The James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home is located in the historic Lockerbie district of Indianapolis. James Whitcomb Riley was a well-loved children's poet., and following his death in 1916 the Riley Children's Foundation was established and Indiana' first children's hospital was built.
Riley was born in 1849 and was the third of six children. His father, Reuben, was a civil war veteran and politician who was known for his powerful speeches. His mother, Elizabeth, was a poet and children's storyteller. These skills of writing and oration had a profound effect of Riley who was to become a well-known poet. In 1878 he became a journalist for the Indianapolis Journal and published his first poetry work in 1883. His writing was largely based on his Indiana childhood, and it was very well received. He started touring and reciting his poetry, alongside his contemporaries, Mark Twain and Bill Nye. Following the end of his tour he was invited to live at the house in Lockerbie Street by the Nickum and Holstein families, and he lived here until his death in 1916. Over 35,000 people paid their respects as he was laid to rest.
The James Whitcomb Museum Home features life at the end of the 19th century. A tour of the house reveals the drawing room, dining room and family room. It has five bedrooms and bathroom on the second floor. The house has many period features and 19th century decor. There are many original items of furniture and Riley's personal belongings including his top hat and cane, painting of his dog, and the writing desk.
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