|
The Living Room (Parlor)
The Gilbert House living room has always revealed the character
and attitude of the family which lived there. In this farm home,
the "parlor" was reserved mostly for entertaining and
special occasions, but it was enlarged early on by including the
area of the north side of the front porch in order to build a fireplace,
some book shelves, and allow more space for family activities. In
this modified Victorian house, the original furnishings indicated
an interest in local color with Indian beaded bags and an Indian
headpiece hung from the antelope horns fastened to the colonnades
at the sides of the room and with Indian rugs on the floor. Furniture
was practical for a farm home, and there were no sofas because,
according to Horace, "Mother was really Victorian in limiting
the facilities for flirtations for her daughters." Accumulations
from travels were added to change the room, but one significant
piece was always the oak upright piano which once again stands in
the corner where Gilbert children practiced piano lessons and where
guests joined the family in singing on Sunday afternoons and during
the holidays. The other original piece in this room is the walnut
clock on the fireplace mantle.
The family used the room for reading from the store of books in
the shelves flanking the fireplace, and each corner was claimed
by a different one of the children. A game table in the center of
the room was popular especially when Mr. Gilbert played checkers
or chess with the boys, and frequently he read aloud to them. The
Gilberts were genial hosts, and they greeted guests warmly when
the entered which created a very pleasant atmosphere. Tables were
set up in this room to accommodate family and friends for large
holiday dinners which were unforgettable special events
During the Donelson years, the living room was a busy place as
they entertained a great many guests. Bill also used the room for
the sale of antique furniture, and she opened the home several times
for fund raising activities. It was her idea that a Victorian home
should be dressed in red flocked wallpaper and have crystal chandeliers,
so she transformed the appearance of the room decidedly.
The rich history of the two families have given us the Gilbert Homeplace
we know and are proud to show. Just think of all the people who
enter the front door and have their first impression of this house
as they see this room holding so many memories.
|
