F I R S T F L O O R: Center Hallway
Facts & Figures: The Hallway stands at the center of the house. Access to the four main rooms on the first floor, as well as the four main rooms on the second floor, is through the center hallway.
The "S" scroll newel post anchoring the stairwell's balusters and handrail is constructed out of six hand carved and glued pieces of cherry wood. The scroll design reflects a conscious awareness of the emerging "Grecian" aesthetic in early nineteenth century thinking in architectural design and domestic furnishings. The balusters reflect a more simple aesthetic, and replicate craft traditions inherited from colonial woodworking; highly appropriate for a "Farmer's Cottage."
Of interest is the entrance door. Restored in 2003 to its original hanging position and finish, the "three-over-three" panel construction is the visitor's first "up-close" glimpse of the builder's interpretation of the many design options for door construction found in early 19th century builder's guides. The "three-over-three" panel theme is dominant through out the first floor. During restoration, it was discovered the interior of the door had originally been grain painted a deep red mahogany. The interior side of the front door has been restored to this earlier “fancy” aesthetic and is grain painted to simulate straight-grain mahogany and tiger maple. The tiger maple graining reflects a purely "decorative" interpretation. The wrought iron and brass rim or "box lock" dates 1830 Hull, and is from England
Dimensions: The hallway, on the first floor, runs approximately 17 feet from the front door entrance to the back vestibule. The front door entrance is "back set" approximately two feet from the structure's facade. At the front entrance end, the hallway covers nine feet, leaving room for about four feet at the bottom of the stairs for a landing. The stairs landing is directly in front of the entrance into the sitting room. The width of the hallway from the entrance back to the vestibule is approximately six feet.
Current Art and Furnishings. . . .
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