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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
In Mark Twain’s study, a Santa Claus suit and boots is ready for Christmas.
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By Mirwais Kakar
Reporter
Youth Journalism International
HARTFORD, Connecticut, U.S.A. –
Although I had heard and read about the great American author Mark Twain, I
recently got my first opportunity to visit his home in Connecticut.
Although I had heard and read about the great American author Mark Twain, I
recently got my first opportunity to visit his home in Connecticut.
The historic three-story
mansion was amazingly decorated for Christmas. It’s beautifully arranged, with
picturesque paintings on the walls and household items everywhere. It seemed as
though Twain, whose real name was Samuel Langhorne Clemens, was still living
there with his family.
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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
Fireplace mantels all over the house are decorated for Christmas.
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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
Small gifts for the Clemens daughters poke out from the stockings hung by the fireplace.
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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
A piano in the second floor school room at The Mark Twain House is decorated for the season.
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youthjournalism.org
A Christmas tree in the parlor of The Mark Twain House.
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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
In the front hall of The Mark Twain House, a table holds a horse harness adorned with sleigh bells and flowers for the neighbors. Gifts are piled up in baskets on the floor for taking or shipping to friends or for the needy.
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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
Gifts are piled on the sofa in Sam
and Livy Clemens’ bedroom.
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The expert guide explained to
us about the author’s life and struggles, including financial ones. He also
told us about some obstacles Twain faced in building and completing the house. He
covered almost everything about the family and the house, talking about their
cat, their servants, the dining tables, the way guests were treated, their
bedroom and more.
us about the author’s life and struggles, including financial ones. He also
told us about some obstacles Twain faced in building and completing the house. He
covered almost everything about the family and the house, talking about their
cat, their servants, the dining tables, the way guests were treated, their
bedroom and more.
Twain along with his wife Livy,
moved to the house in 1874 and raised their three daughters there. Livy was interested
in the interior design and wanted the house to be exquisite.
moved to the house in 1874 and raised their three daughters there. Livy was interested
in the interior design and wanted the house to be exquisite.
Twain, who lived a life full
of adventure, came from Missouri and spent time growing up in a Mississippi
River town. He worked on a riverboat and as a journalist.
of adventure, came from Missouri and spent time growing up in a Mississippi
River town. He worked on a riverboat and as a journalist.
In the course of his life, saw
America go through many changes, including the Civil War and the end of
slavery. As a writer, he had much to say about all of it.
America go through many changes, including the Civil War and the end of
slavery. As a writer, he had much to say about all of it.
The Mark Twain House &
Museum will retain its festive look until at least New Year’s, so hurry to see
it in its holiday splendor. The house is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
and New Year’s Day.
Museum will retain its festive look until at least New Year’s, so hurry to see
it in its holiday splendor. The house is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day
and New Year’s Day.
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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
In the library of The Mark Twain House, a massive mantel over the fireplace commands attention.
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Mirwais Kakar / youthjournalism.org
Mark Twain’s pool table take up much of the space in his third-floor study.
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