National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

Resource History and Description of Existing Conditions
inventory notes a domestic rug. 1015 The floorboards added at the new south door are wider than
those in the room and adjacent foyer. The room is lit by one plain electric wall sconce with a
pull chain and a reproduction glass shade and a night lamp with a silk shade. 1016
After conversion of the Maid's Room to the Housekeeper's Sitting Room, Louise's
personal maid moved to this room. Following Louise's death in 1926, the room was used by
personal maids of guests. The room is currently used for miscellaneous storage.
Foyer
The foyer is accessed off the service hall and provided access to the Sewing Room and
bath. On McKim's original plan, the entry to the foyer was an arch, and a door was added to the
arch at an unknown date during the Vanderbilts' occupancy. This door lock is number 0186,
out of sequence with other locks on the floor. As discussed above, a doorway was added on the
north side of the foyer to access the room converted for the maid's use.
The foyer was unfurnished. Its floor was originally carpeted with wall-to-wall carpet
which has been removed. The area was lit by a single electric wall sconce with a pull chain.
Bath
McKim's plan indicates a window on the bath's west wall which was removed, as noted
in a penciled plan revision dated April 20, 1897. 1017 As originally drawn, the window interfered
with the symmetrical fenestration of the west elevation. Symmetry required a window placed at
the south wall of the bath, and as a result, the southwest corner of the room was re-drawn with a
dog-leg which allowed the window to fit in the adjoining room to the south. The revisions to
the plan included relocating the tub from the end of the south wall to its center, and moving the
toilet from the south wall to the north. The swing of the door was also reversed. As built, the
tub was placed on the north wall. All other revisions to the plan were carried out as drawn.
The walls are painted green, and the ceiling is white. The sink is the original marble
vanity with porcelain bowl. The toilet is also from the construction period. The tub has been
removed, and an NPS-era shower put in its place. This was likely done to accommodate the
Secret Service. On January 27, 1942, Frederick Traudt notes, "Telephone Co. putting in new
cable for Secret Service." On January 30, he notes, "Prepared Mansion 3 rd floor for Secret
Service." On February 1, he notes, "Secret Service men moved in." 1018
1007
Curry Inventory, 93; Hopkins, 39.
1008
Curry Inventory, 93; Hopkins, 39.
1009
Curry Inventory, 93; Hopkins, 39.
1010
Curry Inventory, 92.
1011
Hopkins, 39.
1012
Hopkins, 39.
1013 rd
"3 Floor Furniture Plan."
1014
Curry Inventory, 92; Hopkins, 39.
1015
Hopkins, 39.
1016
Hopkins, 39.
1017
McKim, Mead & White, Drawing # 11.
1018 Traudt.
178