The Ladies of Woodruff-Fontaine House

I hate it when things slip my mind.  Of course, my ladies at WF remind me that it's only going to get worse.  These genuine ladies that serve the WF loyally (and put up with me) are the most gracious I have met.  In the beginning they weren't too sure about me, then I managed to work my way into their close knit circle.  They've each become very close to me, so I am thrilled with this photo of the two who always make sure I "dot my I's and cross my T's"...Miss Rosemary and Ms. Joan...angels here on Earth (on their good days).

Southern Summers: Antimacassar

It actually took two ladies at the museum to bring this to my attention.  First when fishing through the textiles room with Mrs. Ralston, when I learned what an antimacassar was.  And second, Miss Rosemary...(Ro' Ro' to we in the museum who work with her) who unlocked a closet door that was FULL of tabletop and bedding textiles!  Of course Ro'Ro' knew exactly what they were and continued to enlighten me.  I can't do too much without one or more ladies looking over my shoulder, which I'm thankful for, to ensure I get the details "just so".  Here's a sneek peek at the antimacassars on display in the second floor tower room.

An antimacassar is a small cloth placed over the backs or arms of chairs, or the head or cushions of a sofa, to prevent soiling of the permanent fabric.

The name is attributable to Macassar oil, a hair conditioner and grooming agent made from coconut or palm oil combined with ylang ylang or other fragrant oils to perfume the product. Macassar oil was commonly used by stylish gentlemen in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The fashion for oiled hair became so widespread during this time that housewives began to cover the arms and backs of their chairs with washable cloths to preserve the fabric coverings from being soiled. Around 1850, these started to be known as antimacassars.

They came to have elaborate patterns, often in matching sets for the various items of parlor furniture; they were either made at home using a variety of techniques such as crochet or tatting, or purchased. The original antimacassars were usually made of stiff white crochet-work, but in the third quarter of the 19th century they became simpler and softer, usually with a simple pattern in wool or silk.

Southern Summers: Summer Dress

Generally speaking, all furnishings or decorations that looked hot, heavy, or oppressive were removed from the room during the summer months. This parlor is a small example of how the entire house would have been changed to “summer dress”.

By mid-May, the 19th century home was thoroughly cleaned and changed to “summer dress”. The chandeliers were carefully cleaned and covered with gauze or tulle to protect the crystals from the heavy dust being allowed in to the house and water spots left behind by flying insects. Gas lighting was kept to a minimum, chandeliers were no exception because of the excess heat of the flames. Instead, table top lighting was used during the evening and on cooler “storm” days. Mirrors and other reflective and crystal surfaces were also covered for protection.

All heavy wool rugs were removed and cleaned with a rug beater(in housekeeper‘s hands), then stored for the summer. Light, natural fiber or painted canvas floor coverings were set inside the rooms for a much lighter, cool appearance than the heavier rugs which helped insulate the room. The canvas floor covering in this room was painted by Kimberly Dicus and Barbara Presley.

Most draperies were removed from the home with much the same intent as rugs. Heavy silk draperies didn’t allow for maximum air circulation. During the summer months, the windows would have remained open. Shutters, blinds and sheer lace curtains provided privacy and circulation, but little protection from insects.

Fine furniture was often loosely slip covered to protect the upholstery from settling dust. It was customary to slip cover all furniture if the family traveled during the summer. The Fontaine family would usually escape the humid Memphis summers to Sulphur Springs, VA.

Spring Cleaning

It was usually around this time of the year that the Victorians usually ordered "Spring Cleaning".  It was a large undertaking that lasted weeks for the inside staff of servants.  One of the first orders of business would be to collect all of the rugs throughout the house and "beat" or clean them.  A rug beater, made of woven reeds of wicker to resemble a paddle, would be used to accomplish the same results as the modern vacuum cleaner.  The rug would be taken outside and laid over a line or an upstairs rail...then beat until the rug was free of dust and debris.  The rugs would then be rolled or folded and stored for the summer.  All surfaces were cleaned and polished one last time before the oppressive summer heat invaded the home.

One can only imagine what it would be like to endure the sweltering heat and thick humidity of summers here in Memphis without air conditioning.  Some of us simply could not tolerate it, but early Memphians did what they could to transition the home from season to season.  In the summertime, anything that absorbed heat was removed from the house.  Not only were the rugs removed, but heavy drapery.  Light mats were used to protect the floors, usually canvas or woven reed.  Lace sheers were hung in windows for (moderate) privacy but, allowed for the breeze to pass through the opened window.  When removing heavy items from the house, the furniture was often slip covered with light colored muslin or canvas to protect the upholstery and to make the home seem cooler.  All the heavy decorations around the room were swapped with lighter ones.  Silver, crystal, metals, and mirrors were often wrapped in sheer netting to protect from water spots left by insects.  Often all chandeliers were wrapped for the summer, as most were candle burning or gas burning.  Light sources were kept to a minimum, lamps used only at night or on the relieving rainy days. 

We have already accomplished our spring cleaning at WF, still there are a few loose ends to tend to before our summer exhibition launches.  "Southern Summers" will be in full swing for guests officially on June 10th.  Don't be surprised if you come in for a visit and find one or more of us detailing for summer.  Though, we're always looking for an excuse to escape the early heat and humidity to share our stories and the history of our beloved WF over some refreshing iced tea!!!