August 16, 1937

Detroit News Quilt History Project; Michigan State University Museum; Susan Salser

Detroit, Michigan, United States

A Beauty in the Home column discussing early American home décor.

Why Not Study Houses While on Your Vacation?
By Edith B. Crumb
Beauty in the Home Editor, The Detroit News

Why not combine your vacation with a little research for your own benefit in furnishing or refurnishing your home - that is if it is in the early American manner?

There are still two months of vacation weather ahead of us, for those how do not have the summer green of the New England mountains to thrill them will find the red and gold leaves a good bonus for waiting late for their vacation.

With the wealth of old houses which New England has to offer to the public, there is every opportunity to check up on details.

Study carefully the doorways, especially in Salem, Mass., notice with what precision the windows are placed consider the color of the shutters, also their designs, whether slatted or cut-out; and also notice whether the chimneys have been painted or left in the natural brick finish.

One of the most interesting featues of the interior is the treatment of the mantel shelves. There is always a question what to put on the mantel and over it. Candlesticks always seemed to be part of the standard setting for this position, first because they were necessary for illumination and also because they are artistic. For that reason we have kept them.

Mirrors, pictures or lacquered trays were hung over the mantel and pictures were also placed on the shelf - usually framed silhouets.

Of prime importance is the wall treatment, whether paperd or painted and if the former notice hat type of designs. Many papers today are reproductions or adaptations of the old ones and with these, it is possible to achieve this feeling of old-time charm.

The woodwork should also be carefully noted, the designs of the panels in the doors, the type of hardware, whether brass or iron, and it is also important to remember the floor covering, whether the rugs are hooked or braided and whether the designs are natural or conventional.

The windows must not be forgotten and you will note that is some houses nothing more than straight hanging muslin curtains, full or half length are used.

In other houses, chintz or calico hangings have been added to the windows and usually there are bushes and trees close enough to the windows to form a close bit of green effect, which is always so delightful, especially at twilight, through the small paned windows of these old houses.

Bed coverings are also important and there you will see many old quilts, some with many colors and designs incorporated in them and others with no color whatever, a heavily padded design achieved by quilting only.

Plain or dotted muslin was also used for bed coverings, tufted spreads, homespuns and chintz being seen in many of the houses.

With every detail being important, do not overlook the type of china, glassware, pewter, brass and silver which were used. In many instances there will be wooden trenchers in place of china plates.

Be sure to make notes of these details and draw a few pictures. Even if you are not an artist you can make enough pencil marks to refresh your memory of these things. Come back with a note book full of valuable information.

​Courtesy of The Detroit News Archives.