Virtual Tour Ranch House Parlors

Image of the interior foyer showing the front doors

Lowest Level - Foyer Area and Two Parlors

The parlor was historically used for formal entertaining; the grandest room in the house. This photo shows a view of the foyer area inside the Spring Hill Ranch house. The large hand-carved doors were opened for guests visiting, who were then ushered into one of the two parlors. Note the wooden newel post, which was also hand-carved.

A piano was located somewhere in the home; possibly in one of the parlors or upstairs in the family living space. 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 Family

Family and close friends to the Spring Hill Ranch entered the home through the front and were entertained in the south parlor.

North Parlor for Company

Formal guests were ushered into the north parlor where the interior finishes were more exquisite.

 

Duration:

56 seconds

Video of the fancier parlor in the house;gold leafing on the woodwork. It was used as the formal entertaining area.

 

Duration:

36 seconds

The south parlor was more for informal entertaining, such as for family guests.

 

South parlor during the holiday special event

 

Duration:

56 seconds

On special holiday events the house comes alive to the sound of live music being played.

 

Interior of the south parlor with period appropriate furniture for the 1880s.

NPS

Explore Level 2