05. Dining Room
Main Floor, South Wing
Transcript
The Dining Room exudes refined elegance, featuring elaborate white oak-paneled walls and a gracefully coffered ceiling.
Built-in furnishings became a fashionable trend in the latter half of the 19th century, offering a streamlined alternative to bulky, freestanding pieces. In keeping with this style is the custom-built sideboard, designed to showcase the massive elk trophy, a product from one of Max’s hunting expeditions. Originally displayed over the main staircase, the trophy was given a place of honor in the Dining Room, with the sideboard specifically crafted to accommodate its grandeur. Unfortunately, when it came time to mount the elk, the antlers had to be trimmed to fit the space.
Two doors that lead to pantries flank the sideboard. The left pantry was used to store dishes, glassware, silver, and linens; the right pantry, with its small sink, handled the washing and drying after the meal. A pass-through behind the sideboard facilitated efficient movement of tableware between the two spaces. An intricate oriental screen not only added to the room’s aesthetic, but also discreetly masked the view and noise of the adjacent kitchen.
Completing the room’s impressive ensemble is a cherry wood dining table equipped with a set of 10 leaves, stored in the butler’s pantry. When fully extended, the table can comfortably seat 30 guests, making it ideal for grand social gatherings.
The Bates family made thoughtful updates after 1910 by introducing new wallpaper and doors leading to the backyard, seamlessly blending contemporary touches with the room’s historic charm.