This past weekend I took a tour through the Carpenter House Museum in Cle Elum. This 3 story house was built in 1914 and was home to a banker Frank Carpenter and his wife Nora Carr. Inside the house you will find many historical treasures & a variety of antique furniture. The house is also home to the artwork of the High Country Artists. Throughout the year, the HCA displays different pieces of art, from paintings, writing, jewelry and sculpture. To learn more about their organization or to join please visit their website.
Enjoy our photo tour but be sure to stop by and explore some of Cle Elum's finest history. The museum is open Fri-Sun 12-4pm.
The dining room with buffet and china cabinet.
The living room with original furnishings was mainly used by the ladies. The wool rug dates back to 1911 and the cove moldings are each one piece.
The piano was Nora's, she was musician & attended New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and also taught piano and music history.
The victrola is a French cabriole style played with a bamboo needle. And it actually works!
In the library, the fall front desk made circa 1800 was used by Mr. Carpenter. This room known as 'man's territory' was mainly used for quiet time; having a smoke and a drink!
A tube type radio.
The maid's stairs to the kitchen.
The kitchen contains some wonderful antique appliances.
By far my favorite piece in the house! A versatile cupboard also known as a "Kitchen Queen" contains a meat grinder, drawers with flour and sugar bins, and vintage cookbooks.
A copper washing machine...looks complicated!
On the landing you'll find a small set of stairs that leads to the maid's room.
Master bathroom with pedestal style tub & sink.
Between the master bathroom and bedroom is a walk through closet. Hooks are used for hanging clothes as hangers were a later invention.
The master bedroom was furnished by the Carpenter's daughter, Margaret. She moved home after her marriage.
Mrs. Carpenter's treadle sewing machine.
The wood furnishings in the French style nursery belonged to Margaret and Susie, Margaret's adopted daughter. The furniture was made by the Boeing Company before World War II.
The iron baby crib.
The children's table and chairs are made of mission oak.
The 3rd floor ballroom is actually considered the children's playroom. On the walls you'll find local artwork. The children's desks are from the old Cle Elum Elementary.
For more information on the Carpenter House and other museums in the area please visit www.nkcmuseums.org
