January, 1923 
si 
A distinguished 
background is 
created for the 
furniture in this 
living room by 
the columns and 
panels of wal¬ 
nut. Courtesy 
of the American 
Walnut Associa¬ 
tion 
for years. Through this search 
priceless pieces have been discov¬ 
ered which are being utilized for 
the most costly residences in New 
York, Philadelphia, and Boston. 
Carefully refinished, these frag¬ 
ments are suitable for any man¬ 
sion. Particularly is this true of 
mantels and doors as well as win¬ 
dow frames and wainscoting, 
which are given practically their 
original setting, with furniture and 
household decorations of the same 
era, arranged with infinite taste 
and knowledge. 
Doubtless many of the older 
cities and towns contain examples 
of this early American woodwork; 
especially in the houses which are 
tenantless and dilapidated can it be 
secured in various degrees of ex¬ 
cellence, for many of the craftsman of the 
early days were skillful designers as well as 
clever workmen. What stories this old 
woodwork could tell had it but the power 
of speech, for through the doorways of 
many of these mansions have passed 
famous ladies and Colonial heroes. 
Walnut is used 
in the door and 
paneling of this 
room, designed 
by Howard 
Major 
American black walnut 
of a fiddle-back mottle 
grain 
Wild black cherry, one 
of our finest cabinet 
woods 
A slab of syca¬ 
more, quarter- 
sawn, showing 
the peculiar type 
of fibre in this 
native wood 
So the old American dull wood¬ 
work is taking its place beside 
that brought over seas, giving some 
of our modern houses a dignified 
charm which is most impressive. 
There is another advantage in the 
use of this old material; for new 
natural wood, even if kiln dried, 
is liable to warp. And naturally 
it cannot compare with the rich¬ 
ness which the old woodwork has 
gained through weathering for 
centuries. All wood is porous, 
and when it is first dried out, it 
readily absorbs moisture and is 
easily affected by climatic condi¬ 
tions. Therefore, it takes much 
seasoning to achieve a condition 
satisfactory for use in our homes. 
Beautiful woods have a value of 
their own; for manv varieties 
show most exquisite grain, and yet there 
are no two pieces alike. 
There is a range of natural color in our 
different woods that gives us a rare selec¬ 
tion. And the richness of wood finish 
may easily decide the choice of hangings, 
(Continued on page 92) 
