The Portland daily press., 1888-08-15
THE HOME.
Mr.. 6iaine's Augusta House and Its
History

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AUGUSTA, Aug. IA.
The home to which Mr.. Blaine has re-
turned this evening after his long tour In
Europe and his remarkable journey through
New England, is neither the most elegant
nor the most costly In Maine. II Is unpre-
tentious but comfortable, surrounded by an
ample lawn generously shaded by spreading
naples and butternuts, interspersed with
smaller trees and few shrubs. When Mr..
Blaine came to Maine in 1858 he was a very
young man with his own way to make. The
first years Of his life here, which were the
first years Of his married life, he spent In a
house on Green street, owned by Mrs.
Blaine's father, Jacob Stanwood. This
house Is yet standing, and Is occupied by
Mrs. Blaine's nephew. Mr.. Walter Stinson.
In this house Mr.. Blaine lived ten years,
through his career as a journalist, through
the time when he was laying the foundation
Of his career as public man. He had won
reputation in his own State and had entered
the field Of National politics before be moved
from the house on Green Street. 1t was
during his first term in Congress. in 1868,
that Mr.. Blaine purchased the house on
State street which is now his homs.
This house had been built in 1880 by an
old sea captain, James Hall. In its day 1t
must haye been one Of the most pretentious
mansions in Augusta. Just to the South Of
1t, on the other side Of Capitol streets
which bounds the Blaine house on
East, were rising the granite walls and dome
Of the new State House Of the young State Of
Maine. The door yard that extended to the
south of Captain Halls new house was a
counterpart Of the much larger open space
that extended northward from the new State
House. Like most Of the house builders Of
that day, Captain Hall did not think high
posts and lofty ceilings a necessity, and to-
day the older part Of Mr.. Blaine'S house, es-
pecially the chambers on the second floor
persist in remaining true witnesses Of the
ideas Of Captain Hall. in total disregard of
the high reputation and wide culture and ex-
perience Of the present owner.
After Captain Hall disposed OF the proper
ty II passed to Mr.. Rufus Child, Of whom
Mr.. Blaine purchased 1t in 1868. At the
same time that Mr.. Blaine bought his home
two friends Of his, Joseph Homan. Esq,
former publisher Of the Maine Farmer, and
Sylvanus Caldwell, arelative Of Mrs. Blaine.
bought homes next to his. Mr.. Homan on the
west side Of State street, and Mr.. Caldwell
Just across on the east side. Mr.. Caldwell
Is dead and his widow lives in the house;
Mr. Homan still lives In the enjoyment Of
good health, and has been busy today decor
ating his home to greet his old neighbors.
The house known as Mr.. Blaine's home
today is not much like the house built by old
Capt. Hall. Mr.. Blaine has bought the lot
to the west and added 1t to his grounds. To
the fiat root of the old house a cupola has
been added and on the west end, connected
with the old house by an ell, is new house,
built almost exactly like the old house.
This new part Mr.. Blaine added fifteen or
twenty years ago. The appearance Of the
house to one standing in the lawn in front
or on the terraces Of the Capitol ground on
the other side Of Capitol street. is Of two old
fashioned square houses, their fiat roofs or
namented by modern cupolas. and connected
by two story passageway. But the pro-
portions Of the structures are good. and the
whole affect Of the establishment, with its
large and neatly kept yard. well shaded by
spreading trees, is one that suggests comfort
and plenty, not display or ostentation. A
small stable west Of the house and a vege-
table garden, which has flourished splendid
ly in spite Of Mr.. Blaine's absence, complete
an establishment such as every well-to-do-
man in Maine delights to possess and may
hopet possess.
In the interior the house is furnished COM
fortably and well. Both Mr.. aud Mrs.
Blaine believe that no part Of their house is
TOO good for their own use or the use of their
children and friends. There are no state
rooms opened only for favored guests. Ey-
cry part Of the house Is used. and when the
furniture wears out 1t is replaced by new.
While not extravagantly elegant, the furni-
niture is substantial and handsome. As
might be expected of the home Of family,
all the members of which have travelled ex-
tensively, the house Is abundantly supplied
with bric-a-brac, much of which is interest
ing for its associations. OF pictures, too,
there is an almost unending number. Mr..
Blaine's library is in the western
wing Of the house, and Is. perhaps,
the most interesting portion Of the house.
Its shelves are filed with the choicest
works Of ancient and modern literature as
well as with those books Of reference and
those historical works, which form the
working library Of the man Of public affairs.
Not all Of Mr.. Blaine's books are here, but
there is good array
Mr.. Blaine's eldest daughter, Mrs. Cop
pinger, who has been in Augusta for some
time, was hers with her children to greet
the returning party this evening, and to su-
perintend the final arrangements made to-
day. The preparations inside the house to-
day were not extensive, merely a little get