National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Resource History and Description of Existing Conditions
different draperies. When Warren redid the Living Room and worked on the Elliptical Hall in
1906 seems to be the logical time that the sofas would have been moved. There is no way to
know what other furnishings, if any, besides the ceremonial armchairs were originally in this
space.
The Elliptical Hall functioned both as a "living hall," 540 used for informal gatherings, as
well as a more formal circulation space, typical of the classical French design upon which the
architecture was based. The furnishing of the space with over-stuffed, fringed furniture that
dated from the late 1870s or early 1880s and the numerous rugs, including tiger skins softened
the formality of the Elliptical Hall.
But the center of both circulation and the "society of rooms" was the small oval hall, rising
two stories, to which McKim nevertheless gave a relatively warm and comfortable scale. It
was smartly decorated with Doric pilasters and a range of colored marbles. Paradoxically,
this space functioned similarly to a Shingle Style living hall. Though formal, the room was
furnished with tall palms, animal skin rugs, and comfortable couches. As a former butler
remembered, "After a game of golf, for instance, guests would come in and sit down and fall
asleep in front of that big fire." 541
The fireplace shows much evidence of use, confirming the warm atmosphere that was
intended in the furnishing of the space. When formal dances were given at Hyde Park, the
refreshments were placed on a table in the Elliptical Hall. 542 A tall silver vase containing flowers
was placed on the center table when the Vanderbilts were in residence. Their favorite flowers
were American Beauty roses. If roses were not in season, chrysanthemums were used. 543 In
warm weather when the fireplaces were not used they were banked with flowers. 544
The Elliptical Hall possesses integrity; however, the lack of numerous rugs that added a
relaxed, casual air to the space is a major loss.
Lavatory and Coats
A room labeled "Lavatory and Coats" on the McKim, Mead & White floor plan is
located to the right of the Vestibule upon entering the house. It consists of a small room
containing two sinks with a toilet beyond. Both areas have white-tiled walls and floors. The
outer area contains a Satsuma umbrella stand and there are hooks on the walls. 545
North Foyer
The North Foyer connects the Elliptical Hall and the Dining Room and provides access
into the service areas of the mansion including the elevator, service stairs, and Butler's Pantry.
The floor is terrazzo and the walls are painted plaster. McKim outlined the following desired
furnishings for White's buying trip: a rug, light side table with mirror, one or two chairs or
540
The Living Hall first appeared in the Queen Anne style in the mid-1860s and was greatly
popularized in the 1870s and 1880s in Shingle Style architecture.
541
Hewitt, 132.
542
Interview with Alfred Martin, quoted in Snell, "Preliminary Report," 38.
543
Interview with Alex Knauss, August 6, 1971.
544
Tom Morgan.
545
It is not clear where guests would have left their coats. The small number of hooks in this space would
not accommodate more than a few coats, presumably hung on hangers.
108