NPS Photo Main Entrance and FoyerThe approach and main entrance of the house provided a grand entrance for guests to the Ranch House and served as an introduction to the Jones family. Once guests passed through the large wooden doors, the staircase and decorative newel post, as well as direct access to the ornate parlors, conveyed an air of elegance and sophistication, a sign that life was rapidly changing in the "wild" American West. 
NPS Photo North Parlor for CompanyThis parlor was historically used for formal entertaining, the grandest room in the house. Formal guests were ushered into the north parlor where the interior finishes were more exquisite. A piano was located possibly in the north parlor. From historic newspapers we know that youngest daughter Loutie was learning to play. The Las Animas Times (Colorado) reported that Mrs. Jones purchased a "fine piano," sometime before her move to Kansas. South Parlor for FamilyThe South Parlor was a place for entertaining in a less formal setting. The family's square grand piano may also have been located in this parlor. Little is actually known about the specifics and locations of the Jones's household furnishings, underscoring the challenges behind accurate historic rehabilitation efforts.
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Video of the fancier parlor in the house; gold leafing on the woodwork. It was used as the formal entertaining area.
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The south parlor was more for informal entertaining, such as for family guests. The family's large square grand piano may have been located here.
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On special holiday events the house comes alive to the sound of live music being played. |
Last updated: February 10, 2024