Back in the hallway, you will see a door to your left. This small room is the ‘Telephone Room,’ though Bessie called it the “Chinese Room” for its decor. An old wallpaper catalog tells us the paper she selected is called “Decor Chinois.” The fretwork above the window is Oriental, though the desk and chair are part of a set of 19th century Anglo-Indian furniture made of Indian teak, and the rug is Persian.

 

There is an intercom beside the door inside this room. This is where the butler paged the family to tell them visitors were waiting in the entrance hall. The family and their guests could also communicate with the staff (as well as with each other) by using the intercom.