Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-10-07
EDGEWOOD AND IT'S SURROUNDINGS.
Description of the Old Mansion House
and Its Adornments-Home Life of
Katharine Chase sprague-
An Unpublished Romance Connected With
the Purchase Of Edeewood by the
Late Chief Justice Chase.


Chase Sprague, whose matrimonial infelicities
haye long been the subject of newspaper COM
ment and controversy throughout the country.
She resides on her large and beautiful estate Of
eEdgewoOd," about two-and-a-half miles from
the Capitol, with her daughters Ethel, Portia
and Katharine, whose several ages are twelve
nine and seven years. Her residence Is situated
on the brow of a hill, within short ride from
Glenwood cemetery and a few rods from a by
road which leads from North Capitol street i'm
al easterly direction 1t is an ancient struct-
IRE, having been erected in the early part of
the present century by Col. Berry. one OF the
original settlers upon the land which now COM
prises the city of Washington. 1t stands in the
midst OF fertile and beautiful domain of
about fifty acres. on which it was once proposed
TO erect a summer residence for the President of
the United States. 1t Is plain two-stOry edi-
nee. built in the most substantial manner with
bricks OF an unusual size, every other brick
used in its construction being placed endwise,
thus giving additional strength and thickness
to walls which seem to have been built to stand
for centuries.
THE INTERIOR-THE VIEW
A broad and lofty hall extends through the
center of the house. the rear door opening upon
spacious piazza, which commands an extensive
and diversified view many miles i'm extent the
most prominent object in which is the Capitol,
which stands directly south of it, and about two
miles distant, while beyond are seen the Poto-
mac river and its Eastern branch. together with
the heights of Georgetown, Arlington and Union
town. which gradually rise from their banks
The hill on which the house is situated slopes
abruptly down in front and on both sides, and
the whole territory east of the estate Is sur
rounded with thickly wooded hills, among
which scarcely a single evidence of the exist
ence of human being is anywhere to be seen
and the only dwellings in the landscape between
the house and the Capitol are two dilapidated
cottages Inhabited by negroes, and as the
house stands at some distance from the line of
road but little travelled, the only sounds that
break the stiffness of its surroundings are the
shri whistle of the engine and the rafting
OF the cars on the track of the Baltimore
and Ohio railroad. which passes through the
valley below. and within sight of the house.
The walls of the main hall of the house are hung
with pictures, conspicuous among which are
group of dogs, by Robinson; a Scriptural scene
by an ancient and unknown artist an engraving
from Carpenters painting of 1.-The First Reading
OF the Emancipation Proclamation" and photo
graphic groups of the four children of Mrs.
Sprague, taken few years since i'm Paris. The
parlOr OF the house occupies the entire lower
moor OF the western wing, on the right of the
hall, and is elegantly furnished most OF the
furniture having been manufactured in Paris.
and every article splendid example of the skill
OIL the designer and artisan. The walls of this
room are also adorned with pictures by noted
artists, among which are several family portraits.
including one of Mrs Sprague taken i'm child
hood, and near 1t hangs an exquisite picture of
younger sister, which represents lovely girl
OF some twenty years whose face beams with
intelligence and earnest thought. On a side
table stands statuette. in Parian MARBLE of
the fair mistress of the mansion. who is clad in
her bridal attire. 1t Is an admirable work of
art and striking likeness of the original
WORKS OF ART-THE LIBRARY
The refined and elegant tastes of the presd-
ing genius of this sumptuOus abode find express
hon in the numerous articles of beauty in the
shape of vases. classical busts, mosaics and en-
hEoideries, which lie upon the tables and man.
tells, hang upon the walls and rest upon pedes-
tails in various portions of the room. Elegantly
bound albums Of photographs and engravings
are conspicuous among the many attractive OBJ
Jects IN this apartment. and large collection of
the works of standard authors in luxurious
bindings fills an elegantly carved bookcase
which stands between the front windows. A
door on the eastern side of the hall opens into
large square room with lofty ceiling the
threshold Of which one conversant with the his
tory of the place and Of its late distinguished
proprietor can hardly fail to cross with reveren-
t1al tread. for this is the library where the late
Chief Justice Chase passed much of his time
when not engaged in performing the duties in
cUmbent upon his official life. The most.prom-
1nent object in this room is his marble bust by
Jones, which is remarkable for its life-like and
spirited expression and for its fidelity as like
ness. This bust is the original of the
one in the United States Supreme Court
room in the Capitol. Between the windows
hangs the portrait by Carpenter, painted in 1S49,
not long after Mr.. Chase first took his seat in
the United States Senate He was then in the
1Orty-second year of his age and in the maturity
OF his physical and intellectual powers. Three
SIDES OF this room are occupied by books, in fine
editions, representing almost every department
OF English literature, The open shelves con-
tanning them are surmounted by Heavy cornjce
ana decorated with leathern fringes The top
most shelves are within hand reach and the
space between them and the ceiling is filled nv
nne engravings, ideal busts ornamental lars and
vases and pieces of ancient armOr all of
which are relieved against back
ground Of figured paper of neutral
dark green tint richly succeed cornice ex-
tends around the ceiling. in the center of which
Is large and elaborate circular. ornament of the
same material, from which hangs a massive gas
chandelier. beneath which is the arge writing
table OF carved mahogany used for many years
by the late Chief Justice. The marble mantel
piece is decorated with photographs of noted in
divlduals. including several of Justice Chase
taken at different periods during the last few
years OF his life, and q large French mirror
covers the chimney from the manrel-piece to the
ceiling. This ROOM like all others in the house
was furnished, decorated and arranged under
The immediate supervision of Mrs. Sprague and
In accordance with her wishes, and is i'm all re-
spects a beautiful exhibition OF her refinement
ana culture The furniture Of this attractive
room consist principally of luxurious leather
covered arm chairs, which are inviting in APP
pearance.
THE DINING ROOM
The only addition made to the Edgewood
mansion after its purchase by Mr. Chase. In
1858. Is an l. on the eastern side, which ia two
stories in height and contains a large dining.
room ana several small chambers. The dining
room IL in most respects the most ele,antI,
FURNISHED OF all the apartments In the spacIous
house. much of the furniture being of the most
costly workmanship. The sideboard and also
the cabinet containing the silver ware are of
oak and covered with elaborate and highly fin
!sned carvings from artistic designs represent
ing fruits, flowers, and figures Of cherubs
which stand out in bold relief These articles
OF furniture are marvels of beauty and must
have been purchased at fabulous price of the
farisian manufacturer. They were brought
hither from Canonchet as was also a large oval
mirror which hangs against the chimney and
which. with Its delcately carved oaken frame.
representing wreath formed of forest leaves
amid which two life-siZed cherubs are disport-
ing. is IN harmony with the beauty of the other
Articles OF similar workmanship,