Existing comment:
The Wager Family
Only the wallpaper hints that the Harper House was once considered a "Mansion." The Grecian scenic paper was a fashionable and expensive decoration of the 1830's. The Wager family, heirs to the Robert Harper estate, had considerably financial and political control over the town and the United States Armory. They built the first addition to this building, and added many expensive touches, such as imported French wallpaper. A central stairway connected the addition, making this a substantial home for the well-to-do Wagers.
As the family influence lessened toward the middle of the 19th century, the Wagers began to sell their interests. Converted to an apartment, these two rooms depict a middle class couple of the late 1850's. The old wallpaper is now out of fashion, and the couple was probably hoping the landlord would soon have the place painted. |