What's in Your Attic?

Clara Barton's Attic, Clara Barton National Historic Site. July 11, 2012

Clara Barton founded the Red Cross here in the United States. Her home at Glen Echo, Maryland was not just her place of residence, but also served as the American Red Cross headquarters, volunteer and staff quarters, and supply depot for many years. It was constructed to her specifications by the owners of the neighboring Chatauqua encampment; they offered her land and a home/headquarters as a way to draw more people to their National Chatauqua (the site later became Glen Echo Amusement Park).

A very practical woman, she used muslin bandage material instead of wallpaper to cover her walls and ceilings. In her attic, she kept furnishings and supplies donated for victims of disasters. (I daresay the attic probably held way more stuff in it during Barton's tenure than it does in this National Park Service interpretation!)

On a sad note, this amazing house is in dire need of exterior work, including painting and replacement of some rotting boards.