Library

The library was not only the repository for books, but an integral extension of the parlors suitable for entertaining.

Prominent in the library are two large paintings that were purchased by Robert McHenry and are original to the McHenry Mansion. These paintings that flank the fireplace are by Alfred Rodriguez who lived from 1862 to 1890. A California artist, he worked in the Bay Area, but painted landscapes throughout the state. The painting on the right is of Mt. Clark in Yosemite. The other paintings and pastel in this room are also by him.

The desk is a Wooten Rotary model. Wooten desks were manufactured in Indianapolis, Indiana. These desks were referred to as an entire office in one piece of furniture. The two sides rotate out—one containing “pigeon holes” and the other slots for ledgers. On the desk is a silver-plated inkwell that had belonged to Oramil McHenry. His initials “O McH” are engraved on the front.

The books in the Renaissance Revival style bookcase and in the secretary date from 1896 and before. To facilitate reading at night, the central chandelier has a center slide that enables the light to be brought closer to the center table surface. Many of the pieces of furniture in this room belonged to the early pioneer Griswold family.

This room too has a fireplace with mantel and large mirror. Large mirrors were a way to amplify the light from the central chandelier or from the candelabra on the mantel.