Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1886-10-07
HOWELLS AT HOME.
His House Like One He Built in
a Novel.
How He Looks ut Work and What He
Thinks About the Coming Story
Our Books Are Ourselves
Written Down.

A drive down Beacon street and a
short distance beyond in the direction
of what is known as the Back Bay ex-
tension is one of the delights of Boston.
On one side is the famous old common
and the newer but beautiful public
garden, with its flower-beds, miniature
lake boats in the shape of swans and
handsome bridge. On the other the
State House, the houses of James NJ.
Beebe and Gardner Brewer on the site
of the old Hancock house, on past the
homes of the old aristocrats of Boston.
This is the avenue on which lives Mr..
William Dean Howells, the novelist 1t
is the choicest location in all this pict-
uresque city. Beyond the public gar
den there are houses on both sides the
street. MIR. Howelrs residence is in
this part some distance out, on what is
called 1.-THE Milldam." Strange name
for the most fashionable quarter, but
Bostonians have tondness for old
associations. Sumptuous dwellings
and massive public buildings may be
erected here, but to the Bostonians
it will always be "the Mllldam."
The Howells residence is one of
block. 1t is of red brick. with brown
stone trimmings. The entrance is
reached by long flight of stone
steps. The whole front is nearly
covered by a green clinging vine. fes-
toOns of which overhang the front
door and serve to screen it from the
sun, as the house has full southern
exposure. There is small grass plat
in front, such as is usual to city houses.
The grass is closely cut, it is not sur
rounded by any railing and looks all
the prettier for it
The front door opens into a large,
square hall, with wide oaken staircase
extending above. Here every thing
looks inviting. Rugs are upon the
floor, a hall table, on which is small
tray filled with visitors cards, stands
near by the door, and mirror hangs
above. In front is reccption-room,
prettily and comfortably furnished. the
prevailing color red, which harmonizes
well with the oak finishings and wood
work. Beyond and across the hall is
the dining-room, which looks out on
MIR. Howells' flower garden. The wood
work of this room is also of oak En-
cravings hang upon the walls. and, al
together, it presented a cheerful picture,
heightened by the shining light on de-
canters, wine glasses and silver on a
massive oak sideboard. Mr.. Howells
is quite rs hoSpitable as his surround
&c 81 e
n bookish appearance about the house.
Its appointments suggested the home
of a wealthy banker or merchant,
rather than that of literary man.
Over the reception room is parlor
the full width of the house; no antique
furniture or attempt to carry out a dis
tnctive period in furnishing, only a
comfortable, perhaps more, a luxurious
home; carpets of a light color, with
bright figures, and handsome up
holstered furniture.
The staircase winds through the
center of the house, leaving much hall
space. At the back of the house on
the second floor is Mr.. Howells' study.
Here Mr.. Howells does his writing. 1t
is the room in which 1.-The Lady of the
Aroostook." Penelope" "Silas lap
ham," and other delightful creations
were brought into being. The room is
large and square, filled with light from
large window; all around are books
and papers, several engravings and
etehings hang upon the walls, but no
paintings. Authors seldom care for
color pictures. In the center of the
room is a large writing-table with
green baizc top. Uttered with pens,
papers. pen-wipers, stationery and all
the odds and ends of a real workable.
A leather-cushioned armchair is be-
fore the table.
The window looks out upon the
bright. shining waters of Charles river,
while beyond Charleston. Cambridge
and the tops of many of the Harvard
College buildings, church spires and
the smoking chimncys of factories fill
in the background. 1t is, in fact. the
view from Silas Laphams new house
ION the water-side of Beacon street"
rs HOwells describes it. There is
large garden in the rear of the house,
Win a gate opening on the waters
edge 1t is filled with many old-fash-
Toned ho"ers. sweet peas, hollyhocks,
g1lly-howers. fOur-O'clocks. sun
flower and ''marigolds ali in row."
Here l found the novelist, who greeted
me cordially.
Ii was warm day before noon. and
Mr.. Howells wore a sack coat and
waistcoat of Japanese silk 8 little
darker than the usual pongee shade, a
daxk-blue soft silk tie and dark
trousers. His hair is iron. gray,
though he is but little over forty. He
Is rather stout and of medium hcio,,t.
You must have rebuilt Silas Lar
bans house and moved in," said.