Front Parlor

To the right, as one enters the Mansion, is the front parlor. This parlor was the more formal of the parlors in the mansion. It would have been used if only a few people were to be entertained such as for tea.  The McHenry’s parties, including Matilda’s New Year’s Day open house, would have made use of all of the principle rooms on the first floor.

The interior decoration of this room also reflects oriental influences. The reproduction wallpaper is by Thibault and Company of New York.  The frieze or border above the picture rail is based on decorative elements in the wallpaper and was computer generated by Bradbury and Bradbury Wallpapers. The carpet is by Woodward Grovesnor and the draperies are based on The Curtain Maker’s Handbook. The lace curtains were reproduced in Scotland and were custom woven to our specifications.

The fireplace mantel is a reproduction of the mantel that was originally in this room.  The original mantel was removed when the Mansion was converted into apartments. It was installed in another house owned by the family.  The outline of the mantel on the wall as defined by the wallpaper matched up perfectly with this mantel. The tiles are reproductions. The over-mantel mirror is also a McHenry family piece. It was purchased in San Francisco in 1885 and probably brought to Modesto via the railroad. The covering on the mantel shelf is known as a lambrequin. This one combines beading and needlepoint with tassels and trim. This is an example of fine workmanship a young lady could have produced and would have taken pride in as to her abilities.

The chandelier is illuminated by gas and was probably made by the New York firm of Cassidy & Sons. It is fortunate that it had never been electrified and that it could be installed as a working gas fixture.  It is lit for evening events and special occasions.

On the center table is the McHenry family Bible. It was given to Matilda McHenry by her mother on December 25, 1883. This was the first Christmas that the McHenry’s lived in the mansion. In it are recorded births, marriages and deaths of the McHenry family.

The parlor set consists of a sofa, gentleman’s and lady’s chairs and four side chairs. This set is in the Renaissance Revival style and is made of walnut and probably was manufactured by the Newark, New Jersey firm of John Jelliff and Company. Parlor sets were made up of pieces that were to reflect the ideal family. The gentleman’s chair would be the largest and would have arms. The head of the household would sit in this chair. The lady’s chair is smaller. With this set, it has arms.  The lady’s chair in many sets would not have arms and the back would be slanted back.  Ladies were to sit up straight and not recline against the back of the chair. Space was provided for bustles. The children would occupy the side chairs. Sofas would come in to play with multigenerational families.

It is known by the tax assessment records that the McHenry’s had a pump or reed organ. This Shoninger organ, manufactured in New Haven, Connecticut, is made of walnut in the Renaissance Revival style and is playable. One unique feature is the Cymbella stop that plays tuned bells.