The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-05-05
A MILLIONAIRE's MANSION.
The Richness of Jay Gould's Houses-Hos
the Rooms Are Furnished.
New York Morning Journal.

ex-Mayor Opdyke, of exceptional width and
which would command the immediate atten-
ton of almost any casual passer-by. A Jour
nal reporter went through the house on Sat-
urday. The vestibule is fifty feet long and
finished in French burnt walnut and BIRDS
eye maple. In large recess stands a mar
BILE statue of Miss Nellie Gould, in a recum-
bent position, taken when five years old. An
excellent picture of Jay Gould, by Herko-
mer recently finished, hangs on the wall,
while near it painting by Rosa Bonheur-
Mr.GouId S last purchase, representing cattle
scene-was placed ready for hanging. This
picture alone cost $25 600. The hall is lighted
by oriental lamps in glass mosaic. The floor
is of marble.
Off the left of the hall the reception-room
is placed. The apartment, although small.
cost small fortune to fit up. The walls are
hung in embossed velvet of an old gold
shade the tracing being filled in with the
most delicately Unfinished embroidery. Yellow
silk curtains give the chamber a softened,
agreeable tint-very mellow and rich in it's
effect. Upon a red velvet carpet is extended
huge tiger robe trimmed with bear skin.
The mantel-piece, which is composed Of
many precious marbles supports two Curl
Gus japanese statuettes in brass, and between
them curious French clock OF hammered
bronze surmounted by a mythical figure,
also of bronze. In each corner is bronze
statuette resting upon black marble pedes-
tai The mirror, some six feet in height is
of gold, inlaid with ivory. There are only
four paintings (all in oils) iii this cosy nest
of elegance. They are Moorish scene by
Schrever; figure OF a child, by w. Bougue-
reau; Modern Pandora by Gustave Juckuet,
and the Forbidden Book, by A. Veley. 1t is
estimated that the contents of this apart
met, which is about fifteen by ten feet, alone
cost 500 900.
The paiatial parlor does not contain a
single chair the upholstery of which is not
embroidered by hand in the most brilliant
contrasts. Every conceivable design is here
represented in yellow, lavender, scarlet and
gold embroideries SO eXquistely fine that
weak eyes need magnifying glass to realize
the absolute perfection of detail. In the
corner nearest the window, facing Fifth ave-
nue. stands marble statue of ii Penserosco
on revolving pedestal of black marble
veined with gold.
Each side of the Fifth avenue windows SUI
perb Sevres vases beautifully painted in the
most delicate tints fit into inches expressly
made to receive them. Midway between the
door and the entrance to the library into
which this apartment opens, stands mag
nificent cabinet eight feet long, four feet
high and two feet deep, made of ivory, inlaid
with fine gold tracing, an enlarged imitation
of Cloisonne workmanship The top is
A.
the door are painted panels on copper from
Paris, representing bacchanalian scenes. The
cabinet was made by Herter, of this city, and
cost $4,000. The walls are hung with old-gold
velvet, and the ceilings are superbly frescoed,
large mirrors extending the height of the
room fit i'll the walls and are made of carved
ebony inlaid with ivory and beaded with fine
gold edging
Elaborate pieces OF needlework are pro-
fusely scattered here and there. On the
mantles beautiful orchids from Irvington-on-
the-Iudson trail their graceful foliage along
the extent of the massive brass fireplace
The frescoes are in themselves marvels of
art and cost their owner $4,000.
In all there are some fifty pictures in the
reception-room comprising the finest paint
ings of Diaz, TIL. Rosseau Daubigny, Koek-
Koek; R. de Madrazo Palmaroli, Rico, Hen
is confined chiefly to figures and landscape
scenes 1t is valued at $4,000
The spacious library is nearly filled up
with book cases of ebony, statuettes and
bronzes. A glance at the books indicated to
some extent Mr. Jay Gould's literary tastes,
which comprise the usual literature to be
found in all well-appointed Libraries. The
ceilings are frescoed in appropriate designs
suggestive of literary pursuits. A forest
scene by Diaz, landscape by Roussea and
other pictures decorate the walls.
The dining-room opens from the hall, and
is richly upholstered in embossed leather. A
solid mahogany extension table fills up the
center space, at which thirty people can sit
comfortably. On a massive mantel is placed
a choice collection of antique solid silver
ware, some of which is over century old.
The buffet is also similarly supplied. The
dinner service is of china, painted by hand,
each piece having a different subject. The
complete set numbers over $50 pieces and
was painted in Paris for Mr.. Gould's use.
A picture OF beggar by Meyer Won Bre-
men occupies prominent position near the
door. Other studies by Royvet Marcke,
Hagborg Rel and Dupre stand out sharp and
clear. The wood filings are of maple and
walnut.
The private apartment of Mr.. George
Gould, which is above the dining-room, is
perfect copy of Turkish divan. There is
not bed in it, its occupant preferring to
sleep upon the luxurious lounges that sur
round it.
Gorgeous tapestry of oriental design, all
hand-needlework, is suspended over the
doors and along the ceiling. Choice Turk
ish rugs. Exquisite. dainty but mellow
lamps of various colors shed their softened
light upon this superb chamber. Every
thing is in perfect harmony. Costly double
cushions, inviting luxurious repose, are dis
played in all varieties of shapes and sizes.
Along the walls are suspended Japanese
arms and spears. True, there is an elegant
nargile, but George never smokes, Here he can
lay off in luxurious ease and give himself mp
to the delights of absolute leisure. ROBBED in
his pajama of India silk or in his oriental
silk dressing-gown, as his taste may direct,
one would imagine him to be pasha, at
least.
Mr. Jay Goulds room. as also that of Mrs.
Could is fitted with Bayonne tapestry and
the bedstead is OF ebony and ivory inlaid, the
chairs, writing and dressing tables to CORE
spond.
Miss Nellie's room IS upholstered with ma
roon-colored silk, and the furniture is of the
Queen Anne style.
Miss Annie Gould's is of bright blue silk,
and flowers.
Although none OF the family are expert
billiard players, the billiard-room is one of
In nt hn1Sn IL