One of the displays in the basement of the Lake Chelan Historical Society Museum in Chelan, Washington, shows a turn of the century parlor. The parlor was a place to entertain visitors and a place for family entertainment.
According to the display:
“In wealthier homes, the parlor was reserved only for entertaining company and to show off art, family heirlooms and trophies. The best furnishings were displayed: carpet, tea service, lamps, Bible, and tropical plants.”
The designation parlor is from the Anglo-Norman French parlur meaning “place for speaking.” This was the place in the house where people—both family and guests—could sit and talk. It is also called the living room, the drawing room, the front room, and the lounge room. The change in designation from parlor to living room came about in the 1890s when the decorating literature of the time began to focus on the personality of the designer rather than on the Victorian conventions. The room changed from a formal space into a gathering space used in daily life.
The piano shown above was not in the Parlor Diorama but is typical of the kind of musical instrument which would be found in many parlors.
In the twentieth century recorded music became readily available and record players, such as the one shown above, were found in many living rooms. This is not from the Parlor Diorama.
More museum exhibit photo tours
Lake Chelan Historical Society: Homestead Cabin (photo diary)
Willamette Heritage Center: Waterpower runs a woolen mill (photo diary)
Museums 101: Household items in the Stevensville Historical Museum (photo diary)
Willamette Heritage Center: The Jason Lee House (photo diary)
Museums 101: Kitchen stuff in the Stevensville Historical Museum (photo diary)
Museums 101: Ranch and Sawmill (Photo Diary)
Campbell House: Library and reception (photo diary)
Museums 101: The Presby House Kitchen (Photo Diary)
