What if houses could talk? The William Dean Howells House would tell tales of literary giants and family life.
Hello everyone. Welcome to the William Dean Howells House. This house stands at 37 Concord Avenue in Cambridge Massachusetts. It was home to the American author William Dean Howells. He lived here with his family. The William Dean Howells House is a testament to his life.
William Dean Howells was a prominent figure. He was a novelist, critic, and playwright. People called him “The Dean of American Letters”. He lived in this house from 1873 to 1878.
Howells’ wife Elinor Mead designed the house. The family considered it “the prettiest house in Cambridge”. They thought they would live there forever.
Many famous authors visited the William Dean Howells House. Mark Twain was a guest. Henry James also visited. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow came by. Thomas Bailey Aldrich graced its rooms. Even President James Garfield visited Howells here. Helen Keller lived there while attending school later on.
Howells purchased the land in 1872. He paid 33 cents per square foot. The family moved in on July 7 1873.
Life changed. The Howells family left in 1878. They moved to Redtop in Belmont Massachusetts. By 1900 they had a home near Gloucester Massachusetts.
After Elinor died in 1910 Howells thought of returning. He wanted to live here with his daughter Mildred. But without Elinor the house felt dreadful. It was too ghostly. Also the area had become noisy. Two trolley lines had been added nearby.
Before this house the Howells family lived elsewhere in Cambridge. They lived at 41 Sacramento Street from 1866 to 1870. From 1870 to 1872 they resided at 3 Berkeley Street.
Interestingly the Sacramento Street house is a historic landmark. The city of Cambridge recognizes it. But it is not on the National Register of Historic Places.
The William Dean Howells House fell into disrepair. But in 2011 a local builder restored it. He consulted with the City of Cambridge Historical Commission.
William Dean Howells had many residences. He lived in Cambridge Boston and New York. He even toured Europe. He sought solace in Kittery Point Maine. He moved often. But this Cambridge house holds special significance.
The William Dean Howells House is more than bricks and mortar. It represents a vibrant literary past. It was a gathering place for great minds. It was a family home. It stands as a reminder of William Dean Howells’ legacy. It tells a story of creativity community and change.