Chuck,
 
I remember from my tour at the Twain House that the structure was supposed
to resemble a steamboat.  Maybe Twain was reliving his 'Life on the Mississippi
' days?  I must say that I was also surprised the first time I saw it; it just
didn't strike me as the type of house he would like.  But I can appreciate
your Hank Morgan insight!  I do remember, also, that he had one of the first
telephones in Hartford, and delighted in ringing the operator and harrassing
her every chance he got.  -Beth