Listen to Season 1 of Someone Lived Here Podcast

Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House

February 10, 2020November 6, 2023 admin2 Comments

Explore the home of Little Women and Louisa May Alcott

In this bonus episode of Someone Lived Here, learn the real life story of Little Women. Kendra takes you to Orchard House, the home of Louisa May Alcott in Concord, Massachusetts. The home is where Louisa wrote and set her book, Little Women. This home was recreated for the recent Little Women film, directed by Greta Gerwig and nominated for an Oscar.

In this episode, we unravel the real lives of Anna, Louisa, Elizabeth, and May. By walking through the rooms and items they owned, we better understand the real people, in both their happiness and hardships.

Thank you to Jan Turnquist and the entire staff at Orchard House. The home is open to visitors almost every day. You can learn more about the home and take a virtual tour on their website.

Music for this episode was by Tim Cahill.

Below is a transcript for season 1, episode 8 of Someone Lived Here at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House in Concord, Massachusetts. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

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Edna St. Vincent Millay’s Steepletop

August 26, 2019June 2, 2023 admin

Explore the home of the poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay

In this episode of the podcast Someone Lived Here, Kendra brings you to Edna St Vincent Millay’s home in Austerlitz, New York. Steepletop, which she named after Steeplebush that grew on the property, was Millay’s home for 25 years. It was also the place she died.

In this episode, we walk through Millay’s home and property to better understand her poetry and her life. After Millay’s death, her sister Norma would become its steward. The episode focuses on Edna St Vincent Millay’s relationship with her mother and her sister.

Thank you to Holly Peppe, Mark O’Berski, and the entire Edna St Vincent Millay Society. The home is not currently open to the public, due to a financial crisis. You can learn more about the property and how to donate, here.

Music by Tim Cahill. Icon artwork by Ben Kirk. Transcription by Sam Fishkind.

Vincent and Eugen on the front porch of the main house, c. 1945
*Photo credit: Edna St. Vincent Millay Society*

Millay reading in her library at Steepletop, c. 1948 Photo credit: Edna St. Vincent Millay Society

Millay in the “Bird Window Seat” in her withdrawing room, c. 1948
*Photo credit: Edna St. Vincent Millay Society*

Vincent, Eugen and a friend enjoy a dip in the pool. Bathing suits were prohibited. c. 1938
*Photo credit: Edna St. Vincent Millay Society*

Below is a transcript for season 1, episode 7 of Someone Lived Here at Edna St Vincent Millay’s home in Austerlitz, New York. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

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Edgar Allan Poe Cottage

August 12, 2019April 12, 2023 admin

Explore the final home of the writer and poet

Rocking chair owned by Edgar Allan Poe – Photo by Via Perkins

Listen to the 7-minute bonus episode for Edgar Allan Poe Cottage which includes recordings and stories I couldn’t fit in the original episode. We talk about how I struggled to parse the truth about such a revered writer, I also learned more about his wife and a missing Daugerrotype. You can listen by joining Someone Lived Here’s Patreon at any level.

In this episode of the podcast Someone Lived Here, Kendra brings you to Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in the Bronx. This unassuming cottage was the final home of the writer Edgar Allan Poe and the home his young wife and cousin, Virginia Clemm Poe, died in.

In this episode, we walk through the small cottage, learn more about the man, his addiction and his writing. We see the items he and Virginia owned, a rocking chair, a mirror, and the bed Virginia died in.

Thank you to Vivian Davis, the Bronx Historical Society, and the Historic House Trust. You can see the Edgar Allan Poe Cottage visiting hours on their website.

Special thanks to Via Perkins who took photos of the cottage below. Music by Tim Cahill. Icon artwork by Ben Kirk. Transcription by Sam Fishkind.

Mirror owned by Edgar Allan Poe – Photo by Via Perkins

Virginia’s deathbed – Photo by Via Perkins

Kendra with Edgar Allan Poe cutout – Photo by Via Perkins

Below is a transcript for season 1, episode 6 of Someone Lived Here at Edgar Allan Poe Cottage in Bronx, NY. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

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Lyndhurst Mansion

July 29, 2019April 11, 2023 admin

Explore the home of Jay Gould and his daughters, Helen and Anna

Listen to the 12-minute bonus episode for Lyndhurst Mansion which includes recordings and stories I couldn’t fit in the original episode. We go to the observatory on top of the house, learn about the interior of Jay Gould’s yacht, and learn more about his childhood friendship with John S Borroughs. You can listen by joining Someone Lived Here’s Patreon at any level.

In this episode of the podcast Someone Lived Here, Kendra brings you to Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. The mansion was built by a former New York City mayor William Pauling and designed by the architect Alexander Jackson Davis. It was then purchased by the Merritt family who doubled the size of the home by commissioning the same architect. Jay Gould, a robber baron, purchased the home. Upon his death his daughter Helen and later his daughter Anna would take over the property. Anna Gould donated the property to the National Trust for Historic Preservation upon her death.

In this episode, we tour the library, dining room, and art gallery of the mansion, along with the bowling pavilion. As we walk through the property we learn more about who Helen and Anna were, their differences, and their combined interest in keeping Lyndhurst standing.

Thank you to Rick Hostnik and Maura Bekelja for showing us around the property. You can sign up for tours and learn more about the mansion and the grounds at the Lyndhurst site.

*Bowling Pavillion – Photo credit: Lyndhurst*

Music by Tim Cahill. Icon artwork by Ben Kirk. Transcription by Sam Fishkind.

Below is a transcript for season 1, episode 5 of Someone Lived Here on Lyndhurst Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

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Pollock-Krasner House

July 15, 2019April 12, 2023 admin

Explore the studio and home of abstract expressionists Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock

Listen to the 15-minute bonus episode for the Pollock-Krasner House which takes recordings I couldn’t fit in like the original house layout that Lee regretted changing, the kitchen where Jackson cooked, and the family reaction to the portrayal in the movie Pollock. You can listen by joining Someone Lived Here’s Patreon at any level.

In this episode of the podcast Someone Lived Here, Kendra brings you to the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in Springs, NY. A hamlet in the village of East Hampton on Long Island. The property is a farmhouse style originally owned by a fisherman. The two artists, Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock created much of their most prominent work on this property.

While walking through the property and barn studio you will learn of Lee Krasner and Jackson Pollock’s life, how they navigated their professional and personal relationship, and the physical legacy they have both left on the studio in the barn.

We also learn more of their friends Ted Dragon and Alfonso Ossorio. To read the articles referenced in the episode check out the Easthampton Star article, To Catch a Thief, along with the Rogue article entitled The King of the Creeks.

Thank you to Helen Harrison for showing us around. You can book a tour or learn more about the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center here.

Music by Tim Cahill. Icon artwork by Ben Kirk. Transcription by Sam Fishkind.

Below is a transcript for season 1, episode 4 of Someone Lived Here at the Pollock-Krasner House and Study Center in Springs, NY. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

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Sailors’ Snug Harbor

July 1, 2019April 11, 2023 admin

Explore the retirement home for sailors operating from the 1830s to the 1970s

Listen to the 15-minute bonus episode for Sailors’ Snug Harbor which takes recordings I couldn’t fit in the original episode like how religion intertwined with this retirement home and an archaeological dig that investigated how the women employed at Sailor’s Snug Harbor lived. You can listen by joining Someone Lived Here’s Patreon at any level.

In this episode of the podcast Someone Lived Here, Kendra brings you to Sailors’ Snug Harbor on Staten Island. This was a retirement home for sailor’s that was free of charge for all its residents. The home was created by Robert Richard Randall’s will and was run by a Board of Trustees that purchased the 160 acres on Staten Island.

While you walk through the Noble Maritime Collection and the larger Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden you’ll learn about how a place like this came to exist and more about the men who lived there. Through essays and historical documentation, we learn more about this special space whose buildings are still standing after centuries.

Thank you to Megan Beck for guiding us through the home and teaching us more about Sailors’ Snug Harbor and the Noble Maritime Collection.

Music by Tim Cahill. Icon artwork by Ben Kirk. Transcription by Sam Fishkind.

Below is a transcript for season 1, episode 3 of Someone Lived Here at Sailors’ Snug Harbor on Staten Island. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

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Lewis Latimer House

June 17, 2019April 11, 2023 admin

Explore the Queens home of inventor Lewis Latimer

Lewis Latimer's house currently — Photo credit: Lewis Latimer House Museum

Listen to the 10-minute bonus episode for the Lewis Latimer House which takes recordings I couldn’t fit in like the family piano, additional artwork and poetry of Lewis, and more on the Latimer family’s creativity. You can listen by joining Someone Lived Here’s Patreon at any level.

In this episode of the podcast Someone Lived Here, Kendra brings you to the Lewis Latimer House in Queens, NY. Lewis Latimer was an inventor and electrical pioneer who shaped the history of objects we still use every day. He was African American and the son of slaves.

While you walk through the Queen Anne style home you’ll learn about Lewis Latimer and the ups and downs of his career. Through his journal entries and poetry, you’ll better understand his relationship with his work, his race, and his family. He was a poet and an artist so you’ll hear one of his poems entitled The Worker.

Thank you to Alex Unthank for guiding us through the home and teaching us more about Lewis Latimer. The Lewis Latimer House Museum is a member of the Historic House Trust.

Lewis Latimer and his house in the 1900s — Photo Credit: The Queens Library

Lewis Latimer the subject of this podcast episode — Photo credit: The Queens Library

Lewis Latimer's invention, the carbon filament — Photo credit: *Lewis Latimer House Museum*

Music by Tim Cahill. Icon artwork by Ben Kirk.

YouTube Video of Lewis Latimer podcast episode with captions and imagery

Below is a transcript for the second episode of Someone Lived Here at the Lewis Latimer House in Flushing, Queens. If you have any questions about the show or suggestions on how to make it more accessible please reach out at someonelivedhere@gmail.com.

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Alice Austen House

March 22, 2019April 11, 2023 admin

Explore the Staten Island home of photographer Alice Austen

The Alice Austen House on Staten Island. A white house with gingerbread trim — Photo Credit: Floto + Warner, Clear Comfort, 2015. ©Floto + Warner.

Listen to the 15-minute bonus episode for the Alice Austen House which takes recordings I couldn’t fit in like her contributions to the women’s bicycle movement, how her photos restored a ship in Australia, and trip up to Alice’s dark room. You can listen by joining Someone Lived Here’s Patreon.

In the first episode of the podcast Someone Lived Here (June 3rd), Kendra Gaylord brings you to the Alice Austen House on Staten Island. Alice Austen was a photographer who took beautiful personal photos of her friends. These photos include crossdressing and card games. She was also in a loving relationship with another woman, Gertrude Tate, for 50 years. Alice Austen lived from 1866 to 1952.

While walking through the home you learn Alice’s story and the events that led to poverty and how her work was found before her death.

Below are some photos of Alice and the property. If you would like to see some of the photos mentioned in the episode look through this collection curated by Victoria Munro.

If you are interested in visiting the Alice Austen House they are open Tuesday through Sunday. Go to the Alice Austen website for more details.

Alice Austen in Striped dress at age 22 — Photo Credit: Oswald Muller, Alice Austen in Striped dress age 22, June 1888. Collection of the Alice Austen House.

Alice Austen and her partner Gertrude Tate for podcast episode of Someone Lived Here — Photo Credit: Alice Austen & Gertrude Tate, Pickard’s Penny Photo Studio, Stapleton Staten Island, C.1905. Collection of the Alice Austen House.

Alice Austen's House and Balcony in the 1900s - Alice Austen podcast episode for Someone Lived Here — Photo Credit: Alice Austen, Austen House Porch and Balcony, ca. 1900. Collection of the Alice Austen House.

Alice Austen parlor at Clear Comfort — Photo Credit: Alice Austen, Parlor at Clear Comfort, ca. 1890. Collection of the Alice Austen House.

Current photo of parlor — Photo Credit: Kendra Gaylord, Parlor at Alice Austen House, 2019.

Music by Tim Cahill. Icon artwork by Ben Kirk. Transcription by Sam Fishkind.

YouTube Video of Alice Austen podcast episode with captions and imagery

Below is a transcript for the first episode of Someone Lived Here at the Alice Austen House on Staten Island. 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 “Alice Austen House” →