The Dining Room
Narrated by Volunteer Museum Tour Guide Carol Lavaque
THE DINING ROOM
The Dining Room c. 1910. - History Colorado
The only known photograph of Margaret taken inside the house was in here the Dining Room. The decorative mural painted on the ceiling is from the Brown’s time, as seen in historic photos. The original mural is underneath the reproduced version you see today. While not a spider web as it would seem, it was meant to appear as though the ceiling was a glass greenhouse or conservatory.
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One of the largest parties Mrs. Brown hosted here at 1340 Pennsylvania was a garden party in 1910. With over 800 guests, it was written about in great detail by the Denver newspapers. Where did all of those people fit, you ask? Margaret had rugs placed on the lawn and tents set up and entertained most of her guests outside.
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We also know that Margaret was an inventor and designer as learned from newspaper reports. She commissioned the fireplace screen seen at the back of the room, with cups in the shape of dragons to hold oils and flowers, and meant to perfume the room. Margaret also invented a steam-powered food trolley which was designed to keep food hot or cold and was wheeled from the kitchen to the dining room at her Newport, Rhode Island cottage.
Margaret Brown in the Dining Room. Courtesy Stephan Hart Library, History Colorado.
PHILANTHROPY AND ACTIVISM
Many of these social events served as fundraisers for Margaret and J.J.’s favorite causes. Margaret began her philanthropic efforts in Leadville, opening a soup kitchen after a mine cave-in. She was particularly interested in children’s welfare. Through the Denver Club she helped build playgrounds and orphanages. She also supported the work of Judge Benjamin Barr Lindsey, the man who started Denver’s Juvenile Court System.
Juvenile Court Benefit Organized by Margaret Brown
The Cathedral of Immaculate Conception just two blocks away is another one of the Brown’s philanthropic efforts. Margaret was in charge of The Carnival of Nations in 1906, a well-publicized event to raise money for the Cathedral’s construction. Inspired by their world travels, Margaret planned the concept for a “village of all nations.” With this event Margaret made her mark on Denver society and within the Catholic community.
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On your way to the staircase and the second floor, stop to look down the small stairwell in the Entrance Hall. This was originally a powder room off of the Dining Room. The Browns had it closed off and turned into an Entry closet. It later became a staircase to the basement. Today you can enter this space from the courtyard, where you’ll find a Natural Resource exhibit highlighting Mr. Brown’s contribution to Colorado mining.