I had the great privilege of helping to decorate the Congdon Mansion (we didn't call it Glensheen back then) for the holidays back in 1979 & 1980 when I worked at Lester Park Greenhouse; apparently we had the contract with UMD for all the floral decorations. I was 19 years old and it was AMAZING to be helping decorate such an incredible home, a Duluth and Minnesota landmark, a couple times a year. I’ve never been on a paying “tour”, I roamed it freely, but should go back soon as time is fleeting. Incredible Home, Incredible Story, Thank You to the Congdon Family for this Legacy!
Amazing! I watched this in preparation to go see it tomorrow. I've always wanted to see this home since I was a child as I live just across the border in Thunder Bay. My family would often take trips to Duluth growing up and it has become tradition. I'm so happy that it was maintained over the years in it's original splendour!
The house is simply amazing, my wife and I just visited it last weekend and now they've opened the 3rd floor (where the boys slept), the attic and the basement. It is such a huge house, 39 rooms, its hard to believe a home could be that big. You can also tour the grounds and this weekend the wind was coming in off Lake Superior so strong it was kicking up giant waves off the boat landing and surrounding rocks. It was just gorgeous.
It’s been 45 years or so since I was there.. but I remember it...the craftsmanship is outstanding.. heated horse stalls.. a tributary to the lake had smelt running through it.. they definitely spared no expense... the interior is amazing
I had to pause just to comment. This has to be the most incredibly , gorgeous , awesome estate I have *EVER* seen!!!!! Absolutely BREATHTAKING !!!! Even before actually seeing the interior of the mansion I was blown away by the beauty of Chester and Clara. Such a stunning couple, and their children just as lovely. I swear they could make a Disney movie based on this family!
Went to the Glensheen Mason today and it is amazing! It's has a great balance between being well-preserved and replicated in some cases, to allowing for normal wear and tear yet being able to maintain the original state in many instances. This is especially evident in the bedrooms with the master bedroom being my favorite room followed closely by the amusement room. The mason is a reminder that homes can be built to be almost timeless. The love and care of the home and the ability to maintain much of the original structure and artifacts are amazing. I am listening to this doc as I work for Chester worked hard and deserved his success. The sad part other than the tragedy in the 1970s, is he only got about seven years in majestic mason. It was completed 1909 and I believe he died in 1916. Yet he did his thing and he handled business.
this was an amazing film. i actually come from a rather larger family from the woodland area by the name of sawyer and i spent my entire childhood and early adult life in east duluth there. i spent 1000s of hours in the park system areas of congdon and lester parks and there really are steps seamingly embedded into the hills all over. like one at lester thats a little ways above the actual park near a gulf course there is a trail that has steps that help egress down a otherwise quiet dangerous rock hill that ends at a rather magical storybookesk waterfall that has a perfect pool at the base of it. friends a i would go there to swim in the pool on hot summer days. in fact i took my first actual date there, whom i would years later have children with, and it was there that i sucked up the curage and had my first kiss. and here i never realized it was all thanks to the kindness and love of duluth that this man had. wow typing all this out brings quiete a few tears to my eyes, not just from missing someone now gonea few years now, but also for the many changes this city has gone throug, the rise of steel the many jobs that factories and fabrication gave to duluth, now none of which remain any longer for a good long while now. noone likes to admit it but duluth has been akin to someone sick in a hospital bed for a long time now and thankfully shes populated by alot of incredibly smart, very tallented open thinking people with that "minnesota mentality" that genuinly almost is exclusive to here that have come up with very genious ideas like turning canal and the shore into the gorgeous tourist attraction that it is today. did anyone know that in the 80s where the 2 big hotels now stand resided a disgusting auto scrap yard? and the lake shore was pouluted and littered with rebar all over. anyone would be suicidal to think to swim anywhere near. but everyone knew, industry was dying. there existed a billboard just south of duluth in those times that read "last one to leave duluth remember to turn out the light" as a clever insult to the phenomina of the large amounts of people moving away then and all the big companies like the giant steel mill just off bong bridge that employed damn near the whole town, or diamond tool company, or acme matches just to name a few of the BIG ones. all gone in every form not even a husk of building they resided in remains. thankfully we seem to embrace the very unique natural landscapes around us and at least we are still the tippy tip of the last great lake so theres that but damned if our only real thing is turism now. i cant help but think of how mr congdon would feel if he was told that this is how itd be, just enough people that care to keep it nice, but all the while there are unprecidented amounts of souls living litterally on street corners all over downtown. most neglected by a system that would love to just sweep them under a rug day in and day out most eventually resulting in drug use as a way to hopfully numb the reality. being born and raised here i know a few of those unfortunate to befall this fate and it doesnt seem to inprove. this is a town of 100k people not big buit not tiny either. we clearly have enough $ to hire on a rediculous amount of police and emergency personel AND furnish each and every one with top of the line brand new intercepter suvs newest fire trucks all the jazzy equipment build multiple new police stations and shut down the one that was centrally located at courthouse forever which im sure all totals out to a number that is astronomic yet all the time people ive known my whole life are wrapped up with blankets when its genuinly freezing outside and overdosing at such a rate that i am becoming desensitized to it. long ago this great family shared their welth so that a entire city would be better for it in ways that 100 years later still exist allowing a geeky boy to be inspired to have the guts to kiss the girl that was way out of his league under the sparkle of the pools of lester falls. i only now realize how if not for what people like them i quiet possibly would have never had what i did. i am sure this whole comment is a big mess of mixed points and it may seem like a weird way to commenorate a family as great as the congdons but i truely feel like without people like them its becoming very obvious how duluth will end up. i for one am all the more proud that i am from duluth and moved back home here i just really hope something actually changes because what ive stated here, thats reality. people are hurting and dying either by their hand, the cities blind eyes or by opiodes and somthing needs to change. otherwise before too long there wont be any sons or daughters of duluth left. and if that happens then this will just be another town somewhere, no duluth magic left, that spark weve always had will just fade away. if anyone actually read this this far thank you for sticking through it with me and im sorry that this drew out like this ambien at 2am can get a bit quarky. and if your one of those struggling out there, please know your not alone,someone does care and there are more than a few kind hearts here that truly care and there are suppport options out there even if somtimes difficult to attain. my mother has this saying ive heard her say it to me my whole life now "this to shall pass" short and simple but when ive hit my lowest lows thats always helped me, like when my love passed away far too young at only 26 and i felt so much pain that i though of deleting myself more than a few times moms words alway kept me going even if just barely. what losing that did to me still affects me daily but she was right. maybe not by a whole lot but it did get better with time. sorta. enough to at least live. i hope than anyone that reads this thinks deeply on what people live them did for our city and each of us here and next time you see someone struggling or in a shit situation instead of turning to look the other way, do somthing different. and dont just throw money at them, money alone doesnt fix this kind of problems, youd be shocked at how much just looking someone in the eye and giving them a genuine smile could be enough to make someone feel like thay matter and exist and maybe even prevent them from giving up. im going to end this madmans rant at that now. hopfully maybe just even one person reads this and it helps to create a pivot point in life that makes duluth brighter, healthier and more duluthian. i think it def helped me to refocus my feelings on the topic as well as made me appreciate how and where duluth came from. :)
I love to see historical homes kept up for the future generations! This is more than a house it's a monument. Thank you for sharing the video and the information.
I love the beauty of the mansion. Have visited it a few times. The gorgeous woodwork is exquisite. Not one corner of the Glensheen mansion isn’t beautiful. I plan on visiting it again soon.
My mother and two older sisters were born and raised in Duluth (early to middle 1910-1915's). One taught home economics at Ordean Jr high, the second was a professor of Art Education in the New York University System, and my mother was a music ed teacher in Winnetka Illinois (just north of Chicago) and public school and church choir in suburbs just west of Milwaukee. My was a very well known Duluth figure skater and a member of the US National Skating Team in the '50's. She went to Colorado College in Colorado Springs on a skating scholarship. She dated one of the Congdon boys while in high school. She lived just up the hill of N. 36th st on 4th Ave. A super coincidence was that I was driving to Duluth on I76 that very afternoon in 1977. You Must visit Glensheen on London Road. They offer many different tours of the Mansion and regardless of which tour, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the grounds. Next door to the east is the Mansion built for one of the daughter's which was for a while an elegant B&B. Now a private residence.
Awesome! I went to visit Glenshen mansion on Dec. 27, 2016, and unfortunately, there was no sign language interpreter provided for me (I am Deaf). Although, I am so glad that video contains English subtitles; it helps me understand better about Condgons and their mansion.
Eric, Sorry about the lack of a sign language interpreter. Please read my addendum about some little known facts regarding the Congdon Mansion. Thank you. ⚘
I am not sure if this will help you or not but I too am now handicapped and know what you might go through to be at a disadvantage… anyway I think this is worth a try for you : …go to the top right corner of your viewing screen and click on the rounded icon…next at the bottom you will click on captions …next you will click on auto-translate …next pick the language of your choice and click on it. ..see if that helps you-good luck !
I love going to Duluth it’s so beautiful up there I love going to the mansion it’s so beautiful I go up to Duluth at least twice in a year I still love going to glenshen mansion I will never get tired of going to Duluth or the mansion I’m planning on moving to Duluth when I’m older and I can’t wait I when there when they found more stuff in the mansion it’s so cool because they are still finding more stuff in the home I totally recommend go to Duluth and going to the mansion it’s totally worth it I promise it’s breath taking after go once you will not want to leave Duluth or the mansion
My parents, four sisters and I grew up in Duluth. My father was caretaker of the Longview Tennis courts which became a skating rink and hockey rink in the winter. My sister Betty used to baby sit for the Congdon's. This is a little bit before my time so I'm guessing it was Jennifer's children. My sister Fay went to school with Marjorie and commented on her unusual behavior. Both Betty and Fay have passed away but before Fay died, she gave me a book written by Sharon Darby Hendry entitled "Glensheen's Daughter. The Marjorie Congdon Story" It's a fascinating read and filled in the history regarding Marjorie. The book differs with the comments regarding the video's story behind the name "Glensheen". Page 23 states "GLEN represented the wooded lot and Sheen was chosen for the Congdon family's origin in the village of SHEEN in Surrey, England." I don't believe the video mentioned that Glensheen was a movie backdrop for a film starring Patty Duke and Richard Thomas entitled "You'll Like My Mother". The film was produced prior to the murder of Elisabeth but perhaps it gave Marjorie ideas. The Congdon's did a lot for Duluth and Minnesota. We should all be grateful for their generosity
They won't tell you of the murders. Not part of the tour and they wanted to stay away from the conitation of it.Glensheen is amazing. Also toured the our ship in which was a state room for the congdon's (typically none where offered on such ships). Also the highway 61 travel to two harbors and the light house was so amazing. I loved it there.
Grew up in Duluth played many game's at Longview, Played basketball at the Jewish center and enjoyed many activities at both places , a thank you to your Father,, Thank you for your post. K.goar, Gilbert AZ.
I agree completely!! I absolutely love that your family mingled with theirs! It’s such a special place with such an interesting history!! I saw the movie “You’ll Like My Mother” and it’s quite creepy that it seemed to have similarities to the actual murder...
Was just there last weekend. I'm surprised at how much this family did for Duluth and Minnesota and yet I had never heard of them till recently. They seemed like good people and the estate is amazing. I'm definitely going back now that I know more of its history.
Went there shortly after the murders. They had blankets over the rugs where it had not been repaired to show the public. But it was open to the public, very little roped off. The bathroom and kitchen was cool how progressive it was. The garden is beautiful.
I saw the video about the murder of Elizabeth and her nurse and how the daughter she adopted was implicated and I felt curiosity about knowing more about the house. I was not aware it was donated to the University, but I am glad for it..The way the mansion was built is truly an interesting story.. I'm glad people can visit to see such a historical marvel..and I would love to visit the mansion some day!!!
Maybe someday they will include the history of her murder, absent the sensational drama of her murder this mansion almost certainly would have been torn down. It was a huge challenge to find anyone willing to restore it. Considering that now few are even aware of how close it was to being abandoned.
@218philip Who are the “they” that maybe someday will include the history of (who is) “her” murder? You seem unnecessarily vague-yet-condescending. I went to the Blake School with Robert’s children.
I have been inside the mansion.. it’s really quite impressive, beautiful.. the house is huge, beautiful woodwork and masonry work, the property is like a park..the landscaping is beautiful... too bad it ended in murder
Great video...I grew up in the Twin Ports of Duluth-Superior, and, while living in the area, learned much about it, which the general public may not be aware of; unfortunately, most of the so-called history, jumps ahead to the tragic murder of Elisabeth Congdon, and her housekeeper. Several years prior to that, I believe, on or about February of 1970, a young male intruder into the Congdon Mansion, was shot and killed, in self-defense, by Miss Congdon. No charges were filed. Sometime later, exact date unknown, the movie, 'You'll Like My Mother', starring Patty Duke, was shot at the Congdon Mansion. Before the estate was donated, as a tourist attraction, it actually was for sale, for $395,000...and fully furnished, but no takers. All of this information, is verifiable... Only the Timeline may be a bit 'off' as it's been more than a Half Century. Thank you. ⚘
Congdon's Castle in Yakima, WA still stands also. Chester Congdon built that one. But know one can go inside, cause of the floors are weak. Nobody took care of the place very good.
Wow. I didn't even think I would finish this but I did. It is so interesting. So sad to hear about Elizabeth. So unexpected. I wonder what the rest of the family is up to now.
I've toured this place before and if u do live in Duluth MN I do recommend to tour this place it's absolutely beautiful!But a little haunted,warning right by the mansion there's a graveyard we're the family is buried.😬
Never heard of these folks, interesting, the people whom were part of an era and all that they experienced in their time. Interesting how we value material as a measure of value of the Self. ... and how it really is not at all what makes one happy.
The 3.13% inflation rate means $854,000 in 1908 is equivalent to $29,480,080 today. This inflation calculator uses the official US consumer price index published by the Department of Labor. As to costs of furnishing house then compared to today!!! WOW ... in 2024 dollars.
There is man on here (17:55) wearing The royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom, or the royal arms for short and is the arms of dominion of the British monarch, currently King Charles III. These arms are used by the King in his official capacity as monarch of the United Kingdom. So it begs the question...why is this dude wearing it?
When I went there I heard a maid got pushed down a staircase I don't know what one but I took a picture of all the staircases and I saw the maid on the stairs and then someone was behind her......
I used to show horses....hunters and jumpers, in MN back in the day. A pretty small community of folks where most competitors at least knew of each other. Marjorie kind of exploded into the show scene with really expensive, great horses and not very good riding ability. This was happening within the aftermath of the murder and I remember that there was always a lot of gossip and speculation. Horse shows are pretty much a money and elite thing however she just appeared as an 'outsider.' I do remember her as a salty, smoking, swearing character which is not exactly the normal behavior in these circles. The general consensus was that she did orchestrate the murder and she did disappear from the show scene in a sudden vanishing act. She was an interesting character. Kind of like a bawdy, blue-collar petty criminal. She sure stood out at the horse shows. I went to a small part of horse people at the mansion which I remember as so beautiful. Grateful for these great memories.
I would like to see what Frank Lloyd Wright would have designed for their property. Obviously a very nice home, but it could have been an American Masterpiece of the 20th Century. ...and Wright would have done a complete decor with windows and furniture. The imaging of it is delightful.
I wonder how much a piece of history costs today for upkeep. It’s 2023 and 100 of the highest paid employees make well over 120,000 per year and the highest being the coach over 300,000 a year.
I would've bought all the land, completely walled it off, and built a small, one level cabin and a barn for the horses. After that, the world's charities can have the rest.
Chester Congdon was like one of Bill Gates original lieutenants. Not robber baron rich like Carnegie or Morgan but close enough to the top to be filthy, stinking wealthy. On the Glensheen website the original cost was $854k. According to my inflation calculator $854k 1908 dollars is $24M in 2020.
Glensheen mansion is like a peasants shack compared to the James J. Hill house in St. Paul which was built in 1891 and much, much more grand and expensive. They keep saying Glensheen Mansion was the most spectacular home in Minnesota at the time when it was built which is laughable
A preacher in San Francisco has got their work cut out for them. Practically speaking there is probably, if not equal, more call for an executioner than a preacher.
Interesting and informative, however, impossible to endure the inappropriate and distracting musical score as "background" music to what end or purpose is unknown. A documentary on a subject as specific as this asks for no musical score whatsoever, and, certainly not grade-C meditation meandering on an electric piano. Please give this subject the class it deserves by deleting this "background" piano and replacing it with almost anything classical.
I was a teenager in northwestern Minnesota when she was murdered. I remember it was all the news. That's the first time I ever heard of the family. Her granddaughter states that she was a college roomate and friend of Margaret Sanger. Apparently Elizabeth was murdered in the way she advocated babies to bee murdered.
Interesting. Where did you come about the fact of how she was murdered and her support of babies being murdered? What was the motive behind her and her maid's murder?
“That guy” as you referred to him is Daniel Hartman the current director of the Glensheen Mansion museum. I had the honor of working alongside him as a tour guide at Glensheen for three years. He of all people would know where the name Glensheen came from, and that is the glen Tischers Creek runs through and the bright sheen of sun reflecting off the surface of Lake Superior.
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I had the great privilege of helping to decorate the Congdon Mansion (we didn't call it Glensheen back then) for the holidays back in 1979 & 1980 when I worked at Lester Park Greenhouse; apparently we had the contract with UMD for all the floral decorations. I was 19 years old and it was AMAZING to be helping decorate such an incredible home, a Duluth and Minnesota landmark, a couple times a year. I’ve never been on a paying “tour”, I roamed it freely, but should go back soon as time is fleeting. Incredible Home, Incredible Story, Thank You to the Congdon Family for this Legacy!
very good craftsman sir you must be 63 years age I am 68 work homes on summit late 80z was amazed did in early 1900
I've toured Glensheen multiple times. I learn something new everytime.
Amazing! I watched this in preparation to go see it tomorrow. I've always wanted to see this home since I was a child as I live just across the border in Thunder Bay. My family would often take trips to Duluth growing up and it has become tradition. I'm so happy that it was maintained over the years in it's original splendour!
The house is simply amazing, my wife and I just visited it last weekend and now they've opened the 3rd floor (where the boys slept), the attic and the basement. It is such a huge house, 39 rooms, its hard to believe a home could be that big. You can also tour the grounds and this weekend the wind was coming in off Lake Superior so strong it was kicking up giant waves off the boat landing and surrounding rocks. It was just gorgeous.
Despite some with a morbid curiosity, there is much to be admired about this home and its history.
Nice review, I think we’ll try it too.
It’s been 45 years or so since I was there.. but I remember it...the craftsmanship is outstanding.. heated horse stalls.. a tributary to the lake had smelt running through it.. they definitely spared no expense... the interior is amazing
My wife and I saw this mansion today (9 June 19). I was awestruck at how beautiful this place is.
I had to pause just to comment. This has to be the most incredibly , gorgeous , awesome estate I have *EVER* seen!!!!! Absolutely BREATHTAKING !!!! Even before actually seeing the interior of the mansion I was blown away by the beauty of Chester and Clara. Such a stunning couple, and their children just as lovely. I swear they could make a Disney movie based on this family!
Judy Osborne If u live in Duluth,MN u could visit the mansion
Went to the Glensheen Mason today and it is amazing! It's has a great balance between being well-preserved and replicated in some cases, to allowing for normal wear and tear yet being able to maintain the original state in many instances. This is especially evident in the bedrooms with the master bedroom being my favorite room followed closely by the amusement room. The mason is a reminder that homes can be built to be almost timeless. The love and care of the home and the ability to maintain much of the original structure and artifacts are amazing. I am listening to this doc as I work for Chester worked hard and deserved his success. The sad part other than the tragedy in the 1970s, is he only got about seven years in majestic mason. It was completed 1909 and I believe he died in 1916. Yet he did his thing and he handled business.
I have very fond memories of touring this home as a child. Loved hearing more about it now. ❤
this was an amazing film. i actually come from a rather larger family from the woodland area by the name of sawyer and i spent my entire childhood and early adult life in east duluth there. i spent 1000s of hours in the park system areas of congdon and lester parks and there really are steps seamingly embedded into the hills all over. like one at lester thats a little ways above the actual park near a gulf course there is a trail that has steps that help egress down a otherwise quiet dangerous rock hill that ends at a rather magical storybookesk waterfall that has a perfect pool at the base of it. friends a i would go there to swim in the pool on hot summer days. in fact i took my first actual date there, whom i would years later have children with, and it was there that i sucked up the curage and had my first kiss. and here i never realized it was all thanks to the kindness and love of duluth that this man had. wow typing all this out brings quiete a few tears to my eyes, not just from missing someone now gonea few years now, but also for the many changes this city has gone throug, the rise of steel the many jobs that factories and fabrication gave to duluth, now none of which remain any longer for a good long while now. noone likes to admit it but duluth has been akin to someone sick in a hospital bed for a long time now and thankfully shes populated by alot of incredibly smart, very tallented open thinking people with that "minnesota mentality" that genuinly almost is exclusive to here that have come up with very genious ideas like turning canal and the shore into the gorgeous tourist attraction that it is today. did anyone know that in the 80s where the 2 big hotels now stand resided a disgusting auto scrap yard? and the lake shore was pouluted and littered with rebar all over. anyone would be suicidal to think to swim anywhere near. but everyone knew, industry was dying. there existed a billboard just south of duluth in those times that read "last one to leave duluth remember to turn out the light" as a clever insult to the phenomina of the large amounts of people moving away then and all the big companies like the giant steel mill just off bong bridge that employed damn near the whole town, or diamond tool company, or acme matches just to name a few of the BIG ones. all gone in every form not even a husk of building they resided in remains. thankfully we seem to embrace the very unique natural landscapes around us and at least we are still the tippy tip of the last great lake so theres that but damned if our only real thing is turism now. i cant help but think of how mr congdon would feel if he was told that this is how itd be, just enough people that care to keep it nice, but all the while there are unprecidented amounts of souls living litterally on street corners all over downtown. most neglected by a system that would love to just sweep them under a rug day in and day out most eventually resulting in drug use as a way to hopfully numb the reality. being born and raised here i know a few of those unfortunate to befall this fate and it doesnt seem to inprove. this is a town of 100k people not big buit not tiny either. we clearly have enough $ to hire on a rediculous amount of police and emergency personel AND furnish each and every one with top of the line brand new intercepter suvs newest fire trucks all the jazzy equipment build multiple new police stations and shut down the one that was centrally located at courthouse forever which im sure all totals out to a number that is astronomic yet all the time people ive known my whole life are wrapped up with blankets when its genuinly freezing outside and overdosing at such a rate that i am becoming desensitized to it. long ago this great family shared their welth so that a entire city would be better for it in ways that 100 years later still exist allowing a geeky boy to be inspired to have the guts to kiss the girl that was way out of his league under the sparkle of the pools of lester falls. i only now realize how if not for what people like them i quiet possibly would have never had what i did. i am sure this whole comment is a big mess of mixed points and it may seem like a weird way to commenorate a family as great as the congdons but i truely feel like without people like them its becoming very obvious how duluth will end up. i for one am all the more proud that i am from duluth and moved back home here i just really hope something actually changes because what ive stated here, thats reality. people are hurting and dying either by their hand, the cities blind eyes or by opiodes and somthing needs to change. otherwise before too long there wont be any sons or daughters of duluth left. and if that happens then this will just be another town somewhere, no duluth magic left, that spark weve always had will just fade away. if anyone actually read this this far thank you for sticking through it with me and im sorry that this drew out like this ambien at 2am can get a bit quarky. and if your one of those struggling out there, please know your not alone,someone does care and there are more than a few kind hearts here that truly care and there are suppport options out there even if somtimes difficult to attain. my mother has this saying ive heard her say it to me my whole life now "this to shall pass" short and simple but when ive hit my lowest lows thats always helped me, like when my love passed away far too young at only 26 and i felt so much pain that i though of deleting myself more than a few times moms words alway kept me going even if just barely. what losing that did to me still affects me daily but she was right. maybe not by a whole lot but it did get better with time. sorta. enough to at least live. i hope than anyone that reads this thinks deeply on what people live them did for our city and each of us here and next time you see someone struggling or in a shit situation instead of turning to look the other way, do somthing different. and dont just throw money at them, money alone doesnt fix this kind of problems, youd be shocked at how much just looking someone in the eye and giving them a genuine smile could be enough to make someone feel like thay matter and exist and maybe even prevent them from giving up. im going to end this madmans rant at that now. hopfully maybe just even one person reads this and it helps to create a pivot point in life that makes duluth brighter, healthier and more duluthian. i think it def helped me to refocus my feelings on the topic as well as made me appreciate how and where duluth came from. :)
Why did you feel the need to tell your life story here? Also, did you really expect anyone to read it?
Donovan, thank you for caring about your fellow man and woman. God bless you for it, and show you what to do about it.
Glensheen is a beautiful historical home in Duluth MN owned and cared for by the University of Minnesota. A true gem! ❤
I love to see historical homes kept up for the future generations! This is more than a house it's a monument. Thank you for sharing the video and the information.
I just wish the Mayowood got this much care....it’s mainly offices now..💔
Gorgeous house and grounds! I am pleased that the state of Minnesota has preserved this property for future generations.
Much respect, what a wonderful legacy for this family. !
I love the beauty of the mansion. Have visited it a few times. The gorgeous woodwork is exquisite. Not one corner of the Glensheen mansion isn’t beautiful. I plan on visiting it again soon.
My mother and two older sisters were born and raised in Duluth (early to middle 1910-1915's). One taught home economics at Ordean Jr high, the second was a professor of Art Education in the New York University System, and my mother was a music ed teacher in Winnetka Illinois (just north of Chicago) and public school and church choir in suburbs just west of Milwaukee.
My was a very well known Duluth figure skater and a member of the US National Skating Team in the '50's. She went to Colorado College in Colorado Springs on a skating scholarship. She dated one of the Congdon boys while in high school. She lived just up the hill of N. 36th st on 4th Ave.
A super coincidence was that I was driving to Duluth on I76 that very afternoon in 1977.
You Must visit Glensheen on London Road. They offer many different tours of the Mansion and regardless of which tour, give yourself plenty of time to enjoy the grounds. Next door to the east is the Mansion built for one of the daughter's which was for a while an elegant B&B. Now a private residence.
Awesome! I went to visit Glenshen mansion on Dec. 27, 2016, and unfortunately, there was no sign language interpreter provided for me (I am Deaf). Although, I am so glad that video contains English subtitles; it helps me understand better about Condgons and their mansion.
Eric L I would have helped if I were there.
Eric, Sorry about the lack of a sign language interpreter.
Please read my addendum about some little known facts regarding the Congdon Mansion. Thank you. ⚘
I am not sure if this will help you or not but I too am now handicapped and know what you might go through to be at a disadvantage… anyway I think this is worth a try for you : …go to the top right corner of your viewing screen and click on the rounded icon…next at the bottom you will click on captions …next you will click on auto-translate …next pick the language of your choice and click on it. ..see if that helps you-good luck !
I love going to Duluth it’s so beautiful up there I love going to the mansion it’s so beautiful I go up to Duluth at least twice in a year I still love going to glenshen mansion I will never get tired of going to Duluth or the mansion I’m planning on moving to Duluth when I’m older and I can’t wait I when there when they found more stuff in the mansion it’s so cool because they are still finding more stuff in the home I totally recommend go to Duluth and going to the mansion it’s totally worth it I promise it’s breath taking after go once you will not want to leave Duluth or the mansion
Very well done.I enjoyed watching and Learning. Thank You.
I am watching this after going there earlier today. It is a very impressive home. I went to see the Pabst Mansion last year.
My parents, four sisters and I grew up in Duluth. My father was caretaker of the Longview Tennis courts which became a skating rink and hockey rink in the winter. My sister Betty used to baby sit for the Congdon's. This is a little bit before my time so I'm guessing it was Jennifer's children. My sister Fay went to school with Marjorie and commented on her unusual behavior. Both Betty and Fay have passed away but before Fay died, she gave me a book written by Sharon Darby Hendry entitled "Glensheen's Daughter. The Marjorie Congdon Story" It's a fascinating read and filled in the history regarding Marjorie. The book differs with the comments regarding the video's story behind the name "Glensheen". Page 23 states "GLEN represented the wooded lot and Sheen was chosen for the Congdon family's origin in the village of SHEEN in Surrey, England." I don't believe the video mentioned that Glensheen was a movie backdrop for a film starring Patty Duke and Richard Thomas entitled "You'll Like My Mother". The film was produced prior to the murder of Elisabeth but perhaps it gave Marjorie ideas. The Congdon's did a lot for Duluth and Minnesota. We should all be grateful for their generosity
They won't tell you of the murders. Not part of the tour and they wanted to stay away from the conitation of it.Glensheen is amazing. Also toured the our ship in which was a state room for the congdon's (typically none where offered on such ships). Also the highway 61 travel to two harbors and the light house was so amazing. I loved it there.
Grew up in Duluth played many game's at Longview,
Played basketball at the Jewish center and enjoyed many activities at both places , a thank you to your
Father,,
Thank you for your post.
K.goar, Gilbert AZ.
I agree completely!! I absolutely love that your family mingled with theirs! It’s such a special place with such an interesting history!!
I saw the movie “You’ll Like My Mother” and it’s quite creepy that it seemed to have similarities to the actual murder...
Thank you for sharing your experience and the book recommendation! I will look into it to! 😁
One of the things I was told was that my grandfather was an orphan raised in the Gleensheen mansion.
Was just there last weekend. I'm surprised at how much this family did for Duluth and Minnesota and yet I had never heard of them till recently. They seemed like good people and the estate is amazing. I'm definitely going back now that I know more of its history.
The BARN is my Favorite. I would live in it with the horses! .... This is LITTERALLY heaven on earth...... Wonderful story! Thx.......
Amen!!! The Glensheen and Duluth Period is heaven on earth!!❤️
Went for a tour recently. Absolutely beautiful mansion with a troubled past.
Good work, PBS!
went there on july 19 2019, amazing
Such lush green gardens there - beautiful. Beautiful as a winter wonderland too. Cheers!
Went there shortly after the murders. They had blankets over the rugs where it had not been repaired to show the public. But it was open to the public, very little roped off. The bathroom and kitchen was cool how progressive it was. The garden is beautiful.
I saw the video about the murder of Elizabeth and her nurse and how the daughter she adopted was implicated and I felt curiosity about knowing more about the house. I was not aware it was donated to the University, but I am glad for it..The way the mansion was built is truly an interesting story.. I'm glad people can visit to see such a historical marvel..and I would love to visit the mansion some day!!!
WOW! GORGEOUS, COZY Mansion!
Denise, hope you enjoy this😉
I wish, hope and pray that Rochester Minnesota follows in Duluth’s footsteps with the Mayowood Mansion!!
Maybe someday they will include the history of her murder, absent the sensational drama of her murder this mansion almost certainly would have been torn down. It was a huge challenge to find anyone willing to restore it. Considering that now few are even aware of how close it was to being abandoned.
I thought it was willed to UMD..
@@218girl they came up with the money to preserve it
@@218philip have you ever visited it?
Both the replies to the original comment are correct
@218philip
Who are the “they” that maybe someday will include the history of (who is) “her” murder?
You seem unnecessarily vague-yet-condescending.
I went to the Blake School with Robert’s children.
Looking forward to seeing their home. Thanks
You won't be disappointed. A movie, You'll Like My Mother was filmed there. Starred Patty Duke
Oh! I love the beautiful horses!! Was living up here in the mid 70's when the murders took place.
Omw to this house this weekend second time coming first time doing the self guided tour I would love to do the nighttime flashlight tour
I have been inside the mansion.. it’s really quite impressive, beautiful.. the house is huge, beautiful woodwork and masonry work, the property is like a park..the landscaping is beautiful... too bad it ended in murder
Great video...I grew up in the Twin Ports of Duluth-Superior, and, while living in the area, learned much about it, which the general public may not be aware of; unfortunately, most of the so-called history, jumps ahead to the tragic murder of Elisabeth Congdon, and her housekeeper. Several years prior to that, I believe, on or about February of 1970, a young male intruder into the Congdon Mansion, was shot and killed, in self-defense, by Miss Congdon. No charges were filed. Sometime later, exact date unknown, the movie,
'You'll Like My Mother', starring Patty Duke, was shot at the Congdon Mansion. Before the estate was donated, as a tourist attraction, it actually was for sale, for $395,000...and fully furnished, but no takers. All of this information, is verifiable...
Only the Timeline may be a bit 'off' as it's been more than a Half Century. Thank you. ⚘
The intruder that was shot was not at Glensheen, but at Elisabeth’s sisters house nearby. The young man was drunk and tried to break in and was shot.
Everything that they chose is my taste, too. I highly approve of everything! So nice! I would have loved to have just been their gardener.
Enjoyed the documentary!
My mom babysat for Elizabeth in 1959 at the mansion. She remembers bringing the Norwegian cook Norwegian treats that her mom would make.
Very very well done
Congdon's Castle in Yakima, WA still stands also. Chester Congdon built that one. But know one can go inside, cause of the floors are weak. Nobody took care of the place very good.
Ok..
So glad there was next to no emphasis on the tragedy of 1977. It's more approachable that way.
I fell azleep
Wow. I didn't even think I would finish this but I did. It is so interesting. So sad to hear about Elizabeth. So unexpected. I wonder what the rest of the family is up to now.
Please consider reading some little known history that I just posted.
I've toured this place before and if u do live in Duluth MN I do recommend to tour this place it's absolutely beautiful!But a little haunted,warning right by the mansion there's a graveyard we're the family is buried.😬
Abby you’re disrespectful to torture the place i don’t understand you it’s not funny at all
What a cool looking house.
great vid👍
How bizarre! my name is Glen Congdon!! maybe related 😎
I went ther it’s so nice
Interesting video
Never heard of these folks, interesting, the people whom were part of an era and all that they experienced in their time. Interesting how we value material as a measure of value of the Self. ... and how it really is not at all what makes one happy.
The 3.13% inflation rate means $854,000 in 1908 is equivalent to $29,480,080 today. This inflation calculator uses the official US consumer price index published by the Department of Labor. As to costs of furnishing house then compared to today!!! WOW ... in 2024 dollars.
There is man on here (17:55) wearing The royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom, or the royal arms for short and is the arms of dominion of the British monarch, currently King Charles III. These arms are used by the King in his official capacity as monarch of the United Kingdom. So it begs the question...why is this dude wearing it?
Because the mansion was built during the Edwardian period of British history.
Also we are in America. We do not necessarily care for proper coats of arms.
Do a shot every time the guy says "actually."
Or unknown or stone.
Fun to watch the movie “YOU’LL LIKE MY MOTHER” before you go. Patty Duke starts filmed in the mansion.
This family built a stone castle in my hometown in Washington state. They don’t let anyone in it though
How did they build that house so quickly with out power tools
When I went there I heard a maid got pushed down a staircase I don't know what one but I took a picture of all the staircases and I saw the maid on the stairs and then someone was behind her......
I live in Saint Paul somebody please give me a damn ride there and back I'll pay you.
mindless Magyar I use to live In St. Paul
You can take a bus for like, $50 from St.Paul to Duluth.
I used to show horses....hunters and jumpers, in MN back in the day. A pretty small community of folks where most competitors at least knew of each other. Marjorie kind of exploded into the show scene with really expensive, great horses and not very good riding ability. This was happening within the aftermath of the murder and I remember that there was always a lot of gossip and speculation. Horse shows are pretty much a money and elite thing however she just appeared as an 'outsider.' I do remember her as a salty, smoking, swearing character which is not exactly the normal behavior in these circles. The general consensus was that she did orchestrate the murder and she did disappear from the show scene in a sudden vanishing act. She was an interesting character. Kind of like a bawdy, blue-collar petty criminal. She sure stood out at the horse shows. I went to a small part of horse people at the mansion which I remember as so beautiful. Grateful for these great memories.
No sound at all
And they got a home in Washington state Yakima call the Condon Castle
Thought it was June 27th 1977 not the 26th
Clara is beautiful, so of course, her home reflects this.
$840K 😮😮 that's about twenty-six million dollars today!
I would like to see what Frank Lloyd Wright would have designed for their property.
Obviously a very nice home, but it could have been an American Masterpiece of the 20th Century.
...and Wright would have done a complete decor with windows and furniture.
The imaging of it is delightful.
This estate is an unbelievable suck of University of Minnesota Duluth’s budget right now.
Well, they sell out on tours all the time so maybe they need to increase the tour fee. It's only $34/adult.
I wonder how much a piece of history costs today for upkeep. It’s 2023 and 100 of the highest paid employees make well over 120,000 per year and the highest being the coach over 300,000 a year.
@@candykane4271
I’m not saying they shouldn’t do it. I love visiting it also.
My grandma use to get drunk. With old lady Condon. They called it tea time this was back in 1960s
I live in Minnesota and I remember when the murders happened.
If Mr Congdon was disillusioned with the political situation, I can’t imagine what he would think of the current government.
Along Lake Superior shore.😮😮😮😢😢😢
Didn't they bury in a piano case? (Him)
Widows nest along Duluth shore houses.????😮😮😮😢😢
I thought Elizabeth's stroke happened in 1969?
So jp morgan killed the arrowhead region of Minnesota?
🙌💥you nailed it. Not much has changed. He was also the downfall of Tesla.
I may be completely off dates wise but where is James J. Hill in all of this??😂
I would've bought all the land, completely walled it off, and built a small, one level cabin and a barn for the horses. After that, the world's charities can have the rest.
Chester Congdon was like one of Bill Gates original lieutenants. Not robber baron rich like Carnegie or Morgan but close enough to the top to be filthy, stinking wealthy. On the Glensheen website the original cost was $854k. According to my inflation calculator $854k 1908 dollars is $24M in 2020.
And the mansion is haunted
Glensheen mansion is like a peasants shack compared to the James J. Hill house in St. Paul which was built in 1891 and much, much more grand and expensive.
They keep saying Glensheen Mansion was the most spectacular home in Minnesota at the time when it was built which is laughable
Cool
40:47 … flat tire
A preacher in San Francisco has got their work cut out for them. Practically speaking there is probably, if not equal, more call for an executioner than a preacher.
Yah .why why.why ????😮😮😢😢
Interesting and informative, however, impossible to endure the inappropriate and distracting musical score as "background" music to what end or purpose is unknown. A documentary on a subject as specific as this asks for no musical score whatsoever, and, certainly not grade-C meditation meandering on an electric piano. Please give this subject the class it deserves by deleting this "background" piano and replacing it with almost anything classical.
I agree. And add that the music is distracting. Competes in volume with conversation.
💔
Wow, I loved when rich people do good things for the community! Hello Bezos and Musk!
lol those two men are a facade so you trust them. Don't be deceived.
I think I’m related to them 🙃
Ask them where the murder happened
In Elizabeth’s bedroom. Smothered with a pillow in her sleep
Second floor bedroom off the staircase.
My last name is Congdon
Yeah they built it but everybody else paid for it
Am I the only congdon in the comments? Lol
I was a teenager in northwestern Minnesota when she was murdered. I remember it was all the news. That's the first time I ever heard of the family.
Her granddaughter states that she was a college roomate and friend of Margaret Sanger. Apparently Elizabeth was murdered in the way she advocated babies to bee murdered.
Interesting. Where did you come about the fact of how she was murdered and her support of babies being murdered? What was the motive behind her and her maid's murder?
Glensheen means it's between two creeks, not whatever that guy said lmao wtf
no it doesnt
“That guy” as you referred to him is Daniel Hartman the current director of the Glensheen Mansion museum. I had the honor of working alongside him as a tour guide at Glensheen for three years. He of all people would know where the name Glensheen came from, and that is the glen Tischers Creek runs through and the bright sheen of sun reflecting off the surface of Lake Superior.
The seemly trail regretfully part because poultry eventually wrap despite a venomous cherries. vivacious, icy flute
Obviously AI run amouk
Someone's off their meds.
was ON LONDON ROAD DULUTH MINNESOTA AND MIGHTY MIGHT BE A VICTIM OF WATERGATE
Bad bot