In the Double Parlor, the two sets of furniture were designed by John Jellif, one of the nation’s finest furniture makers of the Renaissance Revival period. The eight-piece suite features the face of Jenny Lind, a renowned Swedish opera singer. She became popular in the United States in the 1850s, after P.T. Barnum persuaded her to come to the United States to perform 93 concerts on tour.
The curved bay area of the Double Parlor is often referred to as the music room. It houses one of the Mansion’s most priceless pieces, a Chickering piano, patent 1889. The Renaissance Revival walnut sheet music stand, circa 1865, has inlaid marquetry detail on both portfolio holders which do expand. This music stand at one point held some of Governor Ashcroft’s published music!
For years the Double Parlor was referred to as the “Gold” Room,” because it housed the collection of gold leaf furniture from the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition World’s Fair in St. Louis. This furniture has been relocated to a more appropriate setting, the Landing located on the 2nd floor as you ascend the Grand Staircase.
Across the room, you can see a sterling silver tray and 112-pint punchbowl, both of which are handmade and showcase the state seal and a grape design. These items were originally made for the USS Missouri in 1903, one of four ships named after the state. The Mansion currently has 317 total silver pieces which have been used for a variety of functions including formal State ceremonies.
