The Hulda Klager House and Lilac Gardens

This home garden is where 100s of lilacs were created

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In this episode of Someone Lived Here, Kendra brings you to the Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens in Woodland, Washington. The home was built by Hulda’s family, The Thiel’s in 1889. Hulda Klager would purchase the home and move in in her 40s.

She became interested in the work of Luther Burbank, a horticulturist and hybridized. She had been inspired by the book New Creations in Plant Life by William Sumner Harwood, which detailed Luther Burbanks process. Hulda Klager began her own experiments with hybridization: first with apples, then lilacs. Behind the house is a large garden filled with lilacs, many of which were Hulda’s creations.

This episode wouldn’t be possible without the Hulda Klager Lilac Garden. Mari Ripp, the executive director, made this whole recording possible. Judy Card, Debbie Elliott, Barbara Harlan, and Mari Ripp guided us through the home and property. The historic talk was put on by the Hulda Klager Lilac Garden, the Woodland Historical Museum, and the Lelooska Foundation. It was moderated by Erin Thoeny and recorded by Keith Bellisle. Thank you to Mary Jo Kellar, Fran and Kirk Northcut, and Jon Drury for their stories.

Images from the day of the interview were taken by Ada Horne. Tim Cahill created our music. You can find a full transcript of this episode below the photos.

Below is a transcript for S3E7 of Someone Lived Here at The Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens and House in Woodland, Washington. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

Continue reading “The Hulda Klager House and Lilac Gardens”

The Hori Bathhouse and Neely Mansion: Tenant Farming in Washington

This 1890s home was farmed by five families, each with their own story

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In the sixth episode of season 3, Kendra brings you to Neely Mansion in Auburn, Washington. The property was built by the Neely’s: a pioneer family, but it was home to tenant farming families from the early 1900s to the 1980s. Behind the house is a Japanese Bathhouse built by the Hori Family and further back a tool shed used by the Acosta family. We had the pleasure of talking with Julie Acosta who grew up on this farm and worked with her parents here.

This story wouldn’t be possible without the work of the volunteers who saved this house from an uncertain future in 1983. Kendra spoke to many of the women who saved at Neely Mansion. Thank you to Linda, Carol, Karen, and Julie for talking with us. Learn more about Neely Mansion Association on their website and keep an eye out for volunteer opportunities if you are in the area.

Images from the day of the interview were taken by Ada Horne. Tim Cahill created our music. You can find a full transcript of this episode below.

Panoramic photo of the Fukuda Family above the fireplace in the music room in the Neely Mansion

Below is a transcript for S3E6 of Someone Lived Here at The Neely Mansion in Auburn, Washington. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

Continue reading “The Hori Bathhouse and Neely Mansion: Tenant Farming in Washington”

Theodate Pope Riddle’s Hill-Stead Museum

Explore the home of architect Theodate Pope Riddle

Theodate Pope Riddle with dog and exterior Hill-Stead Museum

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In the first episode of season 3, Kendra brings you to the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut. Theodate Pope Riddle designed this home, her first architectural project, as a retirement home for her parents. Throughout the episode, we learn about her close friendship with Mary Hillard, her fixation on communicating with the dead, and her near-death experience as a survivor of the sinking of the Lusitania.

Theodate’s father, Alfred Pope, was Theodate’s biggest supporter and a lover of the arts. The family’s collection of French Impressionist paintings can still be found in the Hill-Stead Museum today. The home was built around the paintings of Monet, Cassatt, Degas, and Manet.

Theodate Pope Riddle lived from 1867 to 1946. As an architect, Theodate designed homes and schools throughout Connecticut and New York, including Westover School, Avon Old Farms School, and reconstructing Theodore Roosevelt’s birthplace.

Thank you to the Hill-Stead Museum: Executive Director – Dr. Anna Swinbourne, Curator – Melanie Bourbeau, and Chief Advancement Officer – Beth Brett. The book Dearest of Geniuses: A Life of Theodate Pope Riddle by Sandra L Katz was key in making this episode.

Photos of Theodate and paintings from the Hill-Stead collection can be found below, along with a full transcript of the episode. Completely unrelated to the episode, but very cute: here is a live cam of sheep at Hill-Stead.

If you are interested in visiting the Hill-Stead Museum you can get more details on tours at the Hill-Stead Museum website.

The music for our show is by Tim Cahill. Check out his new album, Songs From a Bedroom.

If you like this episode and want to hear other episodes like it check out: Lyndhurst Mansion, Pollock-Krasner House, Sailor’s Snug Harbor, Victoria Woodhull’s Murray Hill Mansion.

Theodate Pope Riddle in black and white with fur
Theodate Pope Riddle, courtesy of Hill-Stead Museum.
View of Cap d’Antibes by Claude Monet
View of Cap d’Antibes by Claude Monet, courtesy of Hill-Stead Museum.
Sara Handing a Toy to the Baby by Mary Cassatt
Sara Handing a Toy to the Baby by Mary Cassatt, courtesy of Hill-Stead Museum.

Below is a transcript for S3E1 of Someone Lived Here at the Hill-Stead Museum in Farmington, Connecticut. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com. Continue reading “Theodate Pope Riddle’s Hill-Stead Museum”

Maudslay State Park

The home of the Moseleys and the garden design of Martha Brookes Hutcheson

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In the second season of Someone Lived Here, Kendra explores homes that are no longer standing from the self-isolated location of her apartment. This week, we explore Maudslay State Park, formerly the Maudsleigh Estate. The park was once the country home of Frederick Strong Moseley and his family. In 1904, he commissioned the architectural design of Martha Brookes Hutcheson. Her designs and life story are the focus of the episode.

Music for this episode was by Tim Cahill.

Photo from Martha Brookes Hutcheson’s The Spirit of the Garden
Photos from Martha Brookes Hutcheson‘s The Spirit of the Garden
Photos from Martha Brookes Hutcheson’s The Spirit of the Garden
Photo: Morris County Park Commission

Unmarked photos taken by Kendra Gaylord between the years of 2010 and 2015.

Below is a transcript for season 2, episode 1 of Someone Lived Here at Maudslay State Park in Newburyport, MA. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

Continue reading “Maudslay State Park”