Interior of 1792 Moses Myers House, as photographed circa 1920

Norfolk, Virginia

The Moses Myers House was built in the 1790's. By the time these photographs were taken around the 1920's, a variety of styles and time periods were reflected in the interior.


Hallway

The Hall.

An Empire-style sofa and Hepplewhite chairs provide the seating in this view of the hall. An unusual rug or floor-cloth is featured on the floor.

There are a number of pieces of art on the walls (the only one identifiable by me is the print of Confederate Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, hanging to the left of the front door). Also, a deer head hangs on the wall (it's rather hard to miss!).

The curtain over the doorway on the left is almost certainly a late Victorian additon to the room. If the fanlight over the front door is stained glass or painted glass, it was probably changed from the original plain glass.

A globe light hangs from the very attractive ceiling.



Another view of the hall

Another view of the hall.

A couple more Hepplewhite chairs can be seen in this view, and what appears to be an Empire-style settee.

A potted palm is featured -- having potted palms inside became popular in the late Victorian period.

A Grandfather's clock is shown on the stair landing. Dark, heavy curtains are used at the window at left, and on the stair landing.



Living Room

The Living Room.

More Hepplewhite chairs! Perhaps another Empire-style piece is partially shown at the right. An Oriental rug graces the floor.

What appears to be a trestle game table is shown at left.

A corner of a chandelier can be seen at upper right. Candelesticks, jars, and knicknacks are situated on the mantle.

Once again, curtains are over the doorways.



Dining Room

Dining Room.

Ball-and-Claw chairs are seen in this room. A large dining room table and a buffett are also used. The bufett is crammed with triple candlestick holders, cruets, etc. A samovar may be featured on the piece of furniture beside the buffet.

As in other rooms shown, most of the pictures are hanging with wires from points near the ceiling.



Photographs from Ernest Ray Denmark, Architecture of the Old South: Photographic Plates Illustrating the Better Work Between 1640 and 1850, The Southern Architect and Building News, Atlanta, GA, 1926; digital editing by Sarah E. Mitchell. Text by Sarah E. Mitchell unless otherwise noted.

Special thanks to Henry H. Mitchell for his assistance in identifying furniture styles.


The Moses Myers House is now operated as a house museum by the Chrysler Museum of Art.


Copyright © 2003 Sarah E. Mitchell