Photography — History

Part One: A Tour of the Glensheen Mansion

Photo essay about the Congdon Estate in Duluth, Minnesota

The Glensheen Mansion was built in 1908 in Duluth, Minnesota by the Congdon family. It is one of the most historic homes in Minnesota. Duluth is located in northern Minnesota on the southern tip of Lake Superior.

The property became infamous because of a murder that took place in it in1977. Two years later, it was donated to the University of Minnesota in 1979, which still maintains the estate.

It is a living breathing museum.

The last time I toured the Glensheen Mansion was 31 years ago, as a 17-year-old. It was spring time but I remember there was snow on the ground so we didn’t tour the grounds of the mansion. As a senior in high school, I didn’t appreciate the magnitude of this home and all the artifacts found throughout the home and on the property.

The mansion has 39 rooms and each one was decorated differently. This photo was taken in the entryway. The pictures don’t do the ceiling justice.

I took this picture, not just because of the curio, but I loved the details in the carved wood door frames.

Each room had amazing wallpaper and light fixtures. This one was taken in one of the bedrooms.

A few times I had to stop myself from touching the walls like in this room.

I love the art of stained glass. There were many beautiful ones throughout the home.

I wanted to sit in a chair and start reading one of the countless books found throughout the mansion.

I loved this small swivel wooden bookcase found in one of the bedrooms.

Watch for part two, where you will see my other favorite room in the mansion and the grounds of the Glensheen Mansion.

@2021 Ellie Jacobson

Read Part Two of the Glensheen Mansion tour here.

Reference

University of Minnesota Glensheen Website, accessed 16 August 2021