Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Mark Twain's House in Hartford, CT


"Travel is fatal to prejudice."


Famed writer Mark Twain, author of numerous books including "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," wrote those sweet words of true wisdom.


When one travels to different places and meets all kinds of people from varied backgrounds, I would think prejudices would fly out the window.


Mark Twain's real name was  Samuel Clemens.  He was a red head. Did you know that?  



The house he lived in with his wife and three daughters, in Hartford, Connecticut, was built for especially for his family.


       (The designs in the brick above the window "eyes" look like eyelashes, don't they?)

They loved the home and lived there for 17 years.


It's thrilling to tour it. 

Although very dark, it's filled with almost wall-length mirrors his little daughters practiced ballet in front of, chandeliers, sculptures and decorations reminiscent of the era in which he lived.


We visited the home while on a day trip with a  group of  people  from western Massachusetts.  


I hope you don't mind, but I'd like to tell you more about the tour in other posts.  Just don't want this one to get too long.

WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER, IF ANYTHING, ABOUT MARK TWAIN?


12 comments:

BECKY said...

Oh my gosh, Susan! I never knew Mark Twain lived in Massachusetts! I need to read up on him, I guess! I've been to his home in Hannibal, Missouri but that's the only one...that I knew of! :)
I knew that Mark Twain was his pen name and that it had something to do with river terms. I just looked it up because I didn't remember it exactly. I'm going to include it here in case anyone is interested....if that's okay, Susan!
~~~
"What does "Mark Twain" mean?
On the river, the depth of the water was vitally important. A mark was the same as a fathom on the sea or six feet. Twain means two. If the man checking the depth called out "Mark Twain," it meant a depth of twelve feet, "safe water" for riverboats of the day."

Unknown said...

Hello from Spain: I did not know Mark Twain. I like this house. Keep in touch

Merlesworld said...

I saw Tom Sayer as a small child and also saw a movie about his life, I knew his real name but didn't know he was a red head.
I read some of his books as a child but do not remember which ones.
Merle..........

SImple and Serene Living said...

Mark Twain was a very wise man. I would love to tour that house. So very unique, just like the man who lived there. xo Laura

Rebecca said...

How I would love to tour the house! I'm eager to see your next posting about it! I think M.T.'s characters are fascinating and admire his ability to pass on a sense of adventure and excitement in his novels. I think he had a pretty good "handle" on human nature...

Chatty Crone said...

I think I remember him with gray hair. I am surprised he was red headed. And if I saw that house and did not know who had lived there I never ever would have guessed that was his house. I am surprised - pleasantly!

diane.stetson said...

Loved reading his novel's and discussing his life in honor's English classes in high school. I've been to his house in Connecticut before but it was a long time ago. So glad you enjoyed your tour.

Bookie said...

I was close to this house once, but we never made it on to see it. Sad, but only so much we could do with limited days in the East. Of course, Missouri has lots of Mark Twain spots. I, too, have been to Hannibal a couple of times. The first time I saw his home and that fence "Tom" painted I was super-energized! Love being where something happened before me!

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh, I'm so glad you had a lovely tour my dear, it probably took your mind away from your furry baby for a while at least! I loved his books and since I lived in NYC, when I was Young we went to the Conn. home tour too. I have a pic of my baby on my sidebar I will never forget him too... I just hate it Ben is gone till this day!
Hugs,
FABBY

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Oh my goodness Susan, I almost missed this post! I've seen that house featured in an older Victorian Homes magazine that I have. It's very pretty. Samuel Clemens was born not too far from me, in Florida, Missouri and then he and his family moved to Hannibal Missouri, on the banks of the Mississippi River. I've always loved going to Hannibal. Lots of antique shops and other fun shops and you can tour his boyhood home, Becky Thatcher's home and Molly Brown's childhood home. Pretty cool!
Take care,
Gina

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

I would love to visit here. Mark Twain is one of my favorite writers.

Red Rose Alley said...

Oh, I have heard of the Mark Twain house, Susan. I would love to visit it one day. I love some of his quotes very much.

Have a fantastic day, my friend.

love,
~Sheri

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