Here in the dining room and throughout the house, all of the walls have shiplap under the wallpaper. We learned that you cannot put wallpaper directly on the shiplap because the wood shifts around in the Texas humidity. You have to nail a special material called muslin to the walls, wet it, let it dry, and it will shrink and tighten. The wallpaper is then attached to the muslin to protect the paper despite the moving shiplap.
The flooring here in the dining room is oak, another change made in the 1924 remodel, but it was only placed in rooms where guests would see. This is yet another example of Mr. Chambers’ frugal nature. The doorknobs on the dining room side of the doors are newer, shinier brass, but on the side facing the hallways, he left the original dingy doorknobs.
Chambers House Museum Tour
Dining Room
Here in the dining room and throughout the house, all of the walls have shiplap under the wallpaper. We learned that you cannot put wallpaper directly on the shiplap because the wood shifts around in the Texas humidity. You have to nail a special material called muslin to the walls, wet it, let it dry, and it will shrink and tighten. The wallpaper is then attached to the muslin to protect the paper despite the moving shiplap.
The flooring here in the dining room is oak, another change made in the 1924 remodel, but it was only placed in rooms where guests would see. This is yet another example of Mr. Chambers’ frugal nature. The doorknobs on the dining room side of the doors are newer, shinier brass, but on the side facing the hallways, he left the original dingy doorknobs.
Dining Table
Furniture
This room was used for family dining. In early years, a servant would have prepared the meal. Later, Mrs. Chambers took on this responsibility. Mr. Chambers would come home from work and the girls would walk the few blocks from Averill Elementary to enjoy lunch together. We also have records of dinner parties, tea parties, and later, many bridge parties. Once, in October 1925 when Florence was turning 13, her family moved the living room furniture aside to make room for dancing. Cake and punch were served here in the dining room, and they threw a Halloween costume ball to celebrate her birthday.
The dress on the mannequin is one of several throughout the home that was sewn by the eldest sister, Ruth, a fantastic seamstress.
Side Table
Furniture
The table is set seasonally and rotated accordingly. The tables and sideboard were all American made, and this small round table was purchased by the sisters later to have a place to plan their schedules.
Drink Table
Furniture
The area around the house had greatly declined by the 80s, and the girls kept to themselves more and more. During the 2004 restoration, volunteers removed the furniture to start the process and were shocked to discover that under the detachable top, the sisters had hidden expensive family jewelry!
Florence Art - Dining Room
Artwork
This is one example of several of Florence's artwork. She also painted the designs on the fireplace cover in this room and many other floral pieces throughout the home.
Dining Room
