Hemingway Birthplace Home
Ernest Hemingway was born in this Queen Anne Victorian House, which has been meticulously restored to its former glory by the EHFOP.
Ernest Hemingway was born in this Queen Anne Victorian House, which has been meticulously restored to its former glory by the EHFOP.
Abba occupied the turret bedroom, which faces Oak Park Avenue. At this time in his life Ernest Hall had retired as the co-owner of a successful cutlery business, a career parallel to that of his father back in Sheffield, England. Ernest Hall was also an investor in stocks and bonds. Mr. Hall died here in 1905 after suffering for several months from Bright's Disease, a kidney ailment.
This formal, masculine room can be accessed from the entry hall and parlour. The library served at least two purposes. First, it became a retreat for Grandfather Hall when he wished to have an after dinner smoke or a drink with men folk without upsetting his daughter and son-in-law. It also served as the main repository of books for this family of avid readers.
Open the beautiful front double doors and step into the entry hall. It is large and inviting, and leads to the parlor to the left, the library straight ahead, and the stairs to second floor. Marcelline Hemingway (Ernest's sister) has indicated that there was another small room, in between the first and second floors that served as a room for her father to see his medical patients, which we are still in the process of uncovering.
Enter the parlour and you can see the functionality and beauty of this room. The inviting fireplace is set off by flowered carpet that was typical of the time, pink and green wall covering, and genuine Notthingham lace curtains, similar to those that hung in the windows over 100 years ago. The white plaster cornice at the ceiling is original to the home, and its rose relief pattern is reflected in the carpet. This space served as a music, prayer and study room, as well as a general gathering area for the entire family.
The kitchen is most noteworthy for the fact that Grace Hemingway seldom appeared here. She had been taught by her mother to be a professional woman, one who could afford to hire others to do the cooking, laundry, house cleaning, baby sitting, and other household chores. Many of the maids who were skilled in the kitchen were also voice and music students of Grace's. They utilized the back staircase off of the kitchen.
