The Hulda Klager House and Lilac Gardens

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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

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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
Carol showing Kendra the Hori Bathhouse
Interior of Hori Bathhouse
Kendra and Julie Acosta looking at two disk plow
Neely Mansion tax photo

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” →

The Cayton-Revels House

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Explore the Capitol Hill home of newspaper editors

The Cayton-Revels House on 14th St E in Capitol Hill Neighborhood of Seattle

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In the fifth episode of season 3, Kendra brings you to The Cayton-Revels House in Seattle, Washington. Horace Cayton and Susie Revels Cayton were the home’s first owners. Together the couple owned, edited, and wrote the longest-running Black-owned newspaper at the turn of the century in Seattle. Susie was the daughter of Hiram Rhodes Revels the first Black United States Senator elected in 1870. Through the episode, you learn the Cayton-Revels family story and how it intertwines with this home and with US history.

The private home was recently landmarked through the work of Taha Ebrahimi, who took quick action after learning the history of the home. She had the full support of homeowners Kathy Ackerman and Erie Jones, along with the family friend and descendent of Horace and Susie Cayton, Harold Woodson Jr. It was the friendship of Harold’s mom, Susan Cayton Woodson who helped preserve the family connection to this home.

Read Taha’s landmark application or the book The Cayton Legacy by Richard S Hobbs to learn more about this remarkable family. The archival work of Ed Diaz was extremely helpful in putting together this episode. If you’re interested in doing landmark work watch this recording of Taha’s experience.

Images of the property provided by Kathy and Erie can be found below. You can find a full transcript of this episode.

The music for our show is by Tim Cahill.

If you like this episode and want to hear other episodes about writers check out the following: Edna St. Vincent Millay’s Steepletop, Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, and inventor and poet  Lewis Latimer’s House.

The Cayton-Revels house from ad in Seattle Republican in 1909
The Cayton Family on the front porch in 1904, Right to left, Row 1: Horace Cayton, Susie Revels Cayton, Emma (Susie’s niece) Row 2: Madge, Horace Jr (held), Ruth.
Living room fireplace
Harold Willliam Woodson Jr., great-grandson of Susie Revels Cayton and Horace Cayton, on the porch to spread, his mother, Susan Cayton Woodson’s ashes in 2013.

Below is a transcript for S3E5 of Someone Lived Here at The Cayton-Revels House in Seattle, 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 Cayton-Revels House” →

The Rebecca Nurse Homestead and the Salem Witch Trials

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Exterior of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead, photo by Someone Lived Here podcast

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In the fourth episode of season 3, Kendra brings you to The Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, Massachusetts. The home was the final home of Rebecca Nurse, an older religious woman accused and executed on the charges of being a witch. By learning Rebecca’s story, we better understand the events that led to the death of 20 people in the Salem Witch Trials, including her sister Mary Easty.

Thank you to Kathryn Rutkowski for the tour. The Rebecca Nurse Homestead is a volunteer-run historic home. If you’re interested in taking a tour learn more about their hours on The Rebecca Nurse Homestead website.

If you want to read more about the Salem Witch Trials, I’d highly recommend Marilyn K Roach’s The Salem Witch Trials and Emerson Baker’s A Storm of Witchcraft, which were both used to research this episode.

Images of the property can be found below. You can find a full transcript of this episode.

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

If you like this episode and want to hear other episodes like it check out: The House of the Seven Gables, The Homes of Harriet Jacobs, and The Greenwood District in Tulsa OK.

Rebecca Nurse’s Memorial in the family cemetary, photo by Someone Lived Here podcast

Below is a transcript for S3E4 of Someone Lived Here at The Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers, 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.

Continue reading “The Rebecca Nurse Homestead and the Salem Witch Trials” →

The House of the Seven Gables

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The House of the Seven Gables, 1915

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In the third episode of season 3, Kendra brings you to The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, Massachusetts. The home was the inspiration of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s The House of the Seven Gables and was owned in the 1800s by his cousin Susannah Ingersoll. The home was originally built by Captain John Turner and was in his family for three generations.

The House of the Seven Gables was no longer a private residence in 1908 when Caroline Emmerton purchased the home to act as both a house museum and a Settlement House. The home was restored to a 1720 interpretation by Joseph Chandler. Four gables had been removed over the years and were added back, along with the addition of a secret staircase.

Thank you to The House of the Seven Gables, Senior Historic Interpreter and Lead Researcher David Moffat, and Community Engagement Director Julie Arrison-Bishop. You can book tour tickets to see The House of the Seven Gables in person.

Images and locations referenced in this episode can be found below. You can find a full transcript of this episode.

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

If you like this episode and want to hear other episodes like it check out: Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House, The Homes of Harriet Jacobs, Henry Davis Sleeper’s Beauport, and Sailors’ Snug Harbor.

Parlor of The House of the Seven Gables, photo by Someone Lived Here podcast
Interior of attic gable in The House of the Seven Gables, photo by Someone Lived Here podcast
Susannah Ingersoll’s portrait at The House of the Seven Gables, photo by Someone Lived Here podcast

Below is a transcript for S3E3 of Someone Lived Here at The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, 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.

Continue reading “The House of the Seven Gables” →

Henry Davis Sleeper’s Beauport

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In the second episode of season 3, Kendra brings you to Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. Henry Davis Sleeper was one of the first professional interior designers in the US. His work used salvaged material, color, and light to create spaces overflowing with personality. Beauport, built in 1907, became a portfolio of his work, with 5 dining rooms designed to impress and entertain. Barely anything has changed in this time capsule of his work.

Henry Davis Sleeper was a gay man with a close circle of friends and neighbors. In this episode, we go through the rooms in his home and tell his story: from his early relationship with Guy Whetmore Caryll, to his friendship with A. Piatt Andrew, and a mouse encounter with Isabella Stewart Gardner. Henry Davis Sleeper lived from 1878 to 1934.

Thank you to Historic New England, Site Manager Martha Van Koevering, and PR Officer Susanna Crampton. You can book tour tickets to see Beauport in person.

Images referenced in this episode can be found below courtesy of Historic New England. You can find a full transcript of this episode.

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: Alice Austen House, Lyndhurst Mansion, Hill-Stead Museum, Steepletop.

Beauport Exterior, 2021. Kendra Gaylord
Cogswell House, Essex MA. With Henry Davis Sleeper, A. Piatt Andrew, Isabella Stewart Gardner
Cogswell House, Essex MA. With Henry Davis Sleeper, A. Piatt Andrew, Isabella Stewart Gardner, courtesy of Historic New England.
Interior Sleeper residence, 336 Beacon Street, Boston - desk and Guy Whetmore Caryll portrait shown
Interior Sleeper residence – 336 Beacon Street, Boston, courtesy of Historic New England.
Mourning embroidery style collage, two men embrace
Mourning embroidery style collage, two men embrace, courtesy of Historic New England.
window and view from Gold Step Room, Beauport
Gold Step Room, Beauport, courtesy of Historic New England.
The Octagon Room, Beauport
The Octagon Room, Beauport, courtesy of Historic New England.
Henry Davis Sleeper and A. Piatt Andrew
Henry Davis Sleeper and A. Piatt Andrew, courtesy of Historic New England.

Below is a transcript for S3E2 of Someone Lived Here at Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House in Gloucester, 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.

Continue reading “Henry Davis Sleeper’s Beauport” →

Theodate Pope Riddle’s Hill-Stead Museum

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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” →

The Greenwood District, before and after the Tulsa Massacre

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The homes and buildings of the Black community and The Dreamland Theatre

Greenwood District and Dreamland Theatre

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In the season finale of Someone Lived Here we learn the story of the Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The neighborhood was 35 blocks and became known as Black Wall Street. It was a thriving Black community and the site of The Tulsa Massacre. It was later rebuilt even bigger than before, but today very few original buildings are standing. We follow the story of the Dreamland Theatre and the owner, Loula T Williams and her son, William Danforth Williams.

In this episode, we interview Hannibal B Johnson, an attorney and writer from Tulsa, Oklahoma who has written multiple books including Black Wall Street: From Riot to Renaissance in Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District and Images of America: Tulsa’s Historic Greenwood District.

Thank you to the Tulsa Historical Society & Museum for use of their audio recordings.

At the end of the episode, Kendra gave herself a homework assignment. She would love for you to join. The description is below:

Research the history of your town or city, your neighborhood, your state.

Ask questions like: Were there Black communities here? Were there native communities? Were violent acts committed? When and where was that highway built? Were people of color displaced? See what you find, but then here is the most important part. Add what you find to your town or cities Wikipedia. Include your sources. 

Wikipedia is how the world learns about a place or a topic. And these histories are often written from one source and I think it’s worth adding a lot more. It is not the responsibility of historians of color to uncover wrongs. It is the job of everyone to uncover the past so we can recognize the damage and use that knowledge to build a future.

Below are some additional resources that might help in your research. I will be adding more to this list, along with best practices for updating Wikipedia pages:

Renewing Inequality is a tool developed by a team at University of Richmond. It allows you to see displacement caused by Urban Renewal map its timeline and who was affected.

Saving Slave Houses is a project by Jobie Hill which documents still standing slave homes across the country.

Below is a transcript for season 2, episode 6 of Someone Lived Here and the story of the Greenwood District before and after the Tulsa Massacre. 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 Greenwood District, before and after the Tulsa Massacre” →

Victoria Woodhull’s Murray Hill Mansion

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The home of the Victoria Woodhull and Tennessee Claflin

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In this episode of Someone Lived Here, we follow the life of Victoria Woodhull. We start at her mansion at 15 East 38th Street in Murray Hill, which is no longer standing. Then trace her life back from the small Ohio town where she was born. Victoria started her life as a psychic, became a stockbroker, and then a women’s rights activist and the first female presidential nominee.

This season, host Kendra Gaylord, is exploring homes that are no longer standing by learning their stories, all while staying self-isolated in her apartment in Brooklyn.

If you’d like to read more about Victoria Woodhull I would recommend Notorious Victoria: The Uncensored Life of Victoria Woodhull and Other Powers: The Age of Suffrage, Spiritualism, and the Scandalous Victoria Woodhull.

Below is a transcript for season 2, episode 5 of Someone Lived Here and the story of Victoria Woodhull. 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 “Victoria Woodhull’s Murray Hill Mansion” →

Jack Kirby’s Lower East Side Apartment

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The childhood tenement of comic book creator, Jack Kirby

Jack Kirby photo by Sampsel & Preston Photography
Apartment photo via NYC Department of Records

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In this episode of Someone Lived Here, we follow the life of Jack Kirby starting in his apartment on Suffolk Street in the Lower East Side. The tenement is no longer standing, but the characters he created over his decades in the comic book industry are still everywhere you look.

This season, host Kendra Gaylord, is exploring homes that are no longer standing by learning their stories, all while staying self-isolated in her apartment in Brooklyn.

If you’d like to learn more about Jack Kirby and see his work throughout the years I would highly recommend the biography Kirby: King of Comics by Mark Evanier.

Below is a transcript for season 2, episode 4 of Someone Lived Here, focused on the life of Jack Kirby and the places he lived. 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 “Jack Kirby’s Lower East Side Apartment” →