"
As Professor Stowe's engagements necessitated his spending much of the
summer in Brunswick, and also making a journey to Cincinnati, it
devolved upon his wife to remain in Andover, and superintend the
preparation of the house they were to occupy. This was known as the
old stone workshop, on the west side of the Common, and it had a year
or two before been fitted up by Charles Munroe and Jonathan Edwards
[Footnote: Students in the Seminary.] as the Seminary gymnasium.
Beneath Mrs. Stowe's watchful care and by the judicious expenditure of
money, it was transformed by the first of November into the charming
abode which under the name of "The Cabin" became noted as one of the
pleasantest literary centres of the country. Here for many years were
received, and entertained in a modest way, many of the most
distinguished people of this and other lands, and here were planned
innumerable philanthropic undertakings in which Mrs. Stowe and her
scholarly husband were the prime movers.
The summer spent in preparing this home was one of great pleasure as
well as literary activity. In July Mrs. Stowe writes to her husband:
"I had no idea this place was so beautiful. Our family circle is
charming. All the young men are so gentlemanly and so agreeable, as
well as Christian in spirit. Mr. Dexter, his wife, and sister are
delightful. Last evening a party of us went to ride on horseback down
to Pomp's Pond.
Pages:
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217