The Entrance Hallway
The Entrance Hallway includes fine English Post Oak wood carving by Italian artisans. The carving extends to the second and third floors as well. The wood work throughout the home cost $75,000 dollars of the $85,000 dollars required to renovate The Mansion at that time. The hallway boasts 6 months worth of work alone. The Master Staircase, a three story tower, was also added to the home at this time.
The Gothic motif is used throughout and includes 1,525 snowflake rosettes framing each of the doorways and archways.
A hall clock stands near the main entrance. It stands 9 feet tall and was purchased from Bailey, Banks & Biddle of Philadelphia.
The ceiling is stenciled corkboard, while the walls are adorned with stenciled gravel, a similar technique to the stenciled sand found in the Drawing Room.
The Entrance Hallway
An Edwardian African teakwood hall tree purchased by Mary Packer Cummings guards the carriage entrance, waiting to take guests' hats and coats as they arrive.
Guests are also welcomed by portraits of the family: Mr. and Mrs. Asa Packer in their matching frames and daughter Mary Packer Cummings, who was last to reside in the home, is pictured in the center.
Photographs Courtesy of Stephanie M. Borits
