Parlor
Dublin Core
Title
Parlor
Subject
The parlor of Cherry Hill
Description
Right off the downstairs hallway is the parlor. In the 1850s the parlor was a very formal room, usually reserved for the great events of life - weddings, christenings and funerals. The parlor was generally off limits to children, except for special occasions. The parlor was also the room where company was formally entertained. Mid-19th century entertainment might mean conversation, parlor games, music, singing or dancing.
The furnshings in Cherry Hill are not original to the house but are of the mid-19th century period. Some of the furniture in the parlor is from the DAR collection. The setting reflects a middle to upper-middle class lifestyle. While not as extravagant as a plantation home, the house certainly reflects the lifestyle of a family with a profitable farming enterprise. The parlor was a place to display more elaborate, expensive pieces revealing one's tastes and refinement. In the 1850s this could mean a fine whale oil lamp, fancy candlesticks or a melodiane
The furnshings in Cherry Hill are not original to the house but are of the mid-19th century period. Some of the furniture in the parlor is from the DAR collection. The setting reflects a middle to upper-middle class lifestyle. While not as extravagant as a plantation home, the house certainly reflects the lifestyle of a family with a profitable farming enterprise. The parlor was a place to display more elaborate, expensive pieces revealing one's tastes and refinement. In the 1850s this could mean a fine whale oil lamp, fancy candlesticks or a melodiane
Publisher
Cherry Hill
Date
1850s
Language
English
Collection Items
Armchairs
American Empire style. Hand carved with crotch-grained mahogany veneer. The seats are covered in needle point done in silk floss with gold woven into the tape.
Horsehair Sofa
Empire style. Rolled crest rail. scrolled arm supports. Ogee seat rail and feet. Crotch mahogany veneer. All original except for reupholstered seat. (Horsehair was taken from the tail and mane of horse. Tail hair was most desirable and described…
Oil Portrait of Man
A painting of a unknown gentleman of the period with a wooden frame. Attributed to A J. Riley who has no relation to Cherry Hill Rileys. Chelsea. London. England.
Pedestal Fliptop Card Table
It was made in the American Empire style with crotch grained mahogany veneer on the side and four brass claw feet.
Empire Desk, Also called Butler's desk
Pull out desk allowed one to work while standing.