Lincoln Home
Historic Furnishings Report 		NPS Logo

THE PLAN

SECTION E: RECOMMENDED FURNISHINGS (continued)

WINDOW HANGINGS: FIRST FLOOR: ROOMS A-D

WINDOW HANGINGS: FIRST FLOOR: ROOMS A-D
Object: A.45; B.16; C.22; D.26 — Cloth Shades and Cotton Damask Draperies; Brass Valances, Brass Tiebacks
Date: Modern reproductions.
Brief Description: The off-white or buff shades should be on wooden rollers. The draperies should be hung from a brass rod hidden beneath a metal cornice and tied back with brass tiebacks. The base of the curtains should rest on the floor, overlapping approximately an inch. Colors of the draperies should correspond to a color in the carpeting, such as a crimson, green, or blue, etc. Draperies in the parlors should be the same color and fabric. The sitting room and dining room should be different colors but could also be cotton damask.
Location: First floor windows.
Documentation: Light colored shades and dark draperies may be seen in the front windows of the parlor and sitting room in the 1860 photograph of the Lincoln home taken during a Republican rally. One written reference (see p. 38) indicates that there were green shades in the Lincoln home. The photographic evidence is a more reliable source and; therefore, buff or white shades are recommended. (See p. 144 for Lincoln purchase of drapery material, cotton damask, 36 yards.)

See drawings of parlors and sitting room made for March 9, 1861, Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper for style of drapery.

There is no documentation for the dining room; therefore, it should be furnished similarly to the parlors and sitting room. Nor is there documentation for the front door sidelights. The present treatment is acceptable.

Source: To be acquired (reproduction). Good quality reproduction fabrics are currently available from several New York fabric supply houses. It is recommended that the modern fabrics now hanging be replaced.
WINDOW HANGINGS: FIRST FLOOR: ROOMS A-D

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Last Updated: 08-Feb-2004