Glensheen & the Congdon Legacy - Full Documentary

Minnesota’s most-visited house museum, Glensheen, is much more than its beautiful landscaping, rich design, and historic status. It’s a tribute to a family that put down deep roots in northern Minnesota, whose good works live on more than a century after their “home place” was built. This new WDSE documentary reveals the legacy left by the Congdon family and their gracious mansion.
Learn more at www.wdse.org/specials/glensheen
#history #historical

[@daveverplank]

I've toured Glensheen multiple times. I learn something new everytime.

[@robcollier8161]

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.

[@timmccaskill7340]

Despite some with a morbid curiosity, there is much to be admired about this home and its history.

[@heather5926]

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!

[@usafcop8494]

My wife and I saw this mansion today (9 June 19). I was awestruck at how beautiful this place is.

[@drainmonkeys385]

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

[@drgeorgetayloriii4280]

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.

[@angelblue7779]

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!

[@abby837]

Judy Osborne If u live in Duluth,MN u could visit the mansion

[@icemaiden315]

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.

[@lizzdoe2821]

I just wish the Mayowood got this much care....it’s mainly offices now..💔

[@ericl1608]

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.

[@alishapurplequeen]

Eric L I would have helped if I were there.

[@frankpeck1448]

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. ⚘

[@lorik.6669]

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.

[@heathercooper9385]

Much respect, what a wonderful legacy for this family. !

[@here_we_go_again2571]

Gorgeous house and grounds! I am pleased that the state of Minnesota has preserved this property for future generations.

[@BearBear1959]

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.

[@michaelhaskins3038]

Very well done.I enjoyed watching and Learning. Thank You.

[@bardstables8909]

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.

[@thegreaterbilby2171]

Such lush green gardens there - beautiful. Beautiful as a winter wonderland too. Cheers!

[@shyanejorgenson5273]

went there on july 19 2019, amazing

[@annastroupe9047]

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

[@richardengelhardt582]

Good work, PBS!

[@donovanwatkins3344]

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. :)

[@lindataghon5712]

The BARN is my Favorite. I would live in it with the horses! .... This is LITTERALLY heaven on earth...... Wonderful story! Thx.......

[@lizzdoe2821]

Amen!!! The Glensheen and Duluth Period is heaven on earth!!❤️

[@homemadejoy1047]

Enjoyed the documentary!

[@218philip]

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.

[@218girl]

I thought it was willed to UMD..

[@218philip]

@@218girl they came up with the money to preserve it

[@218girl]

@@218philip have you ever visited it?

[@kristeneichhorn6913]

Both the replies to the original comment are correct

[@patbeutler354]

Went for a tour recently. Absolutely beautiful mansion with a troubled past.

[@lindataghon5712]

WOW! GORGEOUS, COZY Mansion!

[@wolves1fan830]

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

[@heathergustafson4237]

Very very well done

[@berniesmith3928]

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

[@kellyolsen-tetrault9974]

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.

[@kurtgoar519]

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.

[@lizzdoe2821]

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...

[@lizzdoe2821]

Thank you for sharing your experience and the book recommendation! I will look into it to! 😁

[@lcam31]

One of the things I was told was that my grandfather was an orphan raised in the Gleensheen mansion.

[@vicksss807]

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!!!

[@chewk51cls]

Denise, hope you enjoy this😉

[@peterserbian6556]

Oh! I love the beautiful horses!! Was living up here in the mid 70's when the murders took place.

[@Barnaby_bo]

I fell azleep

[@kevinbakken2242]

great vid👍

[@joshuabrooks4907]

What a cool looking house.

[@lenhunt9673]

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?

[@pawelsawicki7003]

Interesting video

[@superdougie10]

My step mother was on Marjorie's jury in Hastings, MN. I have visited the mansion twice right after the trial ended.

[@funyclipzz3371]

I went ther it’s so nice

[@frankpeck1448]

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. ⚘

[@OakhillSailor]

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.

[@frankpeck1448]

Please consider reading some little known history that I just posted.

[@lizzdoe2821]

I wish, hope and pray that Rochester Minnesota follows in Duluth’s footsteps with the Mayowood Mansion!!

[@drainmonkeys385]

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

[@sarahbee3868]

Do a shot every time the guy says "actually."

[@jonanderson4474]

Or unknown or stone.

[@403nm]

Fun to watch the movie “YOU’LL LIKE MY MOTHER” before you go. Patty Duke starts filmed in the mansion.

[@lindacollins9103]

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.

[@feroziadollie6678]

Ok..

[@abby837]

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.😬

[@broitsjustjen]

Abby you’re disrespectful to torture the place i don’t understand you it’s not funny at all

[@glencongdon7359]

How bizarre! my name is Glen Congdon!! maybe related 😎

[@bethbartlett5692]

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.

[@blaknite1979]

Cool

[@melissajohnson2935]

$840K 😮😮 that's about twenty-six million dollars today!

[@dennybarlau8065]

My grandma use to get drunk. With old lady Condon. They called it tea time this was back in 1960s

[@Mi---1]

💔

[@michellefoley7313]

And they got a home in Washington state Yakima call the Condon Castle

[@taosholly]

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.

[@STAR-RADIANCE]

This family built a stone castle in my hometown in Washington state. They don’t let anyone in it though

[@oldchannel3098]

I live in Saint Paul somebody please give me a damn ride there and back I'll pay you.

[@funyclipzz3371]

mindless Magyar I use to live In St. Paul

[@YourWaywardDestiny]

You can take a bus for like, $50 from St.Paul to Duluth.

[@jolenehendrickson8915]

I live in Minnesota and I remember when the murders happened.

[@bethbartlett5692]

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.

[@haachamaisamazing4915]

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......

[@kayakchrispy]

Thought it was June 27th 1977 not the 26th

[@minnesotajack1]

This estate is an unbelievable suck of University of Minnesota Duluth’s budget right now.

[@heather5926]

Well, they sell out on tours all the time so maybe they need to increase the tour fee. It's only $34/adult.

[@kimberlyrachels3566]

No sound at all

[@dannydougin3925]

I thought Elizabeth's stroke happened in 1969?

[@wk1810]

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.

[@curtislowe4577]

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.

[@jonanderson4474]

So jp morgan killed the arrowhead region of Minnesota?

[@krisharju8093]

🙌💥you nailed it. Not much has changed. He was also the downfall of Tesla.

[@servicarrider]

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.

[@lizzdoe2821]

I may be completely off dates wise but where is James J. Hill in all of this??😂

[@katecongdon3675]

I think I’m related to them 🙃

[@MrLucasD123]

And the mansion is haunted

[@kayakchrispy]

40:47 … flat tire

[@seameology]

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.

[@heather5926]

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?

[@joellukewarriorforjesusthe293]

My last name is Congdon

[@brave9801]

Wow, I loved when rich people do good things for the community! Hello Bezos and Musk!

[@heather5926]

lol those two men are a facade so you trust them. Don't be deceived.

[@theofficialfuzzy4231]

Am I the only congdon in the comments? Lol

[@Engelhafen]

Ask them where the murder happened

[@krisharju8093]

In Elizabeth’s bedroom. Smothered with a pillow in her sleep

[@kimberlynolin2100]

Second floor bedroom off the staircase.

[@Wsaetre]

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.

[@leeatterberry1239]

Yeah they built it but everybody else paid for it

[@moramao970]

The seemly trail regretfully part because poultry eventually wrap despite a venomous cherries. vivacious, icy flute

[@andyevans2336]

Obviously AI run amouk

[@kimberlynolin2100]

Someone's off their meds.

[@terpenator93]

Glensheen means it's between two creeks, not whatever that guy said lmao wtf

[@marshal83mb]

no it doesnt

[@timothyshorter7428]

“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.