“Following 20 years of operation by the Saranac Lake Village Board, ownership of the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage reverted to the Stevenson Societ
“Whereas: John F. Delahant, Sr., served as curator of the Robert Louis Stevenson Memorial Cottage for five years, and “Whereas: During these years he was
info@robertlouisstevensonmemorialcottage.org
The Cooper house as it appears today was also once the home of Dr. Lawrason Brown, a charter member of the Stevenson Society of America. (Photo provided)
Stephen Chalmers, charter member of the Stevenson Society of America and author of the society’s little book, “The Penny Piper of Saranac,” had three things in common with Robert Louis Stevenson. Both men were sons of Scotland, both became professional writers, and they both came to Saranac Lake for the same reason, though not at the same time. Chalmers was only 25 when he felt his life derailing while his New York City doctor told him, “I am sorry, but I find that you are suffering from tuberculosis of the lungs. … You will have to leave the city at once. … But, whatever you do, my boy, don’t get the blues. Keep up your courage. Fresh air fresh eggs and read Robert Louis Stevenson.”