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Interpreting the Evidence

Baker Cottage or Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, Saranac Lake, 1912

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About this Activity

  • Documents in this Activity:
  • Historical Eras:

    Turn of the Century and WWI (1890 - 1930)

  • Thinking Skill:

    Historical Analysis & Interpretation

  • Grade Level:

    Lower Elementary
    Upper Elementary
    Middle School
    High School
    College University

  • Topics:

    Environment

  • Primary Source Types:

    Photograph

  • Regions:

    North Country
    New York State

  • Creator:

    NYS Archives Partnership Trust Education Team.

  1. Load Baker Cottage or Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, Saranac Lake, 1912 in Main Document Viewer

Suggested Teaching Instructions

Document Description
Baker Cottage, also known as the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage, at Saranac Lake in New York's Adirondack Mountains, 1912. Baker Cottage was home to writer Robert Louis Stevenson for six months during the winter of 1887-1888. He traveled to Saranac Lake seeking treatment of tuberculosis. Following his departure he wrote a positive review of time at Saranac Lake for the "Evening Post."
Essential Question
How does geography influence culture?
 
Check for Understanding
Describe the scene in the photograph and explain how the geography influences literature and culture.
Historical Challenges
Research Robert Louis Stevenson. Who was he, when did he stay in Baker Cottage at Saranac Lake, and what did he do while he was there? Do you think this photograph was taken when he lived there?
 
Interdisciplinary Connections
Math: Research how long Lake George, Saranac Lake, and Lake Placid are in miles. Convert the lengths to feet. Rank the lakes in order from largest to smallest.
Science: Investigate the lakes mentioned above. What fish and wildlife could you find at these lakes?
English Language Arts: Create a travel brochure for people traveling to the Adirondack lakes. Be sure to include major points of interest.
 
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