Rutland weekly herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1859-1877, 1871-02-16
The Deacon House in Boston.

The Deacon House in Boston.
For the last twenty years Boston Curl
osity has been excited by a remarkable
building, surrounded by brick wall, on
the coruer of Concord and Washington
streets, and known by the name of 1.-THE
Deacon House." It was said to have been
built by Lieutenant Deacon, son-in-law to
the late Peter Parker, Esq. Beyond this,
it's history was not known, but it's lofty
windows. iron balconies, and grand pro-
portions gave it a foreign look not often
found in this country.
The house was built by the aforesaid
Deacon, who was, once on time, Colonel
in the U. s. A, whence Madame Grundy
called him Lieutenant. He died some
twenty years ago, after occupying his
house short time, and before his magni-
fcent designs were fully carried out.
The death of Peter Parker, and the set
Element of his estate, rendered disposal
of the property necessary, and during the
past few days the public have been allow
ed to explore the house, and to gaze upon
its rare old paintings, and antique furni-
ture.
| In visiting the house, we were some
what in doubt as to whether we were in
the British Museum, Barnum's Curiosity
Shop, or Aladin's Wonderful Palace. An
italian proverb "See Naples and die"
might be rendered for Bostonians, ''See
the Hotel Deacon and be satisfied"
In shape the house is vertangle, with
it's front toward the North, and with the
rooms on the first floor in three ranges,
extending from North to South. The
centre range has bay front toward the
South, fanked by Conservatives and a
portico on the North.
From the portico the door opens into
the entrance hall, broad and lofty, with
vaulted roof, and wide oak staircase on
the floor are spread bear skin rugs, finish
ed as taken from the animal; over the
stairs, and covering one side of the hall, is
a magnificent piece of Gobelin Tapestry,
signed by Van Shoord. The subject is
Victory. In a recess stands a massive
cathedral chair, carved of solid oak.
| The entire house is almost a French
palais transferred to our shores; the up
holstery and finishing being of that kind
which cannot be procured in this country
without direct importation, and all the
woodwork and finishing came from Paris,
and was put up under the direction of
French architect, who came from Paris
for that purpose.
The Montmorenci Salon, with the bay
front, and which opens into the two con-
servatories, is reproduction of salon of
the eighteenth century. 1t is panelled in
gilt, with floral and armorial devices in
bas-relief. A massive chandelier, bearing
one hundred glass pendants and fifty
| lights, hangs from the ceiling. Two large
French plate mirrors hang opposite each
other, and on looking into one of them the
observer can scarcely believe that he is
not looking through long range of gor-
geous salons. A large centre table of
italian marble, inlaid with malachite,
supports an elegant vase of blue sevres,
with base of highly wrought bronze.
| The furniture is in green satin damask.
The whole establishment abounds In
ormolu and sevres, especially the last. In
the boudoir is a comfortable, beautifully
inlaid with it, and even the plates of the
heavy bronze locks are made of this beau
tiful china.
The walls of all the rooms are adorned
with fine oil paintings by Reuben, Wack-
smuth, Fragonard, Emile Waiter, Saliva
tor Rosa, and others. The grand salon is
panelled with four large pictures of Fra
gonard's, representing the history of love.
The Marie Antoinette Boudoir opens
from the Salon de Montmorenci, the grand
salon, and one of the Conservatives This
room is psnelled from floor to ceiling in
pink damask, each panel bearing me
dallion in the center. Two of these are
portraits of Marie Antoinette's Maids of
Honor In this room is the set of sevres
china presented to Marie Antoinette by
the City of Paris.
The billiard-room is furnished with
bull, covered with red velvet In the
library are two solid oak book cases. COW
cred in the medaevisl style. Above is a
set of old Italian armor. We heard young
gentleman say to lady in regard to this
armor, Pooh They are only pasteboard."
If be was obliged to wear it for short
time, he would soon change his mind.
The walls of this room are hung with
thirteen oil paintings by different mas
tiers. The furniture is covered with pur-
pie leather.
When the house was opened to visitors,
cards bearing the words "please not han
die" were placed upon the lighter articles,
to guard against too free an inspection.
Visitors were very anxious to secure
relic of the house, and we saw an indivi- |
dual slyly pocketing one of these cards, as
a trophy.
The diningroom is furnished with oak,
covered with fine tapestry. The gray
marble mantle piece is covered with orna-
ments of sevres, ormolu and bronze
Ascending the broad staircase, we come
to labyrinth of chambers, dressing
rooms and wardrobes, all arranged in per-
feet taste, and with care for the great
est convenience.
AS we write, news comes that the house
and its furniture has been sold at auction.
This unrivalled collection of fine old
paintings, rare and antique furniture, and
costly ornaments will soon be scattered
throughout the country. The house is to
be removed to Beacon street, to be replaced
by stores ENSIGN.
WALLINGFORD.-Thep parties from New