My year as writer-in-residence at the Hemingway Birthplace Home in Oak Park has come to an end and as I say farewell to my studio in the attic, I treat you one last time to favorite glimpses of the house as I experienced it.
Farewell to the congregation of furniture in the attic
Bye bye to the funky disco wall paper that greeted me every time I climbed the attic stairs…
…and to the croquet that sat by the back door, rain or shine.
Bye bye to dainty china, marble table tops, embroidered children’s coats, lacy light patterns on damask bedspreads, and lavish floral carpets
Farewell to Mrs. Maud Humphrey’s (mother of Humphrey Bogart) Mother Goose illustrations and the Peter Rabbit wallpaper in the nursery Ernest shared with his sister, the tricycle in the foyer and Hemingway’s potty chair (probably not, but still) in Grace Hemingway’s bedroom
Good-bye beloved kitchen sink swivel stool – you were my favorite gadget in the whole house!
Farewell, Hemingway House! It was a privilege to dwell in your walls for this special time, and to have all the time in the world, it seemed, to explore your treasures and share them with many friends.
Thanks for the tour of the house. I loved that swing-out stool with the kitchen sink, too. What a great idea!
Yeah, isn't that built-in swing-out stool the coolest thing ever! When I had a bunch of school kids visiting, they couldn't get enough of it.
It's been a great experience for you!
It certainly has.
Thanks for sharing this. History is so intriguing. I love the swing-out stool with the kitchen sink!
Alissa, you should go see it for real sometime.
Loved the photos! Thanks so much for sharing -Hemingway House (and Wrigley Field) was definitely a highlight on our road trip through Chicago, IL and 18 other states this summer! We felt the spirit of Hemingway in both the House and Museum (much like the Faulkner presence in Rowan Oak down in Oxford, MS) when we passed through in early July. And our tour guide was fantastic -what a place!
Michael, thanks for leaving a comment. I am so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit to the Hemingway House in Oak Park. It is definitely a special place and off the beaten track of other Chicago attractions.
What a wonderful collage of memories. I hope I can enjoy my time as much as you apparently did yours. Best to you!
Thanks for sharing your photographs. I am not sure that wallpaper is coming back in style any time soon, but I am glad it is there! I like the toes on the carpet, your image in the mirror and of course the sink. Places like that are special and I enjoy your drinking it all in so sincerely.
Thanks for sharing such particular images. I felt how much this place meant to you and how you made it your place. That is great. Cannot wait to read your book! Congratulations!