The Inspired Intermedia digital book collection
Issue link: https://inspired.uberflip.com/i/994271
32 Grandeur of Gonzales ABOVE – Foyer. This foyer is a magnificent document of the period. The French tapestry and woodwork in this room and throughout the home have been meticulously maintained and preserved for generations. The foyer boasts a large fireplace covered with original Rookwood tile that was manufactured in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1880. It would warm visitors on a cold winter's day until they could be received by the homeowner. At the rear of the foyer, the magnificent mahogany stair way ascends to the second floor and is brilliantly lit with large imposing stained glass windows. FACING PAGE ABOVE – Formal Dining Room. To the left of the foyer is the large dining room with rich oak paneled high wainscoting and a coffered ceiling. The room also features and original Rookwood fireplace. The crown jewel and centerpiece of the room is the original chandelier by Tiffany and Co. FACING PAGE BOTTOM – Formal Living Room. This large warm room also features tall oak paneled wainscoting, coffered ceiling and a massive Rookwood fireplace. The large elegant light fixture is original to the home. The wall coverings are original and have been well preserved throughout the years. Photograph by Albrecht Photography richly carpeted stairway, also in mahogany with oak tread. The stairs pause at a landing where they form a bow with beautiful stained glass windows filtering the northern light. Here, the stairway divides, continuing in two flights to the upstairs bedrooms. The two rear doors of the hall are inlaid with long French plate glass mirrors. The hall is lighted with chandeliers conforming to old colonial designs. A library, music room, butler's pantry, dining room and kitchen are all on the first floor. Beneath the living quarters is a large basement, well ventilated and finished in antique oak. It once held a kitchen, a bedroom and a large fire- proof vault for the owners' valuables. Ray and Clara Clemons lived in the home for many years before it was sold to Noel and Kerry Reese who have done extensive renovations to comfortably accomodate their modern family while carefully preserving the significant historical details of the home.