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| Front Elevation of the Newly Built Samuel Cupples House circa 1890 |
Rear Elevation of the Newly Built Samuel Cupples House circa 1890 |
The innovation of photography amazed people at the end of the 19th century. They took
photos of everything. The typical conceit of wealthy 19th century families in the
Gilded Age allowed them the luxury of sharing their homes with visitors through photographs.
Because the Cupples family took advantage of this luxury, today we have the opportunity to
share how the Cupples family actually lived in 1890 shortly after they moved into their expansive
new home. Note that the furnishings in many of the rooms seem inconsistent with the wealth
of Samuel Cupples. Perhaps this inconsistency results from bringing old furnishings from
their former home and then mixing them together with items purchased for their new home. One
can only suspect that the Cupples family must have like this ecclectic combination because they
commissioned the photographers Boehl & Koenig of St. Louis to photograph each of the 42 rooms of the house, including bathrooms!
Look to see the styles of fabric, carpet, and wallpaper patterns reflecting architect
Thomas Annan's interest in the designs of William Morris and the furniture of
the English Arts and Crafts Movement.
Select a floor plan and then click the rooms on the plan to see photos showing
how Samuel Cupples and his family lived in 1890 in their new home.
The floor plans contain our contemporary names for each room and may not correspond
to the function of the room when the Cupples lived in the home.
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Third Floor Plan
The Stables
Click on a room to see its 1890 decor
Alternate View of the Music Room
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Click on a room to see its 1890 decor
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Click on a room to see its 1890 decor
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The stables were demolished while the house served as the corporate headquarters for the
Brotherhood of Railroad Telegraphers from 1919-1946.
These 1890 photographs survive of the stables
as they looked while Samuel Cupples lived in the house.
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| Exterior Elevation of the Stables |
Interior Elevation of the Stables |
The Carriages Housed in the Stables |
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Come to Historic Samuel Cupples House
and see the restorations and renovations!
Call 977-3575 to arrange for your tour!
