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The Master Bedroom
Space for reading, storage of books, and an office for Mr. Gilbert
prompted them to make a library out of the original master bedroom
on first floor where five of the children were born. That created
a need for an extention for an entrance into the new master bedroom,
one of the last changes in the house. Even this was damaged when
the house stood empty for a year, so extensive restoration work
was done in the bedroom to repair plastered walls, change wallpaper,
and install the 1900 light fixture with gas fittings in 1986-87.
This was Mrs. Gilbert's pleasant retreat. She sewed in the well
lighted west corner, had her desk in the room where she kept all
the business accounts for the Yakima orchards, wrote numerous letters
to family members and children as they went off to college, and
sat by the fireplace to read. Her presence can almost be felt as
you walk into the attractive bedroom. Unlike most farm homes, this
house had closets in every bedroom, and this one was especially
roomy. The original bedroom set of golden oak with a stylish oval
mirror on the dresser now rests in a grandson's home. According
to Bill Donelson, the feather bed they had in this room provided
comfort like sleeping on whipped cream.
As you stand in the room, Marion peers down from a portrait painted
on glass after 1875. The portrait of Mr. Gilbert at the other side
of the fireplace has replaced the one of her father, James A. Richey,
which she had hung there along with the plaque "He who riseth
late must trot all day." This room was a favorite of the grandchildren
who were raised in Curtiss's house across the street as they loved
to read by the fireplace. Every room in the house holds fond memories
for the descendants and Friends of the Gilbert Homeplace.
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