Parlor Entertaining
in the 18th Century
THE PARLOR
A Tour of Woodville's Parlor
The parlor or living room was the principal room in the house for entertaining and family socializing, and the pianoforte is indicative of this. Although the instrument displayed here was not owned by any of the house's historic occupants, the 1835 Cowan estate inventory shows that there was a pianoforte in the parlor valued at $250.00. This was, by far, the most valuable of the home's furnishings.
It is likely that the parlor was much sparer in its appearance when the Nevilles owned Woodville than the room seen today. The chair rail, fireplace, wainscot, cornice, and possibly the large windows may all reflect early modifications to the original room when the Cowan family acquired the property.
The rich and complex circa 1794 reproduction carpet seen on the parlor floor was made about 1990 by the British firm of Woodward and Grosvenor. Carpeting is not documented for Woodville itself, although it is known that John Neville's nearby home at Bower Hill did have carpets, as Neville made a claim for them as part of the damages sustained when Bower Hill was burned during the Whiskey Rebellion.
1830
Federal Work Table
with Double Basket
An unusual mahogany sewing table and desk of classical design, c. 1830. The piece belonged to the Cowans and is one of the most prized original furnishings. The table was made in Philadelphia or Pittsburgh by a Philadelphia trained cabinet maker.
1810-1820
Mahogany Sheraton Settee Philadelphia
This settee, with its unique cut out crest rail, is attributed to Philadelphia cabinet maker and upholsterer Joseph Barry (1757-1838). Thomas Jefferson placed several orders for furniture with Barry between 1797 and 1801, while serving as Secretary of State and Vice President.
1814
Clementi Pianoforte
A pianoforte is documented in the Woodville parlor in the 1835 Cowan estate inventory. Muzio Clementi (1752-1832), composer, performer, and music publisher, also made pianofortes, the forerunner of the modern piano, London, England. Beethoven was the most noted of Clementi enthusiasts. The sound produced by these instruments is lighter than we are accustomed to hearing because of less string tension.
The Woodville pianoforte is labeled:
“No. 26, CHEAPSIDE, AND No.195 TOTTENHAM ROAD, CLEMENTI COLLARD, DAVIS & COLLARD,
Piano e Forte Manufactures, Musical Instrument Makers & Music Sellers, To their Majesties, the Prince Regent & all the Royal Family, And to the Hon. East India Company, LONDON”; stamped on the left-handed end block “12736”. Hand-painted decal on name board “New Patent, Clementi & Co., Cheapside, London”.
1790
Early Federal
Secretary Desk
The walnut broken-arch secretary desk was made in eastern Pennsylvania or Virginia. The Queen Ann design and French feet define this as transitional design, c. 1790. Secretary desks with bookcases are one of the rarest of early American furniture forms.
Perched song birds and berry and vine inlays are a whimsical design element of this piece.
1815
Mahogany Sheraton Card Table
In the parlor is a mahogany card table of Sheraton design c. 1815. The “Haines leg” design is Evidence of a Philadelphia origin. Ephraim Haines and Henry Connelly were noted cabinet makers who were known for using this tapered reeded leg ending in a bulb.
