Written by Jiaqi
In the early days of November, on a slightly damp afternoon, we embarked on a journey to Roedde House.
When I first stepped into Roedde House, I didn’t even realize it was a museum. What sets Roedde House Museum apart is that it’s a living house museum. Nothing is roped off; nothing is behind glass. Walking through those rooms, you can imagine life for those people.
In this century-old residence, we listened to the stories of the family who once lived here. They faced hardships and weathered changes, and as time passed, the items in this house seemed to come alive, narrating the tales of that era. Though they are from a century ago, each item has been remarkably preserved. The room is beautifully arranged and clearly well-maintained with meticulous care, and it exudes a vibrant sense of life. Within these walls, I heard the sound of a phonograph for the first time, rich and mellow like red wine.
The kitchen fascinated me because I have a passion for cooking and baking. We saw various tea sets and tools. Additionally, there was a very steampunk-style stove. I focused on a bucket with an iron hook, and at that moment, I realized its purpose. At that time, everyone offered various guesses, suggesting it could be a straining cloth or a meat grinder. I asked, “Is this a chef’s machine for kneading dough?” The tour guide immediately confirmed my question. I crouched down to closely examine the machine; it had a structure similar to modern kitchen appliances but exuded a substantial, rusted feel, perhaps due to the patina time bestowed upon iron items. Aside from arousing my curiosity, every small object reflected people’s enduring passion for life. Despite the passage of time and technological advancements, there are no limitations to people’s pursuit of culinary delights.
On returning from Roedde House, I also checked their official website. I noticed that Roedde House now hosts various events, such as jazz or classical concerts. Even the kitchen is available for rent. Next time, I can attend a tea party, using those exquisite tea sets for yet another unique experience!
After this trip, we created a story based on Annie, portraying it like a TV drama. This narrative unfolded within the family, reminiscent of a tragic curse, evoking thoughts of the game “Rust Lake.” Inspired by Rust Lake’s art style, I crafted slides. I added dramatic elements to give the story a fateful and eerie ambiance.