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.
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