Last week we got a closer look at the Farrell-Wilson house and the gardens surrounding it. Today we'll take our first step inside...
When you first enter the home, you will come straight to the wooden staircase leading upstairs to the second floor. The two-toned carved post has amazing details as do the spindles attached to the railing. (There are no elevators available so keep that in mind if you need assistance walking up and down stairs when planning your own visit.) Notice the plush, ornate carpet set in the wooden risers and the bright floral Victorian wallpaper.
Turning toward the left, we make our way into a formal parlor complete with Victorian-style furniture. Most of the furniture that used to occupy this home, sadly, had been sold or moved off the property. The museum has been working diligently to re-acquire the original pieces but that is difficult as their whereabouts and condition are unknown at this point. A lot of the furniture present in the home today are not original to the house but are original to the time period (or close to it). It still gives visitors a feel for the time.
(*Heritage Farmstead Museum's staged room photo)
Take note of the electric chandelier hanging down. The house was wired for electricity in 1915 and a Delco Generator (which we'll see in later weeks) was added. Interestingly, a lot of the wiring was attached to the outside of the walls as the inhabitants believed this was safer than installing them inside the walls. They thought a fire would more likely start if the wires were placed inside the walls.
This beautiful settee with its floral pattern and ornately carved arms sits right against the northern wall.
Looking back over our shoulder (toward the entry way), we can get a good look at the transoms above the doors. A built-in pole lifts the window up and open (or down and closed). This allowed cool air to circulate (which is vital during the hot Texas months). You can also see the yellow patterned wallpaper better in this view.
An interesting pre and post visit worksheet provided by the museum to make you think about the things you will see: www.heritagefarmstead.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Farrell-Wilson-House.pdf
Learn more by checking out the official site - www.heritagefarmstead.org/
Heritage Farmstead Museum Physical Address: 1900 West 15th Street, Plano, Texas 75075 Phone Number: 972-881-0140 Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-4:30pm. Closed Mondays and major holidays. Admission: $3.00 per person (ages 3 and up) + $4 for tour of house
Photo Credit of Formal Parlor - https://heritagefarmstead.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Formal-Parlor-213.jpg
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