io6 



AMERICAN HOMES AND GARDENS 



March, 1907 



Both Mr. and 



Each Bedroom Has Its Open Fireplace, Deep Window Seats and Four Posters 

 with Contemporary Hangings 



decorative feature of the design, and its skilful adaptation 

 is what without question makes the building of note. The 

 union of the double curves after this unbroken fashion is 

 unusual, but their flowing lines have been admirably utilized, 

 and nicely contrasted with the horizontal and perpendicular. 

 Tempering the severity of the design, they do not impair its 

 strength. Fhere is an air of dignihed reserve about this 

 mansion which is somewhat characteristic of the houses of its 

 period, and yet it will be noted that its general aspect is one 

 of genial domesticity. Its frankness and fine proportions 

 give it an expression of permanence and repose ; its grace 

 and setting lend it inviting hospitality. Standing among the 

 trees partly vine-clad, it seems withdrawn from the present 

 and allied to the past. 



This impression is strengthened rather than dispelled by 

 crossing the threshold, for not only is the interior design 

 good, but the furnishings are appropriate. 

 Mrs. Talbot are fortunate in the possession 

 of furniture which has been in their fami- 

 lies for many generations and was origin- 

 ally well chosen. Mr. 1 albot's great-great- 

 grandfather was Commodore Silas Talbot 

 of Revolutionary fame, and one of Mrs. 

 Talbot's direct progenitors was General 

 Persifer Frazer who, it will be remem- 

 bered, served in the same epoch-making 

 war. From both of these ancestors have 

 been handed down many interesting and 

 valuable relics. To these, with a keen ap- 

 preciation of what is worthy, Mr. and Mrs. 

 Talbot have added from time to time as 

 opportunity offered so that their home is 

 furnished now throughout in a character- 

 istic manner. 



Like the home itself there is no ostenta- 

 tious show, but rather quiet reserve and 

 real excellence. Because a thing is old, or 

 has at one time been in the possession of a 

 distinguished person, it is not always charm- 

 ing, but the furniture-makers of modern 

 times have not in many respects equaled 

 those of Colonial days, and it is true that 

 the china, the silver, the woven fabrics and 

 even the pewter and brass-ware of that 



period are apt to be more artistic and at- 

 tractive than later productions. I'here was 

 a placidity in those times — characterized 

 by the stagecoach and fraught undoubtedly 

 with many inconveniences — which seems to 

 have influenced the products of the crafts- 

 men, for a calm, purposeful sincerity is 

 shown in all their works. It is delightful, 

 therefore, to discover a home wherein this 

 atmosphere is preserved; to find passing 

 from room to room all in harmony. 



The entrance hall at "Hearthside" is 

 wide and divides the house. To the right 

 it opens into the library, and to the left into 

 the drawing-room, while at the rear it leads 

 into an entry from which the dining-room, 

 living-room, and kitchen are directly ap- 

 proached. The stairs, as in many houses of 

 this period, have not been made a special 

 feature, but, partly concealed, wind 

 through a well to the second story. The 

 front rooms are large and almost square; 

 the ceilings are moderately low; the win- 

 dows deep set and supplied with inside 

 folding shutters. In the bedrooms there 

 are window seats somewhat quaintly fash- 

 ioned, and throughout the house the moldings are simple 

 and attractive. There are open fireplaces in all the principal 

 rooms, and the mantels are, for the most part, those designed 

 originally for the house. 



In the hall is an old, carved oak chest which belonged to 

 Mr. Talbot's mother's family, and was made prior to 1700, 

 and in the cirawing-room will be noted a center table which 

 is likewise over two hundred years old, a winged chair and 

 other pieces of furniture which are interesting heirlooms. 

 The library is in itself, perhaps, a more attractive room, with 

 cheerier light and more livable aspect. There before the 

 fireplace is found a rocking-chair and round tea table which 

 are of Colonial design besides a fine old desk which has a 

 child's counterpart of equal interest and antiquity. The 

 dining-room, too, must claim attention, as well for its con- 

 tents as for its pleasing proportions. On the sideboard stand 

 General Frazer's knife, fork, and spoon cases, while in one 



The Drawing-room Is Furnished with Old Furniture, Much of It Family 

 Heirlooms of the Present Owner 



