The Lady's Parlor

While Mr. Newcomb had his heavily ornate study for brandy and cigars, Mrs. Newcomb had her lady’s parlor. Here the design is soft, gentile, creating a sense of refinement. The wood is birch for a warm and inviting atmosphere. Pink dolomite frames the fireplace. On the mantle sits a 1788 French clock housed in gilded wood; the two figurines are Dresden Dolls, commonly known as Dresden lace porcelain. The ornate German figurines crafted by various studios in and around Dresden, Germany are famous for their extreme detail, hand-painted accents, and delicate, fabric-like porcelain lace.

From the turret, Mrs. Newcomb had a four-directional view. During Quincy College’s (now Quincy University) ownership of the Newcomb-Stillwell mansion, Mrs. Newcomb’s lady’s parlor was converted into the housemother’s bedroom, and the woodwork was painted white.