In Chicago Palaces

In Chicago Palaces. Prairie Avenue Interiors. "Mrs. George M. Pullman opened the drawing-room in her Prairie Avenue house more than fifteen years ago... In point of location, size, and architecture it surpasses any room of its kind in Chicago, whether public or private." Chicago Times, 1888 , , In 1888, the Chicago Times ran an extensive article entitled "In Chicago Palaces," which provided a glimpse inside Chicago's finest homes, the majority of which could be found on Prairie Avenue. Although the exteriors of these homes were designed to impress, the article revealed that the true display of wealth and good taste could be seen only upon being invited into the interior of these "palaces." , , Entry Hall , The entry hall was designed as a space in which to be seen. In many of the larger homes, guests would enter through a side entrance and then proceed up to the second floor so that they could make their entrance by descending the grand staircase in clear view of the assembled crowd. , , Dining Room , The dining room served as a showcase for the homeowner's collection of fine porcelain, crystal and silver displayed on massive sideboards and carefully arranged dining tables. Formal dinner parties consisted of multiple courses usually lasting several hours. , , Drawing Room , The most elegantly appointed room in most of these residences was the drawing room, often decorated in a French style to compliment the exterior design. Gleaming parquet floors, elaborate plaster ceilings, and intricately carved mouldings would create a setting for the owner's finest pieces of furniture, artwork, and bric-a-brac, much of which would be collected during annual trips abroad., Music Room , A separate music room was truly a sign refinement, and the finest opera singers and instrumentalists would be brought in to perform evening entertainments. Several homes featured a pipe organ, and the Pullman residence even contained a 200-seat theatre. , , Library , The library was the domain of the man of the house, with a typically dark décor featuring shelves of richly bound leather books, and a massive desk from which to conduct business while at home.