From House to Library: 2. Reception Room/Parlor

Posted on 7/12/24

Authored & Curated By
M.J.G.

This room, smaller than the drawing room across the hall (which we will explore in the next chapter), served as either a reception room or a parlor. Reception rooms were typically used to receive guests. Some books, like "Household Hints" by Emma Whitcomb Babcock, published in 1881, criticized large, seldom-used formal parlors for occupying space that could be used for living areas. Babcock recommended smaller reception rooms and suggested that most of the family budget be allocated to these rooms, leaving little for rooms used daily.

By the late 19th century, the distinctions between different types of formal rooms were becoming blurred. Some contemporary books even criticized formal rooms that were closed off from the family, advocating for their replacement with more usable spaces. Therefore, it is not always safe to assume that this room was used solely for formal occasions.

The room we see today underwent significant changes in the 1890s. It is possible that the owners transformed it from a strictly formal parlor or reception room into a more versatile space for sitting and enjoying music.

Thanks to Julia Yardley, Library Director for her additional assistance and information. All photos are from the Little Falls Public Library Collection.

Before the house was built, a request for contractors or builders was posted in the newspaper to build this handsome brick building. This article found by JimH is in the newspaper called Utica Morning Herald from Jun 30th, 1875. It appears to be a request by Frank Bramer himself stating “Proposals will be received until July 10”.

Here is an etching from the book History of Herkimer County, Beers 1879. Thanks to JimH for finding this.

The book can be found here.

This is the window of the room we are exploring today. There will be two photos of this room that are clearly from different dates and will show two different styles. Like today, people often redecorated their homes over time. It could be possible the style of the 1870’s and 1880’s was starting to look tired and worn and the owners wanted a clean fresh look after 20 years.

The earliest known photo shows your typical wall division with a frieze and fill popularized during the 1870s and 1880s. The off centered drapery on the mantel and the casual placement of the furniture does suggest that this photo was taken end of the 1880s or early 90’s.

Here is a close-up photo of the frieze paper and fill paper. You can see the enameled and gilded picture rail below the frieze, along with the hook in the center that holds the wire attached to the framed photo. Picture rails were a significant feature of 19th and early 20th-century picture hanging, and it was almost unheard of to find a room without this method, even in lower-income homes.

This triple stick and ball stand appears to house some of the owner’s craft or sewing items.

A closer view of the gas light fixture. Here you can make out the draperies and see the top sash shutters are closed. Also notice the photo was overexposed in some areas and details were drawn in later. This isn’t uncommon for this era.

The fixture that is in the room today appears to be an original fixture to the house however upon close inspection it is not the same. This one does not have the center drop light that could slide down closer to the table. This light here has four arms and the other one had three. The three arms and the main post detail however is almost exact. Perhaps the owners altered it at some point. Take note of the ceiling. We will see this in the next photo view of the room when it was redesigned.

Hanging from the picture rail is this heavy gilded mirror above the mantel. To the left of the mirror, you can see three pictures all on wires with the higher picture having a more substantial tilt from the wall than the lower pictures. This was recommended in some decorating books promote easier viewing.

This antique mirror is still part of the original collection today and is being displayed in drawing room which we’ll see next week.

A closer view of the draped mantel which is a little more flamboyant in its display than the earlier 1880s which loved more gothic or aesthetic movement applications. The mantel scattered with photos and vases is a common decorating trend through many decades of the 19th century.

A study of the objects on the table reveal a Wedgewood teapot and creamer. There also appears to be a container for additional cookies, crackers or biscuits perhaps as well as some teacups. Perhaps some other experts on the site will be able to identify the sources of these other items.

Here is a similar Wedgewood tea pot like the one we see on the table. The figures are slightly different but overall application is the same.

This view shows the opposite end of the room several years later, likely taken in the late 1890s or early 1900s.

The walls no longer have a frieze border and wallpaper fill and instead feature a new design.

During this period, the plaster ceiling was replaced or covered with a metal one, possibly due to cracks forming, or the owners might have preferred the aesthetic of ornate metal ceilings. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, stamped metal ceilings and walls were popular alternatives for many reasons. While we often refer to them as “tin ceilings” today, they were commonly called “metal” or “iron” ceilings at the time. These ceilings could be purchased pre-painted or enameled in various finishes, with some being polychromed, marbleized, or primed. Here is a catalog example here.

In the reflection of the mirror, you can see the hallway newel and the newel light. Although there are no known photos of the hallway, we will see the staircase through the drawing room in our next visit.

While it’s unclear if anyone can identify the piano from behind, there may be some antique piano enthusiasts on this site who can provide more information.

There appears to have been a round 1 story room or porch that was most likely accessed from the side of the room (not photographed). Perhaps a door or window access around the corner from the fireplace. This may have been demolished when the library addition was added or perhaps lost earlier. No photograph so far has been found.

Zooming in, a closer look at the asymmetrical fretwork. It looks like a nice way to separate this small nook.

Rogers Group patented by John Rogers in 1873, “The Favored Scholar.”

Here is a close up of the fireplace mantel. It is difficult to know if the mantel was also replaced or reworked during the remodel because we are not able to get a good view from the earlier photo. Today this fireplace is gone. Perhaps it was removed during the conversion into a library.

A closeup view of the wall sconces. It appears that these are combination gas/electric fixtures.

A closer view of the stair newel and combination fixture on the wall to the right. Also note the fretwork above the portiere pole reflects the room style.

This Steinway piano has almost identical features to it. While we cant see the full legs of the piano we can see the fretwork music rack is a match for sure! Thanks NonaK.

Previous Chapters of this home:
From House to Library: 1. The House
Next Chapters of this home:
From House to Library: 3. Drawing Room
From House to Library: 4. Bedroom
From House to Library: 5. Dining Room

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