The Mechanicsburg
Museum Association

Museum Hours
Wednesday - Saturday 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m.
 

"Keeping Our History Alive"

2 Strawberry Alley
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(717) 697-6088

Stationmaster's House
Virtual Tour

Welcome
Telegraph Office
Parlor
Kitchen
Master Bedroom
Small Front Room
Girl's Bedroom
Boy's Room
Follow-up Information

THE FRONT PARLOR

     How did the Zacharias Family use the front parlor? Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias formally entertained visitors in the parlor. For Mechanicsburg and many other towns during the 1860’s through 1870’s, the parlor was the best room of the house, reserved for company or special occasions. Typically the parlor was decorated with family or political pictures, as well a few other treasured possessions. Decorations in the Stationmaster’s front parlor would have been selected to indicate a middle class family living in a fairly conservative community.

     Was the parlor furniture left by the Zacharias family? They took their furniture with them when they moved out of the house in the late 1870’s. However, the parlor furniture is typical for what they owned. Although the Cumberland Valley Rail Road supplied the house, the Zacharias family had to acquire their own furnishings. Parlor furniture was the nicest that a family could afford, but it was made for looks rather than comfort. The sofa has been re-upholstered in antique velvet, whereas the chairs have the original fabric. The small parlor stove was lit only for the special occasions of receiving guests; otherwise there was no need to heat the room. When guests visited in the evenings, Mrs. Zacharias lit oil lamps or candles since the house did not have electrical power.

     Why is there a Bible on a stand? Most families displayed their Bible in the parlor. Although the Bible stand is dated 1885, the Zacharias family would have used a similar type of display. It was important to show visitors that the family practiced Christian ideals. Also, the Bible frequently included a page with a family tree. Since Mrs. Zacharias was educated, she probably drafted a family tree in their Bible. Thus, she would have included her maiden name of Mary Ann Riegel, born 1835 and that she married George Adam Zacharias, born May 6, 1835. They were married in 1857 in York by her brother-in-law, John Stine, a Methodist minister. Mrs. Zacharias was the daughter of John Adam and Esther Brandt Riegel. Her parents were born and raised in Dauphin County. John Adam Riegel came to Mechanicsburg in 1816, formed a partnership with John Coover, and opened a dry goods and general store, the first of any importance in the town. Mr. Riegel was elected burgess (mayor), and held other offices of trust, including trustee of the Union Church. He died January 11, 1851 at age 56 when Mrs. Zacharias was 16. Her mother was a member of the Dunkard Church. She died in 1861, the same year that Frank, the son of Mrs. Zacharias, was born. Since her parents were deceased, Mrs. Zacharias would have wanted their memory to live on with her children. Also, their identities helped to establish social standing in Mechanicsburg. The area was growing at such a rapid rate that some townspeople viewed newcomers with uncertainty. The fact that the Riegel family was well known and highly respected added to the status of the Stationmaster’s family.

     Did Mr. Zacharias have family in Mechanicsburg? The Stationmaster was part of a prosperous, hard-working family in Mechanicsburg. His father, Samuel Zacharias was born August 26, 1811 in Berks County, and his mother, Maria C. Milleisen Zacharias was born September 24, 1815 near Linglestown. They were married by Reverend Daniel Zacharias, pastor at Harrisburg, on May 2, 1833 in Dauphin County. Eventually they moved to Mechanicsburg where Samuel Zacharias operated a successful grain business. George Adam Zacharias was the oldest of eight children, and of his five brothers and two sisters, all but one resided in the area when he was the Stationmaster.

     When would guests visit Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias? Most likely, visitors often came on Sunday after church. In addition, if important railroad personnel came to Mechanicsburg, Mr. Zacharias would invite them to the parlor for social interaction. Sometimes parlors were used in the evening for music and singing. During this time period, if a young man had a romantic interest in a young lady, he would ask to call on her at the home’s parlor. While today he might ask for a phone number, text, or email address, during the days of the Stationmaster, he came to the house, sat in the parlor at an appropriate distance from the lady and spoke politely. In fact, the word “parlor” comes from the French word “to speak.” Often a chaperone stayed in the room to keep a watchful eye on the couple. When Frank and Gertrude lived at the Stationhouse they were too young for courting, but they undoubtedly saw the parlor practice with aunts, uncles, and family friends.

     Did extended family visit? The Stationmaster and his family were accustomed to seeing relatives quite frequently. Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias came from prominent and respected Mechanicsburg families. Mrs. Zacharias had three brothers and four sisters, and many of her siblings lived in town. Her sisters married notable men, and so the families undoubtedly enjoyed visiting together. Her sister Margaret married Daniel Ulrich. Another sister, Sarah, married John Stine, a Methodist Episcopal minister, and they moved from York to Mechanicsburg. Her sister Elizabeth, widow of Dr. J. B. Herring, also resided in Mechanicsburg. Additionally, her brothers Mr. John Riegel and Mr. Levi Riegel lived within viewing distance at the intersection of Market and Main Street. On the Zacharias side of the family during the time of the Stationmaster, all of the brothers remained in Mechanicsburg except for Daniel who moved to Maryland. Samuel had returned to Mechanicsburg after graduating from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and serving as a steward for the Union Army in the PA Volunteer Cavalry. Samuel joined his father, Samuel Zacharias, Sr. in the grain business. Another brother, John ran a farm and married Emma Coover of Mechanicsburg. Charles lived for a while at the Stationmaster House where he worked the telegraph, but he eventually moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey, where he opened a Studebaker dealership. Robert worked for Cumberland Valley Rail Road until he was killed in an accident in 1872. Not much is known of Mary E. Zacharias, but Margaret married Edward Eberly of Mechanicsburg. Surely the children of the Stationmaster enjoyed visits with their many aunts, uncles and cousins.

     What friends visited? Certainly friends from school who kept in contact must have visited. Mr. Zacharias undoubtedly asked Mr. D.J. Carmany, the publisher of the newspaper, Cumberland Valley Journal to come and visit. Surely they enjoyed political discussions while sharing other pertinent news. Occasionally Mr. Carmany wrote articles wherein he made reference to social activities he had shared with Mr. Zacharias, such as dining in town or listening to bands, but always by inference, never by name. The two men must have shared a good laugh. Interestingly, D. J. Carmany was only eighteen when he purchased the paper in 1858, the same year that Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias were married. According to A.J. Hauck in the History of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, D. J. Carmany had worked as foreman of the Weekly Gazette , and then, after he bought the paper, he changed the name of the publication to the Cumberland Valley Journal. D. J. Carmany successfully ran the paper until early 1871, when he developed health problems and was forced him to sell. Surely Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias missed him when he died later that year.

     Was the parlor similar to a family room? It was not a room for relaxing. Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias reserved the room for special occasions unlike a contemporary family room that gets used on a daily basis. Few people today can imagine letting the room remain unused for the majority of the time, especially since the Zacharias family must have been pressed for space on the first floor. However, the special use of the parlor reflected the culture, and Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias would have been scrupulous about observing social practice since they were constantly in the public eye. Negative comments or gossip could damage their reputation, as well as jeopardize the position Mr. Zacharias held with the railroad.

     Would visitors just sit and talk? Conversation was the main activity, but during this time period, people had more leisure than in the past, and so they created new ways to provide their own entertainment. Unlike today, they would not sit passively and watch television or movies. Instead parlor games became popular. Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias would have enjoyed using their knowledge and imagination with new forms of recreation. Some games involved word play or logic, similar to Scrabble, or knowledge challenges akin to Trivial Pursuit. Other games involved dramatic play, similar to charades. Also, the family and guests recited poetry and read aloud pieces of literature. They may have recited important political speeches or read aloud articles from the newspaper.

     Was it typical to have a cabinet organ or piano? Some parlors had a piano or small organ. The Zacharias family, like many families in Mechanicsburg, would have valued music as a social and artistic activity. When they lived at the Stationmaster House, parlor music became very popular.

    What was parlor music? Parlor music, as the name suggests, was specially choreographed for entertainment in the home. The melodies were created to be performed in the parlors of middle class families by amateur singers and pianists. During this time period, people did not have radio or phonograph records. Part of the enthusiasm for parlor music entertainment reflected the overall economic wellbeing of households, for they had enough surplus money to buy musical instruments, sheet music and instruction. They also had the leisure time and cultural motivation to enjoy musical recreation. The chords for parlor music contrasted with classical pieces and were not determined by the harmony. Lyrics often had sentimental themes, such as love songs or poetic meditations. Yet patriotic compositions, religious songs, and musical stage pieces were also performed in parlors. Sheet music helped to circulate popular tunes, and printed music became a way for people all over the country to share the same songs. I Love You Truly by Carrie Jacobs-Bond and Home Sweet Home by Henry R. Bishop were very popular. On occasion, parlor songs were collected, printed, and sold in anthologies. Often the newspaper advertised such music. The anthology Heart Songs was a well-known collection from the time, for people wrote to the publisher and submitted the names of their favorite songs.

     Did composers write songs about the railroad? During the time period when the Zacharias family lived in the Stationmaster’s House, American composers began to feature the railroads in music and song. As sheet music became available, townspeople learned new tunes and shared them at social gatherings, often in parlors. Many of the early railroad musical compositions from the 1870’s have been forgotten, but their titles evoke the sound and subject. Surely, young Frank Zacharias would have enjoyed The Shuffling Chant, Tie Tamping Chant and Steel Laying Holler, for the songs dealt with the construction of the railway. Mrs. Zacharias might have smiled at Standing on the Platform. The fact that a song by George D. Chester was titled, The Railroad Accident at Richmond Switch, Rhode Island undoubtedly struck a somber chord with the family since the brother of Mr. Zacharias had been killed in a railroad accident. Some people sang a chorus to Diethelm’s, The Patent Railway Punch, but Mrs. Zacharias may have objected to it as too raucous for a parlor song.

     Why did parlor music lose popularity? The popularity declined in the 20th century with the invention of the phonograph, and radio replaced sheet music as the vehicle for sharing songs and music. Today choral groups occasionally perform parlor music. A few railroad songs from the early twentieth century have survived. She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain, Casey Jones, and I’ve Been Working on a Railroads are sung and parodied. Often folk singers and summer campers include them in song fests.

     Did the children have permission to go in the parlor? The children joined guests in the parlor as long as they behaved and practiced good manners. The ability to practice proper behavior was critical for children. Surely Frank and E. Gertrude enjoyed listening to the music and signing, and if asked to participate, they would sing or play piano, too. While it may be hard for us to think of interaction with family and friends as being the main diversion or activity, such was the case before the invention of radio, movies, or television, and so gathering in the parlor was a special treat.

     Were parlors really used for viewing deceased family members? When a family member died, the person was laid out in the parlor. Typically, immediate and extended family members sat watch, and sometimes, they stayed up all night with the body. Often neighbors and friends would bring food and pay their respects. It is unlikely that Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias used the parlor for deceased family members. When the younger brother of Mr. Zacharias, Robert, was killed in a train accident in 1872, the boy was probably laid out at the home of Samuel Zacharias. Additionally, when the mother of Mr. Zacharias died that same year, she was probably laid out there, as well. Today, many people think the parlor custom unsettling; however, it is quite acceptable to visit a funeral parlor for similar cultural practice. Interestingly, according to an article by Max Alexander in the March 2009 Smithsonian Magazine, there is a current movement toward home death care. The resurgence of at-home funeral practices reflects more than the economic downturn. While it is less costly and more eco-friendly, the process creates a more meaningful family experience.

     Why have parlors disappeared from contemporary homes? As customs and lifestyles changed in the 1900’s, people used parlors less frequently, and so it seemed unnecessary to build or keep a room that had little purpose. If a home had a parlor, it was changed into something else, and the term “living room” became a part of home design, as well as the vocabulary. Comfortable furniture began to replace stiff, showy pieces and the family began to use the room for less formal purposes. Also, funeral customs changed as people began to take their loved ones to professional funeral parlors rather than lay them out themselves. Thus, as people in the twenty-first century adopt technological improvements, they live in houses with computer rooms and home theatres rather than parlors.

     Did the Zacharias family decorate the parlor for holidays? Most certainly, yes! Christmas decorations became very popular after the Civil War. In fact, the practice of Christmas themed decorating became a means toward American unification. Both North and South could focus on the shared celebration of Christmas, and thus, the country began to rebuild an American identity. Mrs. Zacharias and the children showed patriotism by participating in the tradition, and they began their preparations well in advance of Christmas Day. Most likely they decorated the front door of the Stationmaster House with Evergreen boughs. They may have highlighted the garland with holly, bows, and shiny trinkets, as well as dried fruit, ivy, fern and flowers. It was important to add festive color, so the decorations were distinguished from funeral garland. Since the door opened into the parlor, the family probably decorated the inner door frame, as well as the banister on the staircase. Christmas decorations drew heavily on Victorian traditions, and so they may have placed wreaths in the windows. The American Agriculturist ran articles about making wreaths, or roping as the process was sometimes called. Mrs. Zacharias may have also made stars. Since the family lived in town, they probably attended craft fairs where they could buy additional decorations. Also, shops stocked up on items for the holidays, and the newspaper advertised for mail order companies. Surely the Zacharias family participated in the cultural tradition of acquiring or making festive decorations.

     Did the family put a Christmas tree in the parlor? Mr. Zacharias probably helped to set up the Christmas tree in the parlor. Both Mr. and Mrs. Zacharias were of German heritage, and in Pennsylvania, the German immigrants, or Pennsylvania Dutch, contributed a wealth of tradition to Christmas practices that had blended together with Victorian culture. In England, the Victorians had adopted Germany's traditional Christmas tree or Christbaum, and in turn, many people in America followed their example. Additionally, German settlers brought the custom to America, and so their influence also contributed to the visibility of the Christmas tree. Interestingly, when Goody’s Lady’s Book used an illustration of Queen Victoria and her family at the Christmas tree in 1850, the holiday tree became even more popular in America than in England. Moreover, the Victorians emphasized Christmas as a family tradition, wherein the Christ Child and children were central to the celebration. By the time the Zacharias family lived at the Stationmaster House, Americans had reconfigured the folk figures of Father Christmas, the German Belsnickel and Santa Claus into symbols of holiday generosity that continue to prevail today. The Zacharias family would have exchanged gifts, attended church service, enjoyed a lavish family dinner, given charity to the poor, and visited with friends and relatives. We can imagine how the Zacharias family made or purchased elaborate decorations for their tree. They probably made gifts that served as tree ornaments and also placed gifts under the tree. Young Frank and Gertrude may have helped to string garlands of popcorn or cranberries, as well as craft chains of paper flowers, rings, or stars. The family may have constructed a Nativity or outdoor scene under the tree, using moss or evergreen clippings for grass and mirrors or tin for ponds. During this time period, a family would place the prized ornament of a German angel for the top of the tree. The traditional angel symbolized the Victorian ideal of innocence with a bisque or wax face, spun glass wings, and a gold dress.

     Did the Zacharias family wind the clock? Even though the family reserved the room for special occasions, they would have kept to the practice of winding the clock. Their lives revolved around keeping a schedule that coincided with the railroad, so they valued time measuring devices. Mrs. Zacharias probably added clock winding to her many household tasks, and when the children were little, they probably stood in the kitchen and watched her from a distance. As Frank grew older, he may have been given that job.

     Was it typical to have a coat tree in the hallway? Yes, many homes featured coat trees, especially since closets were rarely built in rooms. The ornate hall tree is a gift that had belonged to the Ashcombe Mansion near Grantham. It is unlikely the Zacharias family could have afforded such an ornate furnishing; however, they would have used something similar. Its placement in the hallway signifies the formality of the parlor. The wallpaper is very similar to paper found on the walls during restoration.

     Is it the original floor? The floor was in such poor condition, the Mechanicsburg Museum Association had to replace it. However, they were lucky enough to get the old floor boards from the Carlisle Railroad Station when it was dismantled. The flooring typifies what was in place for the Zacharias family.

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