Lincoln Home Historic Furnishings Report

SECTION E: RECOMMENDED FURNISHINGS (continued)

PARLORS: INTRODUCTION

The Lincolns' front parlor was used primarily for the family's more formal entertaining. (See pp. 17-25 for accounts of the Lincolns' parties.) If it were a large gathering, both the front and back parlors would have been in use. The front parlor, however, contained the more formal, elegant furniture. In the Leslie's drawing, furniture in both the late Empire and Rococo Revival style can be seen. In the rear parlor, there is little evidence of the more fashionable Rococo Revival style. The sofa, secretary, and chairs reflect the late Empire style, and the side tables are in the Cottage style or "Elizabethan" style.

Contemporary accounts referred to the back parlor as the "Library." A secretary-desk appears in the Leslie's drawing of this room. It is likely that when Lincoln worked at home or entertained business friends he used this room.