D. W. Griffith House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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D. W. Griffith House
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 Location in Kentucky
Location in the United States
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| Location | La Grange, Kentucky |
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| Built | 1905 |
| NRHP reference No. | 76000935 |
| Added to NRHP | June 3, 1976 |
The D. W. Griffith House is a special old building in La Grange, Kentucky, in the United States. It used to belong to a very famous movie director named D. W. Griffith. He became well-known for his movies like Birth of a Nation and Intolerance. This house is now considered a historic place.
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A Home for a Movie Legend's Family
The D. W. Griffith House was first built in 1905. It was originally a home for a couple named Charles and Sue Smith. Later, it even became a funeral home for a while.
Griffith's Family Connection
In 1913, D. W. Griffith bought the house. He wanted it to be a home for his mother, Mary. She lived there for about a year until she passed away. After that, Griffith's sister, Ruth, lived in the house until 1934. Then, his brother and his family moved in.
Griffith's Own Stay
D. W. Griffith himself lived in the house for a few years. He moved there in 1936 with his second wife. They stayed until 1939, when Griffith went to California to work on a new movie. He sold the house in 1940. However, his niece continued to live there until 1950. After that, the house was sold again and turned into apartments. Griffith never came back to La Grange. Even when the University of Louisville gave him an honorary degree in 1945, he didn't return. In 1974, new owners bought the house and made it a family home again.
Griffith's Hometown Roots
D. W. Griffith always thought of La Grange as his true hometown. He grew up on a farm nearby. His mother had to sell the farm because of debts after his father died. Even when he traveled, Griffith would often write La Grange as his home on hotel forms.
A Final Resting Place
When D. W. Griffith passed away, his wishes were followed. His body was brought back to Oldham County, Kentucky. He was buried in Mount Tabor Cemetery, about 13 kilometers (8 miles) south of La Grange. This is where his family had a burial plot.
The House Today
Today, the D. W. Griffith House is still a private home. However, it is seen as an important historic spot. The current owners have lived there since 1983. Inside the house, you can find several items that belonged to D. W. Griffith. If you visit, look closely at the sidewalk near the house. You might still see Griffith's signature pressed into the concrete!
