A peacock greeted us on the way up the stairs.
The center hall was set up for bridge as Mrs. Dooley loved the game. She would entertain her friends here in the afternoons.
This is the view from the bridge table. As you can see there is a third floor that was not on the tour.
Beside the stairwell, to the left, is a door for the servants to come up from the basement. There is an elevator in this home all the way to the basement as well as additional stairs for servants to use.
Next to the center hall of the second floor is Mr Dooley's dressing room.
Then we come to his office.
Mr Dooley's bedroom.
Next door to Mr. Dooley's bedroom is Mrs. Dooley's dressing room.
This 18" waist dress was on loan from the Valentine Museum |
This scrapbook reminded me so much of the paper dolls I used to make with my Nanny |
Then we come into Mrs. Dooley's Bedroom. She obviously loved swans!
Louis Vuitton trunk |
Tiffany chair made for Mrs. Dooley |
Beautiful view upon leaving the front door |
It is quite wonderful that this all seems to be pretty much intact, the way the Dooley's left it. So often, possessions are sold on or distributed between family members and much history is lost. This reminds me, in it's own way, of Tyntesfield ~ a rare and complete, untouched treasure that was nearly lost, but saved just in time by the National Trust for the nation.
ReplyDeleteI particularly love anything to do with costume. Oh, by any chance, do you know if that pale green, shell shaped tea service is Belleek? It is quite beautiful. ~~~Deb in Wales
I will have to look up Tyntesfield, Deb---it sounds interesting. I love it that the Maymont Foundation has taken great pains to save the Dooleys treasures. I do not know about the tea set in the center hall. I looked for it on the collection list and did not see any information about it. It does look like Belleek---James Dooley's family immigrated from Ireland, so maybe it is! ♥
DeleteI don't think I ever had an 18 inch waist! Does anyone have a waist that small anymore? And that Peacock in the house is rather startling. I'm really quite shocked they'd let it inside!
ReplyDeleteCathy, the peacock was placed on the railing by a taxidermist! The Dooleys had vases of peacock feathers all around as it was believed to bring good luck. As far as the 18 inch waist that would be in my dreams! ♥
DeleteWell, he certainly did a good job!
DeleteYou are right, Cathy--he was quite life like! ♥
DeleteWhat a grand staircase! Reminds me of one where I went to college. I always like seeing servants' quarters and kitchens, so I'll be back!
ReplyDeleteThere are always two sides of grand places. The staircase with the large Tiffany window was quite striking! "See" you soon. ♥
DeleteWhat a gorgeous house...so much to see! Thanks for giving us this tour, Martha Ellen!
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming along, Cheryl. It is always fun to see grand places. ♥
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