Tiffany

[augusta]

Did Maplecroft have two Tiffany windows in it at the time Lizzie lived there?
One was upstairs, and perhaps a larger one downstairs?

[Kat]

I'm thinking lamps, not windows. But I'm not sure. There was stained glass but I'm not aware they were Tiffany.

[Shelley]

There is a stained glass window at the top of the first stair landing and a stained glass window (in amber tones) in Lizzie's library. Neither is Tiffany. I think you may be thinking of the two Tiffany tulip glass sconces in the dining room. They are not there now, but reputed to be in the garage.

[augusta]

Thanks, girls! I don't recall hearing about the lamps. I would love to see them.

Tiffany made windows, as you probably know.

I was just guessing if they were Tiffany windows, because that was the time frame he was cranking them out.

I wonder how Lizzie's lamps ended up in Maplecroft's garage? Did no one not want them when she died? Any guesses what those might sell for?

[Shelley]

The Tiffany sconces hung on the wall in her diningroom ( left wall walking into the diningroom from the hall). I actually did see them in place the last time I was in there. Some may call them lamps. Of course it was the glass shades which were of note. Mr. Dube took them down and put them in the garage as I understand. The mantle with the poem about "when my fires" burn low" is also in storage from the second floor bedroom. A pink marble one has replaced it. The reason given was that is was not adequately attached to the wall- it was/is a lovely mantle with tiny cloverleaf motifs and very art-nouveau-y looking.

[Shelley]

duplicate post/edit

[Kat]

Here is a description of Maplecroft for Sherry

[Shelley]

The Quezal glass shades have a beautiful irridescence and opaque quality by Steuben and Tiffany and others and usually the quality pieces were signed or marked. A whiter opal shade was popular, also a more orange shade, but I recall those in Lizzie's diningroom more on the amber tones similar to these.. To this day, the belief still exists that there once existed a man named Quezal, who worked for Louis C. Tiffany, and it is after him that Quezal glass is named. In truth, however, the founders of the Quezal Art Glass and Decorating Company named the company and its products after one of the world’s most beautiful birds, the elusive and rare quetzal, which dwells in the treetops of the remote tropical forests of Central America. Here is a good short article on the glass which was so popular 1895-1920's
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m ... i_20314359

The beamed and linen ceiling are also memorable., but the breakfast nook off the kitchen is gone and replaced by upper and lower built in cabinets.

[Kat]

Did the article posted help your memory, Shell? I know you had toured part of the House.

[Kat]

BTW: That glass is Beautiful!- thanks for the examples.

[Shelley]

I have seen the house off and on from 1992-2003, the first and second floors. I have not been to the third floor however, but those who have say it is a series of closets, smaller rooms, and in keeping with staff accommodations. The first time I toured was during the centennial and immediately after coming out of the house I made myself a diagram and detailed 3 page description of all the rooms and anything particularly striking which I might not recall in my photographs which were taken the same day . I wish I had thought to take a photo of those diningroom sconces. Tulip or lily-shaped shades were the popular shapes. There are numerous examples of quezal art glass to be found on the internet as well as ebay. Some are only Quezal-inspired imitations but Lizzie's are genuine. The fireplace in the diningroom is also very handsome. In fact the greatest thing about Maplecroft interiors in my mind is the woodwork which is still magnificent.

Those who expect the gingerbread excesses of Victoriana would be disappointed in Maplecroft for it is a far more "tailored", simple, and handsome residence than it is a feminine, frilly and over the top dwelling. The great woodwork, clean lines, curved door arches, clever conveniences built-in, stonework outside on the chimney and carefully-placed creature comforts make Maplecroft a really liveable property. When there is a luxurious touch, like the stained glass or window seat or front hallway built in bench at the foot of the staircase, it is practical, good quality and beautifully executed. Simplicity, I have always believed, is the soul of elegance. How I wish we knew more about Lizzie's actual soft furnishings, furniture style and artwork. I picture a far more pre-Edwardian-looking style with lighter, cleaner lines which was fast replacing the heavy dark walnut with velvet and horsehair. The Terry family still has some of Lizzie's silver from the diningroom, monogrammed or etched with the word Maplecroft on it. In fact, a great many bits of Lizzie's small furnishing are scattered about Fall River and in private hands of those who do not wish the fact to be known.

I have this interview article with Mrs. Silvia but had not looked at it for a long time- I wish she had said more about the interiors -and how I wish I could have seen how Mrs. Silvia had it decorated inside!

[Shelley]

I should add the biggest thrill for me was looking out the front bedroom triple windows down into the street. There is a window seat in that window, and I could just imagine the view Lizzie had daily, as she stood there and gazed down at the street.

The 2-roomed library is also a very memorable space, and it is easy to imagine her cozy by the At Hame in My Ain Countrie fireplace, book on her knee, faithful dog at her feet, reading a beautifully bound book by a crackling fire on a winter's day, looking up with satisfaction as golden rays of sun streamed through the amber facets of stained glass. I think she must have been very happy there.

[augusta]

I so enjoyed the posts from Kat and Shelley. Thanks for all the goodies to ponder! I am somewhat interested in Tiffany, real and faux. Geez, I think I have a silver pin that I think my father-in-law said was real Tiffany. At the time I was young and stupid and thought, 'That's nice.' I had forgotten all about it until now. I know what I'll be doing this afternoon. I don't imagine the pin would be worth all that much. Not as much work went into the jewelry as it does something like their lamps. I remember he hand-carried it, with some other pieces, on the plane when he visited us once.

I sold an antique hand-made silver lattice-over-glass cruet set for like five bucks at a yard sale we had once. My God. It's people like me that are featured in those "Treasure Found at Yard Sale!" articles as the dumb seller. Someone tell me Tiffany didn't make them, even if they did.

Thanks for posting the article, Kat. I look forward to reading it. It says for me, but maybe you made a typo and meant Shelley. If you posted it for me, it is so sweet of you to do.

I was drooling over Shelley's details of Maplewood's interior. I had not heard of much of it before. I guess the sconces would have had to stay there or be pulled out of the wall, as the mantel you mentioned being removed had to stay as well. Interesting!

I never knew her library was two rooms! Two rooms together? Or one room in one part of the house and another in another part? You took me back in time with your description of Lizzie reading in there, Shelley. Nice post!

Shelley, did you mean "post-Edwardian" in one of your posts? (Pre-Edwardian would be Victorian, unless you know something the rest of us "dunt" (my impression of Ricky Ricardo). I'm sure you know a lot the rest of us 'dunt'. Yes, I would think Lizzie would keep up with the current styles.

The woodwork is mahogany, isn't it? And one of the other little bits I read and treasured was about her wallpaper in the dining room (?) being of gold background (faux) with black velvet fleur-de-lis? (I must have massacred that spelling - I can't even find it in the dictionary.)

The third floor would even be neat to see. It was good to get a description of what it's like.

The outside porch/piazza/balcony - whatever all is on the exterior - would be fabulous to get photos of. Like Shelley's little scene of Lizzie reading in her library, I think of the letter Lizzie wrote of lounging in her steamer chair reading out on her piazza. I wonder which one she meant.

It's tough to see Maplecroft from the outside, other than a front view. You can see a little more if you walk more to the left, maybe some more if you're to the right, but it is still pretty much left to the imagination. Gee, if Mark A. could do a photo essay on the outside of Maplecroft - all the way around, not missing anything - that would be a stellar piece. I'd do it, but I don't like getting punched in the face. Ooh, I'd hate for Mark to get it, either. I know - I can send my husband! (Kidding! That idea comes with a warning label. )

Thanks, too, Shelley for the "Look Smart" article. I'll read it! What a great thread this has turned out to be.

[Shelley]

Technically Edwardian would begin in 1901, after Victoria's death and after Edward VII's ascension to the throne. Since Lizzie moved into Maplecroft in Sept. 1893, and I suspect did not REALLY get around to furnishing it for a little while since she almost immediately went to Chicago for the Columbian Expo with some lady friends, I imagine most of her pieces were bought in late 1893 and early 1894 for the basics. As you know, furniture styles overlap and even blend elements, and new styles have roots sprouting in former periods. Art Deco, which began officially in France in 1911 did not reach full bloom in America until the 1930's. so what I was trying to say (and not very well) before, was that Maplecroft clearly shows tendencies towards the period which followed- or namely the Edwardian (1901-1911) with its emphasis on clean lines, quality woods, lighter colors, and the wonderful work ethics of the Arts and Crafts Revival movement- away from machine-made gingerbread tacked all over everything and featuring built-ins, wonderful moldings and woodwork, artisan glass and carvings, curves and arches, stone and brick and tilework. Quality of workmanship handmade with pride- a direct backlash to the almighty jigsaw factory work and applied decoration of the 1860-1890 Victorian period. By the end of the Victorian era, most of the great walnut forests had been swallowed up anyway by furniture makers, which is why oak in America took a big leap at the turn of the nineteenth century- we had tons of that left!

So let me rephrase "pre-Edwardian" to say, LATE, late Victorian which showed the future trends to come in interior decor that would come in the actual official Edwardian time- awkward, but more precise!

Yes, opening off the hall across from the top of the stairs is the 2-room library. When one enters, to the immediate left of the door is the At Hame mantel with its carved Scottish thistles and fireplace-this is the room with the lovely amber-colored stained glass window. Turning right one goes through a French door sort of arrangement into the bookroom where ceiling to floor bookcases would have held the beautiful volumes. I will have to dig up my notes to recall more on that- it was a charming arrangement -I'd never leave home if I had such a retreat!

The great parlor on the first floor is on the East side of the house and takes up nearly all that side with the kitchen directly behind it on the other side of the North wall of it. The parlor seemed a bit dark as it is so long, the north end seems in shadow over by the fireplace. I imagined those parties with Nance and her troupe. Plenty of room for a piano (and there is one now. On dark summer nights when I walk down French street and see the lights in the parlor, I am half-listening for the sound of tinkling champagne glasses! Fall River, I find, is best seen by moonlight late- if you want to timetravel.

[Shelley]

There's a number of photos I have already posted of the back, sides and front of Maplecroft which should be here on the forum. Winter is best for getting a good shot. When the leaves are all out, much of the back is obscured.

[augusta]

Wow - what an explanation on the 'pre-Edwardian' era. It's very interesting. That's true - I suppose you would start seeing some Edwardian style things trickle in the late Victorian era.

I've always read that the Victorian American era ended in 1910. There are so many differences between England's Victorian era and the American. Is it the English one that ended in 1890? The 1890's in America were crawling with women in their fashionable clothing - the 'Gay Nineties' and all that jazz. Very memorable time in history. I don't think I've ever heard of the Lizzie Borden case referred to as anything but "Victorian".

I've been to FR when there were no leaves, and you are right about the photos. I can't wait to see your Maplecroft ones. I must have missed them, darn it. But then I post in spurts.

Thanks for the additional descriptions, too. 'As God is my witness, ah shall nevah leave without seeing Maplecroft again!'

[Shelley]

Quite right- we Colonials were always a bit behind the European crowd, but with the advent of better ocean liner accommodations in the 1880's, more and more Americans dared to try out the Grand Tour and bring a bit of Europe back and were much exposed to things outside the continental USA. The wonderful World's Fairs, Paris Exhibition and other such venues brought so much to people out in Midwest America as well as on the East Coast. In fashion and home decor and architecture, yes, trends and styles can overlap and co-exist side by side until one becomes outdated. Also, MANY people could not simply afford to throw all of old Great Aunt Bessie's stuff out and buy new every fifteen or twenty years! Andrew had saved his old Renaissance Revival furniture from pre-Civil War and was still using it in 1892!

[Shelley]

Here are some Maplecroft photos
viewtopic.php?t=2275

[augusta]

Interesting and informative post, Shelley. Thanks.

I followed your link to the Maplecroft pictures, and my mouth popped open more than once. Those photos are incredible! And you describe what is what on top of it!

Oh, I would have loved Michael's tour (are you referring to Dube or Martins?).

Lizzie had a floral painted bathtub. Wow. I had only read she finally got herself a bathtub, I think with claw feet.

I have to commend you for abiding by Mr. Dube's wishes and not publishing interior photos. Maybe he is just protecting this investment property. If pictures go out publicly, and he wants to make money from tours or something, there goes what could be a lucrative activity.

When the B & B first opened up with Martha McGinn as co-owner, you could not take any photos in the house unless you spent the night. And the cellar was not open to people who just took the tour - again, you had to spend the night to do so. My second-to-last trip to FR was the first time I was ever in the cellar! I probably looked like Gomer Pyle the first time he saw a pin-up girl.

[Shelley]

Well Golleeeeee! I loved Gomer!

Young Michael Dube did those tours back in 1992.
Stef has posted some of the television news tape from one of those tours which I gave her on Mondo Lizzie.com.

Yes, I think it is a matter of security and privacy that Mr. Dube does not wish his home all over the internet . I can understand that. Although Maplecroft interiors have little to do with the Borden case- people try to get a sense of Lizzie as a person -and she is, after all, the central fascination.

[augusta]

Okay - I saw that tape on Mondo Lizzie. I didn't know it came from you. That was great!

You are so knowledgeable about this, you could probably give tours there with no problem. (Well, maybe after learning some things you may not know like seeing the third floor first. ) I am extremely impressed by your knowledge and memory. You give good visuals, too - like posting seeing it by moonlight is best and imagining the clinking of champagne glasses.

I know I spent a lot of time on here today, and I haven't done this in so long. I know so little about Maplecroft, and I itch to learn more. I shouldn't say 'itch'. I've got this bad rash all over my neck (don't know how). My mother, whom I caregive for, has it on her side. We both got put on that 6,5,4,3,2,1 med pack, and some steroids. I ain't good for much this week. May I say that I enjoyed your posts so much. I just loved learning so many details of Maplecroft. Time extremely well spent for me.

[Shelley]

Oh, then I am glad to have provided a little insight and fun today . Victorian interiors and architecture are a mad passion for me. I have recreated some in my own home, and I love the little details-peacock feathers, stereopticons, old frames, vintage furniture, and accessories. My parlor is all Renaissance Revival with some early Eastlake, the dining room is Empire and Eastlake and I am slowly getting the upstairs done over, piece at a time. Most of the fun is in the collecting and finding the items at a bargain, refinishing, reupholstering-getting just the right thing. I have a sharp eye for detail and a memory for retaining things after I see them. Generally I take lots of notes after a visit.

You would really enjoy the Mark Twain House in Hartford, and Chateau Sur Mer in Newport, Sherry. Wonderful Victoriana. I blame this all on being raised by Victorian grandparents in a sprawling 1880's house on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The house was torn down years ago but I can still recall the wall paper and the hall bannister as if it were yesterday. I suspect Len Rebello, who is a very modest person, would not wish me to brag - but he is a great authority on Victorian interiors, as well as being a Fall River, Fall River artists, and Lizzie B historian, and we have decided to form the Black Walnut Preservation Society because we love rescuing unloved walnut furniture (especially Eastlake and Renaissance Revival) . (joking here). Victorian furniture is not "hot" just now so bargains can be found at the moment. It will come back into vogue and go through the roof again in price.

Last year I started collecting Victorian butter dishes-which are amazing in form- and flatware in the famous 1893 pattern called Columbia by Rogers, which was a special design for the Columbian Expo in Chicago- which Lizzie attended. There's a lot of fun to be had collecting and living with 1890's furnishings for the home- and clothing. I will take some photos of some of my favorite vignettes.

[Constantine]

If anyone is in New York between now and May 20th, you'll be able to catch an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Tiffany. See http://www.metmuseum.org/now_at_the_met.htm?

Click on "Featured Exhibitions."

[Shelley]

Here is an excellent page all about the Columbia 1892 silver pattern by Rogers. It was the hot thing to have- wonder if Lizzie had it? She would have loved the art nouveau lines. The link also tells about the Chicago exposition. Actually the pattern first appeared in 1892-the silver company is called 1847 Rogers- which can be confusing.
http://www.the-office.com/estatejewelry/columbia.htm

The Mark Twain House is also showcasing Tiffany- must be enjoying a revival!

[augusta]

Constantine - Thanks for the link. I'll go! (Well, 'virtually'...)

Oh, photos of some of your Victoriana sound wonderful, Shelley. I am already looking forward to it.

Don't overlook the Salvation Army store in FR. I've heard a treasure or two has been found in there.

What about butter molds? Do you collect those also? My sister used to be into the Victorian era bigtime. I thought those were the neatest little things.

I like Newport. I am due for two knee replacements some day, and I think I could probably take in one mansion tour. God, I hate that Narragansett Bay bridge. I usually like bridges, but that one is so high! Did they really need it that high to accomodate ships?

[Constantine]

Constantine - Thanks for the link. I'll go! (Well, 'virtually'...)

I like Newport. I am due for two knee replacements some day, and I think I could probably take in one mansion tour.

May I recommend Belcourt Castle if you haven't seen that. (It's not one of those on the package tours. If memory serves, it's the only currently inhabited one available to the public. (The Tinney family, who own it, are quite nice. I once attended a Halloween party at the house.) Of the others, the Breakers is the one to see if you have to choose just one.

See http://www.newportmansions.org/page7016.cfm

[Nadzieja]

Shelley, I love it when you post photos. I would love to see some of your Victorian collection. I've been to Newport numerous times and just love those old homes. I keep thinking about Lizzie's 2 room library at Maplecroft and hate to say I'm a little jealous I would love even a 1 room library with floor to ceiling bookcases.