Wilcox Mansion / T. R. Inaugural Site - Table of Contents
Library - Ansley Wilcox Mansion / Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site - 2005 Photos
When the house was originally built, the library was two parlors. There is no evidence the two rooms were changed into one library room until 1885 when, shortly after the Wilcoxes moved in, the partition was removed and bookcases were added by Buffalo architect George CaryThe library has been completely restored and furnished according to c. 1901 photographs. The wall area and soffits are covered with a bordered paper in a representative pattern of the period manufactured by the Birge Wallpaper Company.
Some pieces are original to the room; some are modern reproductions based on the 1901 photographs taken shortly after the inauguration of Theodore Roosevelt.
2005 Photos
Wall removed by the Kathryn Lawrence Tea Room and reconstructed when the house became the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site.
Note statue at left and chandelier.
Bust of E. G. Spaulding
Original one of a matched pair of brass gas fixtures with etched glass shades. The original key exists.
"This bronze table lamp is a Wilcox piece that was returned to the house in 1970. Originally a gas lamp, it was conserved/restored and electrified as part of the library renovations that were completed earlier this year [2005].
"As part of the conservation/restoration, the following period appropriate elements were introduced: an incandescent gas burner (electrified), an incandescent gas chimney, a shade holder and shade.
"An appropriate finish has been incorporated on the brass portion of the shade and all other added parts. Electrification is concealed and exits the lamp in what appears to be a gas hose (i.e., it does not look like modern electrical wiring).
"All work and finished parts are absolutely appropriate to the 1901 interpretation."
- Lenora Henson, Curator
Lamp detail below:
The large bay window that formed the backdrop for Roosevelt's inauguration was designed by Buffalo architect George Cary in 1892, completing the remodeling of the room.
Original chair, but with new period-correct upholstery
There is no evidence the two parlors were changed into one library room until 1885 when, shortly after the Wilcoxes moved in, the partition was removed and bookcases were added by Buffalo architect George Cary
Aesthetic movement mantelpiece 4 details below:
Aesthetic movement mantelpiece
The library has been completely restored and furnished according to c. 1901 photographs. The wall area and soffits are covered with a bordered paper in a representative pattern of the period manufactured by the Birge Wallpaper Company
Aesthetic movement overmantel
Aesthetic movement mantelpiece
Aesthetic movement mantelpiece
- Original one of a matched pair of brass gas fixtures with etched glass shades.
- Bookcases are reproductions of the bookcases to the right of the mantelpiece
"This kerosene lamp can be seen in photos taken of the Wilcox libraryfollowing TR's 1901 inauguration; it was also returned to the house in
1970. It has a glass turned pedestal and an 8-panel cloth shade." - Curator Lenora Henson
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