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Robert Louis Stevenson and the Stevenson Cottage

Stevenson family history lines the walls of the Stevenson Cottage (Photo provided — Diane Chase)

It has been a few years since I’ve been back to the Stevenson Cottage in Saranac Lake. Walking across the front porch and through the front door feels like stepping back in time. The original furniture, wood cuts, and even clothes are still on display as part of the permanent collection.

I’ve recently asked my daughter to start reading some classic books, or as she stated “old.” At my request she has started “Pride and Prejudice” because Pendragon Theatre is putting on a production of the Jane Austin novel. Years ago we read another book, “Treasure Island” aloud as a family. I chose the book hoping that it would spark conversation in regards to Robert Louis Stevenson’s time spent in the Adirondacks. For some reason that book pick doesn’t seem to qualify as an old book. I believe it’s directly related to the level of adventure.

I find Stevenson to be a bit of a mystery. I have read two of his most popular works, “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped.” I also know that he spent a short time in Saranac Lake attempting to recover from tuberculosis-like symptoms.

Caretaker/Curator Michael Delahant guides me through the small house pointing out various highlights. This is a “reading” museum, one where I want to linger through, not rush. Newspaper clippings line the walls emphasizing various points in Stevenson’s life and the role each played in his writings. Walls, not rooms, are dedicated to his most famous works while various corners, nooks, and crannies exhibit Stevenson’s family history in Edinburgh, travels to California, Saranac Lake, and Samoa. There are autographed books, paintings, and personal mementos. Most of the furniture is original to the cottage. Even burns remain on the fireplace mantle made from Stevenson’s constantly lit cigarettes.

The bed looks too small for a grown man, but so does the velvet jacket on display, which apparently he constantly wore. It is difficult to comprehend such a prolific writer of adventure completing most of his work confined to bed, unable to breathe while chain-smoking cigarettes. On one hand it is sad to discover that he died at only age 44, but enlightening to know that, though sickly, he lived his own life of adventure.

The Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage houses an extensive collection of memorabilia from Stevenson’s life. Though Stevenson’s time spent in Saranac Lake was brief the museum holds items from all aspects of his life. After Stevenson’s death, his stepchildren, wife, and the Stevenson Society of America donated various mementos to the museum.

Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage is located at 11 Stevenson Lane. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m., July 1 to Sept. 15, closed on Mondays. The Museum is open throughout the year by appointment only. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children (under the age of 12). Call 518-891-1462 for more information.

Diane Chase is the author of the Adirondack Family Time guidebook series, “Adirondack Family Time: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.” For more family-friendly activities, go to www.adirondackfamilytime.com.

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