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Publisher’s Corner

The Parlor: An Island of Formality journalofantiques.com

Publisher
ou entered it only rarely, and you weren’t meant to be ‘gentility’ to others. As a result, Maxine Carter-Lome
comfortable there. But every house had to have one, no proper behavior, dress, and etiquette journalofantiques@gmail.com
Ymatter how high the cost: the parlor. were heavily enforced in the room
Maxine Carter-Lome Business Manager
No room in the American home in the 19th century when with company and in private, Jeffrey Lome
was more tenderly cared for, fussed over, or protected than when gathered together as a family. jeffrey@journalofantiques.com
the parlor, especially during the Victorian era. It was a Despite its century-long reign and dominance over the
central part of a family’s social life in middle and upper- American home and the household budget, the parlor as a Managing Editor
class households; a room where guests were formally sacred space was replaced by other rooms more in keeping Judy Gonyeau
received, afternoon tea was held with friends, condolence with the needs of a modern family and lifestyle as we editorial@journalofantiques.com
calls were paid, intimate conversations of a personal nature entered the 20th century. For one thing, more and more Contributing Writer
took place, and where family and guests socially gathered people were living in cities, and a smaller and smaller per- Erica P. Lome, Ph.D.
before dinner parties. As such, its design aesthetic, furnish- centage of city families were living in houses. For families Art Director
ings, and the objects on display were a personal reflection moving into newly-built homes in the suburbs, house Lynn Cotterman
of the family, and in particular, the lady of the house. layouts put the emphasis on a central family living space ads@journalofantiques.com
To keep up with the popular styles, magazines such as and larger kitchen in favor of closed-off rooms. Families no
Godey’s Lady Book and Harper’s Bazaar published the latest longer wanted or had room for formal, dedicated spaces. Production
trends and what was desirable and what was not. It was up Even the word “parlor” had become an antiquated Jill Montague

to the lady of the house to meet those expectations. “To the word reflective of another time. Instead, they wanted a Judy Gonyeau
lady of the house, the parlor was or supposed to be the expression sitting room for everyday family living; its furniture more 508-347-1960
of her refinement and the stage on which she displayed her comfortable, its atmosphere more relaxed.
breading, her bibelots, her poise, and her culture.” according “We are fast becoming a parlor-less nation,” wrote Toll free:
to an academic study on “The Parlor” published in 1963. Lillian Hart Tryon in the early 1900s. “The accidental 888-698-0734
Fashions in the decoration of the parlor changed limitations of space and of service in modern life, and the Fax: 508-347-0911
considerably as the century progressed. As a result, a lot of increased expenses of buildings, as well as the noble Mailing:
money and thought went into its furnishings. During the intention of simplifying the house, have contributed to P. O. Box 950
Greek Revival era, the parlor was decorated with the formal, the result.” Sturbridge, MA 01566
classic furnishings so warmly recommended by Andrew This month we explore the history behind many items
Jackson Downing, whose word on taste in the 1840s was that define the accessories of the parlor, including info@journalofantiques.com

law. During the second half of the century, the parlor antimacassars, braided rugs, and popular parlor crafts of UPS and FedEx
underwent a design transformation, going from the austere the day; Wallace Nutting and his interior images; how Shipping Address:
and formal to a Victorian-era aesthetic characterized by one could augment their hearing in order to participate in 46 Hall Road
ornate carvings, dark woods, and heavy luxurious fabrics. polite conversation; and the importance of side tables. Sturbridge, MA 01566
By the mid-19th century, a seven-piece match set was Our first issue of the New Year traditionally carries
essential in the parlor; an armchair for the Head of the our annual Show Directory of antique and collectibles Journal of
House, a lady’s chair for the Lady of the House, a sofa, and shows, vintage bazaars, and flea markets. Given the Antiques and Collectibles
four parlor chairs. The cost of furnishing and updating a current state of the country, it is too soon, at this time, is published monthly in digital
parlor to stay current and fashionable was enough to take a for many of our event organizers to confirm their plans and quarterly in print by
husband’s breath away! for 2021 and confidently promote their shows. We have Weathervane Enterprises, Inc.
In addition to its furnishings, the parlor also displayed shared the list we have gathered so far on page 27, but 46 Hall Road
items that showcased the family’s personal life. Treasures plan to provide an updated and more comprehensive Sturbridge MA 01566.
brought back from travels, precious family heirlooms, Show Directory in our Spring issue, out in early April. Periodicals postage paid at
presents from lost friends, mementos of anniversaries, the We hope to have a lot more to share, then. Like you, we Sturbridge MA.
Family Bible, paintings and photographs of family can’t wait for the next show!
members … all found their way into the parlor. It was a
sanctuary of family memories and moments, and a POSTMASTER:
testament to civilized living meant to convey the family’s Maxine Carter-Lome, Publisher
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