Look for clues that tell you about the First White House and what is in it.
Happy searching!
THE FIRST FLOOR
First Parlor
This room is called the First Parlor.
- What do we call this room in our houses today?
- Why is the piano in the parlor so important? Is the candelabra on the piano just to look pretty or is it there for some other reason?
- How does this relate to the oil burning chandelier?
Entrance Hall
- Who is the man in the portrait over the sofa in the entrance picture hall?
- Why is he important in our history?
- Why did he live here?
- Why are there no snapshots of family member in the house?
The President’s Bedroom
All articles in this room belonged to President Davis.
- Which is your favorite and why?
- Can you make up a story about Pres. Davis using one of these items?
The President’s Study
Many important decisions were made in this room by President Davis and his Cabinet.
- Can you name at least 3 different pieces of furniture in this room?
- What is in the bookcase on the right? (Hint, not books!)
The Rear Hall
- Who are the children in the large painting over the sideboard?
- What makes them look different from children today?
- What do you think has happened to the woman in the painting over the sofa?
- Could you make up a story about her? What would you say?
The Second Parlor
- What book is on the table in the middle of the room?
- What happened to this book during the War Between the states?
- What is important about the chair bearing the placard?
- Why do you think President Davis was arrested and put in Prison?
THE SECOND FLOOR
Second Floor Hall
- What is the name of the quilt that hangs on the wall over the sofa in the upstairs hall? Why is it called by that name?
- Would you have tried to buy it if you had a chance during the war? Why or why not?
Relic Room
- Why do we call the room that you can go in, the relic room? What is a relic?
- What is your favorite thing in that room?
- Why do we value these things?
- Tell about the flags in the relic room? Does one of these fly outside on a flagpole? Do you know the name of it? What did this flag represent?
The Nursery
- Can you guess which two items were in this room when the Davis children lived here?
- The baby quilt on the wall is a “companion” to what else in the house?
- Do you want to guess how many of the Davis children married and had children of their own?
Mrs. Davis’s “New York Bedroom”
- Why is this room called the New York Bedroom?
- The piece of furniture on the right is not what it looks like? Can you guess what it is? Hint – it was very useful when company came and they needed a place to sleep.
- There is a set of china on the center table. What did Mrs. Davis serve her guests using these pieces of china?
- Guess which room?
- In which room do you find the reproduction of an 1864 ‘Godey Dress?’
- Where will you find President Davis’s “smoking jacket” and coat?
- Where is the picture of Robert E. Lee?
- What is the second guest bedroom on the left known as, and why?