Hamlin Garland House facts for kids
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Hamlin Garland House
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The house in 2014
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 356 W. Garland St., West Salem, Wisconsin |
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| Built | 1893 |
| Architect | William Hull |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000040 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | November 11, 1971 |
| Designated NHL | November 11, 1971 |
The Hamlin Garland House is a special historic home located at 356 West Garland Street in West Salem, Wisconsin, USA. From 1893 to the 1910s, it was the main home of a famous American writer named Hamlin Garland (1860–1940). Garland was well-known for his stories about life in different parts of the country. This house is so important that it has been named a National Historic Landmark. Today, it is a museum run by the local historical society, where you can learn all about Hamlin Garland and his life.
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Hamlin Garland's Early Life and Return
Hamlin Garland was born in West Salem in September 1860. His family lived in a log cabin on a farm. As he grew up, he moved away from Wisconsin. He lived in places like Massachusetts, Iowa, and Illinois. Even though he moved, Garland always loved his birthplace. He once said that his Wisconsin birthplace was a "source of deep satisfaction." He remembered it as a "charming and mysterious place."
In 1893, Garland decided to return to West Salem. He used money he earned from his popular book of short stories, Main-Travelled Roads, to buy this house. The house was built in the same year Garland was born, by a builder named William Hull.
The House and Its Improvements
When Garland bought the house, it came with four acres of land. The property also had a two-story barn, a cow pasture, a pig-pen, and gardens filled with fruits and flowers. The house itself needed a lot of work. Garland spent much of October 1893 fixing it up. He even added indoor plumbing, which was very new for homes in that area at the time! He first called his new home "Mapleshade" because of the three large maple trees on the property.
Garland's parents came to live with him in the house. His mother loved the area right away. His father wasn't so sure at first. But Garland was determined, saying, "This is my choice. Right here we take root. This shall be the Garland Homestead."
Fire and Moving On
In 1912, the house was damaged by a fire. It happened one October morning. Garland woke up to his wife, Zulime, screaming. He tried to put out the flames with a garden hose. Then, he rushed into his study. He saved his important writings by throwing them out of a second-floor window to a neighbor below. The house was quickly repaired after the fire.
After about 1916, the Garlands started spending less time in West Salem. They also had a home in New York City. They finally sold the West Salem house in 1939.
Hamlin Garland passed away at age 79 in Hollywood, California, on March 4, 1940. He had wished for his ashes to be spread on the hillsides near his West Salem home. However, local officials decided to bury him in the town's Nehonoc Cemetery instead.
The Hamlin Garland House Today
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The Hamlin Garland House was officially named a National Historic Landmark in 1971. The street where it stands was even renamed in honor of the author. Today, the West Salem Historical Society takes care of the property. It is open to the public as a museum. In 1960, a special historical marker was placed in town to remember Garland and his love for the region.
Some people say the house might be haunted. They think it could be Garland himself, perhaps because his wish for his burial place was not followed.
See also
