Where Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, a Prince and a Pauper were born
Written: Jul 02 '03 (Updated Jul 04 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Fascinating architecture, decor and history of the author
Cons: Probably not great for young children, nowhere to get lunch within walking distance
The Bottom Line: A wonderful and informative historical site that's a feast for the eyes and mind. For fans of literature, the Victorian Era and architecture.
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| chrissy1018's Full Review: Mark Twain House |
The Mark Twain House was designed by Twain (a.k.a. Samuel Clemens) himself, purchasing the land called Nook's Farm in 1873, and residing in the house for 17 years once it was completed.
The house is very unique and artistic in it's architecture. Built by architects Edward Tuckerman Potter and Alfred H. Thorp, the house has a rather unusual eclectic style. It is made of red patterned brick in a Victorian style, with gabled roofs, turrets, several chimneys and a wrap-around veranda.
The interior was decorated by Louis Comfort Tiffany, and is filled with thousands of authentic Victorian objects, many of which were owned by Twain. The furniture is beautiful, and the decorating detailed and well thought out. Twain had all the modern conveniences, including one of the first telephones in the area.
The most striking feature is a fireplace built between the entrance hall and the living room with a divided chimney. Rather than having the chimney directly above the center of the fire, it splits and where a painting would normally hang there is an interior window so you can see over the fireplace into the next room. Apparently Twain liked the idea of being able to watch the snow fall outside above a roaring fire.
The house also includes a nursery and schoolroom, a billiard room on the third floor (where Twain moved his work when his daughters became too noisy, spreading his papers and books on the billiard table), Twain's original study, a conservatory, a round second-floor covered balcony and several bedrooms.
It was in this house that Twain wrote his most famous works, including "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Prince and the Pauper."
The tour is quite informative, and the guides very knowledgeable. There is also a research library in the house containing many materials for scholarly research.
Also of interest is The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, located right next door. Stowe was the author of the famous classic "Uncle Tom's Cabin", and is definitely worth a visit. Also grouped with these houses is the historical home of Katherine S. Day, and a gift shop.
The one disappointment I encountered was that there wasn't really anywhere within walking of the house to grab some lunch. There is a major street, with a few fast food places within driving distance, but parking was difficult. However a nice lawn by the house is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, and there is ample parking at the Twain site.
Another interesting literary location within a 5-10 minute drive is the Noah Webster House (as in Webster's Dictionary). It is set up as a hands-on museum of life in the late 1700s, focusing more on the period than Webster’s history. It's very much geared toward children, with many activities for them to try, and makes a good companion site to Twain and Beecher's houses, particularly for families with children.
THE MARK TWAIN HOUSE/HARRIET BEECHER STOWE HOUSE
351 Farmington Ave. (I-84, exit 46)
Hartford, CT
860-493-6411
THE NOAH WEBSTER HOUSE
227 South Main St. (I-84, exit 41)
West Hartford, CT
860-521-5362
(Both houses are open year round, but closed on major holidays and select weekdays during the year, so it's best to call in advance.)
For more homes of writers and authors in America, check out "The Ideals Guide to Literary Places in the US" by Michelle Prater Burke. It's one of the best guidebooks I've seen, and was a tremendous help in researching these sites.
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Mar - May
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Epinions.com ID:
chrissy1018
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Location: New York
Reviews written: 48
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Avid reader, professional book editor, singer, musical theater collector.
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