On the right in the alcove between the reception hall and the dining room is one of the modern conveniences built into the house in 1917, the elevator, which goes from the basement to the attic. A mahogany sliding door can be pulled from the alcove to close off the dining room.
Ionic pilasters lend classical dignity to the formal dining room.
The carved Cararra marble chimney-piece is fitted with gilt bronze andirons. A pair of tapestry screens on either side of it conceals double doors leading to the butler's pantry and to the room used for flower arranging. Food was brought up to the pantry from the main kitchen by dumbwaiter. Paintings Above the sideboard on the left is a double portrait of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Robinson , c.1795, by Philadelphia artist Charles Willson Peale. Sully learned from British portraitists how to twist the body, narrow the shoulders, and elongate the neck to impart motion and elegance.