint mine! Go out the front door and walk across the lawn to Harriet Beecher Stowe's house (also a museum); they are both part of Nook Farm. There is one more extant Tiffany home (the Ayer house - where Beatrice Ayer was proposed to by future general George Patton) in Boston - well worth a video. Excellent video.

    • @pinkvolo
      @pinkvolo ปีที่แล้ว +11

      Thank you for the historical information!

    • @jamesslick4790
      @jamesslick4790 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      "Taint yours and taint mine!" Sounds EXACTLY like something he'd say!

    • @gbear2253
      @gbear2253 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      How did the daughter die? Does anyone know?

    • @aaronwatkins8973
      @aaronwatkins8973 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I thought HBS house was in Ohio?

    • @lisareed5669
      @lisareed5669 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      She had dementia and would wander through his house ...

  • @SmokyMountainBlessed
    @SmokyMountainBlessed ปีที่แล้ว +2

    thanks for the history of the house

  • @sharynlikantor
    @sharynlikantor ปีที่แล้ว

    The conservatory. I could live in that room all day and never get tired of it.

  • @mr.crapper7197
    @mr.crapper7197 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The craftsmanship is so exquisite! I hope this treasure is well protected.

  • @redtankgirl5
    @redtankgirl5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    So glad they could preserve this home. I love the geometric ceiling in the entryway and the library not to mention the splendour of the jungle conservatory.

  • @honestmom1958
    @honestmom1958 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    I always learn so much from your videos, Ken. But this one had a ton of information not only on the house but on Mark Twain and his family. I'm so happy the house has been restored!

    • @trevorjameson3213
      @trevorjameson3213 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yes but it's only a tiny fraction of information that is available about him and his family, and the house. Maybe you can find the 6 hour documentary online somewhere about his life. It was aired on PBS many years ago and it was fantastic history.

  • @derek2479
    @derek2479 3 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Just found your channel, good content and presentation.
    I used to live a 5-minute walk from this house, and went there twice for a tour. Your tour was as good as, or perhaps better than, than the commentary offered when actually there.
    Like many, the billiards room was my favorite. Decades ago I helped with a local NPR broadcast from there where Garrison Keillor shot pool with local Connecticut NPR hosts and opined about Twain and American literature.

  • @susananthony6071
    @susananthony6071 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    He also had one of the first phones in CT. In the foyer of the home was a phone booth, basically a wood paneled closet with the phone on the wall, as I recall. This was from a field trip 45 years ago.

  • @lostinmyspace4910
    @lostinmyspace4910 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Nothing happened to Mark Twain's home in Hartford. It's still there for all to see and visit inside. His nextdoor neighbor was Harriet Beecher Stowe, and her home is also open to the public. I plan to visit both again sometimes in the next 2 years, God willing.

    • @mariashaffer-gordon3561
      @mariashaffer-gordon3561 ปีที่แล้ว

      @R Voit Really? Even the mortgage to a doll's house would be more than the entrance fee to Twain's house.

  • @Matityahu755
    @Matityahu755 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I loved the guest bedroom, and the light fitting at the bottom of the staircase.
    I am so glad this wonderful building has been saved from a wrecking ball. It's absolutely stunning.
    I loved reading his books as a kid, Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 🙂

  • @adamcampbell-jj4rn
    @adamcampbell-jj4rn หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was born in Hartford and the Mark Twain house has always been a source of pride.

  • @JorgeClar
    @JorgeClar ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh! This is so dear! Houses do have a soul!!!!!!!!!

  • @LoireValleyChateaux
    @LoireValleyChateaux 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Our family lived a few houses away from Mark Twain's & Harriet Beecher Stowe's homes on Forest St. In 1959 the city purchased & tore down all the beautiful historical homes around these homes to build a parking lot for a new school. This led to a change in practices for dealing with historical homes. ❤️🙏

  • @BonafideGail
    @BonafideGail ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was privileged to see this home when I lived out East. The home was exquisite as was the delightful tour guide that took us through.

  • @kimberlyearly8918
    @kimberlyearly8918 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    This house is incredible! So many details and I wish I could get an even better look at them. Even the roof looks so unique. All of the hand stenciling and decorative patterns on the outside were amazing. I think this might be my favorite house you've ever shown!

  • @matthewoffenbacher6548
    @matthewoffenbacher6548 ปีที่แล้ว

    WOW! I HOPE I AM ABLE TO VISIT THIS SPLENDID ICONIC STRUCTURE ONE DAY.

  • @garywait3231
    @garywait3231 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    Writing as a Hartford historian who, over several decades, has often visited and attended functions at this marvelously maintained house-museum, I am delighted to discover it featured in your This House series. The house was one of several homes of Hartford literati, including Harriet Beecher Stowe, Charles Dudley Warner, and Joseph R. Hawley, clustered around Forest Street, and called collectively Nook Farm. Sadly, some of these grand homes are gone; but the somewhat less elegant Stowe House remains and is open for visitation as a house-museum. Perhaps it might be the subject for another episode in your delightfully informative series.

    • @kimberlyearly8918
      @kimberlyearly8918 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      I'd love to see the Stowe house. Her book Uncle Tom's Cabin is my all-time favorite book!! I've read it multiple times and it gets me every time.

    • @garywait3231
      @garywait3231 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @@kimberlyearly8918 I do hope you get to tour the Stowe House; I'm sure you will enjoy it. Several years ago, I had the privilege and pleasure of conducting a workshop for its tour guides. They are knowledgeable and gracious, and will give you a good tour.
      I share your love for Uncle Tom's Cabin. I first read it in junior high school, again in high school and college: always deeply moved by it's literaryy power and pathos. At the height of my collecting career, I owned two first edition sets, together with copies of the Key ( incl. one in French), a French 1852 dramatization, the first British periodical publication, etc. As I approached 80, I decided to give the entire collection to the Hartford History Center (Hartford Public Library), where they would be cared for and where anyone interested might enjoy them, as I have over the years.
      Do come to Hartford and visit the Stowe house. Also: do you know Joan Hedrick's bio of HBS? It's heavy reading, but well worth the effort. Happy holidays!

    • @kimberlyearly8918
      @kimberlyearly8918 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@garywait3231 I've never heard of Joan Hendricks but would love to get a copy of the book. I have a copy that has a handwritten note of a teacher to her student and the date is 1903. It's very fragile. I just ordered the key last night. I've never read it. I think I had heard a long time ago there was one but just forgot about it. I can't wait to get it. I asked my husband if we could please go one day. She lived in two different houses. I'd wanna go to the one where she actually wrote the book first then the other. My husband has absolutely no interest in historical things but he always finds a museum interesting once we get there. Happy holidays!

    • @garywait3231
      @garywait3231 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@kimberlyearly8918 : I hope you find the Key interesting. It embraces documentation from Southern sources to back up all that she had written about slavery its social and economic impact in UTC.
      Your desire to visit the house where Mrs. Stowe wrote UTC will take you to Brunswick, Maine. The Stowes were living there while Calvin was teaching at nearby Bowdoin College.
      She occupied the Hartford house for only the last quarter century of her life. A visit there is poignantly bitter-sweet, as it represents a time of mental decline. Nonetheless it does preserve a flavor for her last years and the home and neighborhood in which she spent them.
      Best wishes for your HBS pilgrimage.

    • @kimberlyearly8918
      @kimberlyearly8918 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@garywait3231 Thanks for letting me know which home she was in when she wrote. I guess the biography told about her mental decline. I'll have to see about getting a copy. Thanks! God bless!

  • @christistratton
    @christistratton ปีที่แล้ว

    The twisted columns upstairs were stunning. Wow, Just Wow.

  • @megfuchs9425
    @megfuchs9425 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I just really love this house! I can't tell you why really. It just looks cozy and well loved! I love queen Anne style and Gothic Victorian architecture, so the mix works for me.

  • @sleeplessdreamer1814
    @sleeplessdreamer1814 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love that fireplace and bookcase mantle. He and his wife snared the same bed, unusual for the time. Two daughters. Several bathrooms and closets, also unusual for the times. A happy family.

  • @micheljenson7080
    @micheljenson7080 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank goodness for the preservationists.

  • @leedee4968
    @leedee4968 ปีที่แล้ว

    That's the most beautiful home I have ever seen ❤️

  • @mileshigh1321
    @mileshigh1321 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    This is one house that I like every room and how its comfortable without being over stated! Even the outside does remind you in some ways of the river boats like you said! So glad its preserved! I waited with baited breath because I feared it might have been lost! So glad it survives!

    • @ThisHouse
      @ThisHouse  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It is a treasure well worth visiting if you are ever in the area. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing it! Cheers!

    • @gbear2253
      @gbear2253 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ThisHouse how did the daughter die?

    • @mariashaffer-gordon3561
      @mariashaffer-gordon3561 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I saw it this summer, and disagree with your comment about it not being over stated. Even the foyer after you enter the house is ornate. In typically Victorian fashion, the house is filled with lots of stuff. I really enjoyed touring the house, but couldn't have lived there. I would love to have that library.

  • @MassiveChetBakerFan
    @MassiveChetBakerFan ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Your use of old photos to show the interior made me believe the house is no longer standing, so I was pleasantly surprised at the end of the video to discover it's still around and well maintained!

  • @albussnape2
    @albussnape2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Grew up in the area and have been inside this architectural treasure! Grateful it is still there. Hope to visit it again. ❤Mark Twain and ❤ this video tour 👏

  • @themysteriousdomainmoviepalace
    @themysteriousdomainmoviepalace ปีที่แล้ว

    I love the conservatory and the porches. Beautiful house!

  • @rebelprynsez24
    @rebelprynsez24 ปีที่แล้ว

    The guest room was my favorite. It had so much light and looked airy.

  • @deepwoodguy2
    @deepwoodguy2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you, i visited Mark Twain House a few years ago. it is as beautiful and unique as the pictures indicate. Next door to the house is the home of Harriet Beecher Stowe, nice neighborhood.. 👍👍

  • @kathycarroll154
    @kathycarroll154 ปีที่แล้ว

    I loved touring that beautiful home.

  • @TheIndependentLens
    @TheIndependentLens ปีที่แล้ว

    WOW! I really like that house. That is fantastic!!!

  • @jamesellsworth9673
    @jamesellsworth9673 ปีที่แล้ว

    I LIKE the whole ensemble and am grateful that it is all so well restored.😍 It is a wonderful representation of its time and the craftsmanship that could be purchased by discerning wealthy people.

  • @joniallen6880
    @joniallen6880 ปีที่แล้ว

    The library is almost always my favorite room.

  • @veronicaferguson8548
    @veronicaferguson8548 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a great house!

  • @heathercutler5114
    @heathercutler5114 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for this video. I remember visiting this house on field trips when I was young. It was always my favorite field trip!😊

  • @emilyrosewell308
    @emilyrosewell308 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The library❤️

  • @bloodybonescomic
    @bloodybonescomic ปีที่แล้ว

    Over the years I believe I have read the vast majority of Twain's output. An American treasure he was.

  • @bobloblaw9679
    @bobloblaw9679 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    every sing;e part of this magnificent structure. just....give it to me.

  • @timothykuring3016
    @timothykuring3016 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love that house. Lots of porches high and low.
    I used to exclaim over houses I loved, and I was always told they were carpenter's houses.
    I asked why they were called that, and I was told carpenters built them.
    Weren't all houses built by carpenters? I guessed it meant carpenters going wild building their own houses, when clients usually didn't want to pay for so much work on their houses.
    They said when she was sick, Suzy heard the trains going by on the nearby tracks, and she would say: "The trains come up and the trains go down for Mark Twain."
    Imagine her thinking of the world and her father's penname like that while she was dying.
    He believed she had inherited his humorous outlook and talent.

  • @n.l.vannstallings4664
    @n.l.vannstallings4664 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a magical home to grow up in.

  • @ezinafauda4394
    @ezinafauda4394 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Sharing a bedroom was not rare for the time. People keep saying that but most couples actually shared a bedroom. It was the SUPER wealthy that had separate sleeping room. Also, indoor plumbing wasn't incredibly rare by 1870s. Most middle class homes started to incorporate plumbing. it was a new technology that people started to connect to.

  • @mattarambula6826
    @mattarambula6826 ปีที่แล้ว

    I visited the Mark Twain house in Fall 2017. It’s a beautiful home full of warmth and charm.

  • @cathypalus4006
    @cathypalus4006 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for sharing this.

  • @DChristina
    @DChristina ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for such a lovely video! I’ve always loved Mark Twain, have all his books 📚 I can’t decide in my favorite rooms; the library must definitely! The master bedroom with at carved headboard/footboard from Venice is just amazing! The guest bedroom with its light colors, and the conservatory compete for next favorite 💕 I’m now determined to go visit this most special home someday.

  • @vergerinesalone8853
    @vergerinesalone8853 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love to visit this lovely home ..

  • @robertabray-enhus3198
    @robertabray-enhus3198 ปีที่แล้ว

    It’s good to know it’s open now everyday!

  • @joeymendez9814
    @joeymendez9814 ปีที่แล้ว

    Visited this home in 8th grade. Place was cool. There was hidden rooms and entrances throughout. The printing press he purchased was also on display .

  • @ryanmccarthy7774
    @ryanmccarthy7774 ปีที่แล้ว

    My great grandmother volunteered there back in the 50s. Heard a bunch of cool stories.

  • @deeceepnw
    @deeceepnw ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Nicely done. My favorite is definitely the Jungle. I think the daughters had the right idea.

  • @cinemaipswich4636
    @cinemaipswich4636 ปีที่แล้ว

    Samuel Clements ever made his way down to Australia. How wonderful to be one of the first international celebrities.

  • @ChubbyAmadeusFan
    @ChubbyAmadeusFan ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you so much for posting. I loves the conservatory the best but all the rooms were beautiful.

  • @donaldteal6315
    @donaldteal6315 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mark is great a legend two our great country. Much respect for mark Twain. Made a lasting impact on the world. 🇺🇸✝️

  • @patriciabarkley735
    @patriciabarkley735 ปีที่แล้ว

    This home is beautiful. It seems like a peaceful and comfortable home. It is lovely. The inside is magnificent. ❤️🌹❤️

  • @bk1269
    @bk1269 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I don't really see the Steamboat reference; however, to me this house looks more like a Railway Station out west c.1880's especially in the thumbnail. Luv your channel, BTW, enjoying your enthusiastic use of architectural terminology and design references. O! Pilasters, we hardly knew ye!

  • @shomeresdevorahbayer9763
    @shomeresdevorahbayer9763 ปีที่แล้ว

    The house tour in Hartford Connecticut is worth the travel!

  • @Clutchdonkey
    @Clutchdonkey ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I would love to see you do a video on Ernest Hemmingway's house in Key West. My girlfriends mom lives in key west and we went to see it as a tourist attraction when we visited but I would love to see you do a video with your outstanding knowledge on back story and old time photos. Keep up the good work Ken 😀

  • @caly5328
    @caly5328 ปีที่แล้ว

    I live in Connecticut and we've toured the home several times.
    It's beautiful inside and out.
    There's a museum built next door.
    A must see attraction if in connecticut.
    Stowe home next door

  • @edshoaff3055
    @edshoaff3055 ปีที่แล้ว

    The quote,”The ornaments of a house is the friends who frequent it” reminds me of how ancient Greeks used to bat the mint near their door so that when friends came to visit they would be welcomed by the fragrance of mint.

  • @daphnefoster1165
    @daphnefoster1165 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a beautiful home!

  • @davidmeckley3773
    @davidmeckley3773 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a gorgeous home!

  • @lilaccilla
    @lilaccilla ปีที่แล้ว

    this is on my list to see !!! This house is amazing looking! i like every room but the Jungle is my fav

  • @mersea.714
    @mersea.714 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video. My dad is buried in the same cemetery as he was in Elmira, NY.

  • @jameswilkins5938
    @jameswilkins5938 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I've read everything written by Mark Twain that I could get my hands on. I especially enjoy his humor. My wife and I toured the house some years ago. The tour guide had several interesting stories which seemed in keeping with Twain's humor - apparently Hartford was at the time a noted cultural center and the Twain house is on what had been the most prestigious street. Rather than having the cloths lines (for drying cloths) behind the house, he had them in front clearly visible to passers by. There is also a rather large museum on the property with many of his humorous and wry comments displayed on the walls.

    • @mariashaffer-gordon3561
      @mariashaffer-gordon3561 ปีที่แล้ว

      Many of the comments on the wall of the Museum Center and on many of the items in the gift shop were hysterical! Twain's wry sense of humor aged well indeed.

  • @stevethomas211
    @stevethomas211 ปีที่แล้ว

    Mark Twain has always been one favorite writers. I have one of his books of different quotes that he has made.

  • @TjSpoonManJacques
    @TjSpoonManJacques ปีที่แล้ว

    One of the best channels on TH-cam!

  • @lynnracine2459
    @lynnracine2459 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I went there in 7th grade 1968. Also toured his neighbors house too. Harriet Beecher Stowe house. Years later I had the honor of giving the docents from Mark Twain house a tour of Wistariahurst in my hometown.

  • @francymurphy2887
    @francymurphy2887 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just beautiful ❤

  • @wendelynanderson9517
    @wendelynanderson9517 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve visited his CT home a number of times. I bought a tee-shirt at the gift shop that says, “if man was to be crossed with a cat, it would improve man but deteriorate the cat.”