The elevator was installed to provide access to the first and second floors in an area of the home where there were no internal obstructions. The first floor opening is located in the Butler's pantry outside of the Breakfast Room, while the second floor opening is located in a closet between the North Bedroom and the Primary Bathroom. Installation occurred in the late 1940s as Ida McFaddin experienced mobility challenges. The elevator allowed Ida full access of the first and second floors, including to her own bedroom and bathroom.

The first elevator was installed in New York's Haughwout Department Store in 1857. The steam powered elevator only traveled about 40 feet per minute and seemed rather unsafe to the public at large, therefore, it wasn't a widely utilized innovation. Then in 1859, Otis Tufts filed the first patent for a "vertical railway." A patent for a simpler design was filed in 1861 by Elisha Otis, this version including plans for a safety break. Now with enhanced safety features, public support grew resulting in the installation of an elevator in the eight story Equitable Life Building in downtown Manhattan, the first office building to feature elevators from the design stage. Otis Elevator Company, still the largest manufacturer of vertical elevators, created elevators controlled by hydraulics. Today's elevators are electric traction.
General Audience Tour

The art glass was installed in 1907 as part of a home renovation project to expand the home after the McFaddins moved into the house in 1906. John Conrad Mauer designed the addition, including the window’s artistic design in the Art Nouveau style, defined as design incorporating flowing curves based on natural forms. This style was most popular in Western Europe and the United States from about 1890 until the close of World War I, in 1918.

Mauer hired the Lecoutour Brothers Stair Manufacturing Co., from St. Louis Missouri to complete the special order. The company was charged with constructing the art glass, the windows, all woodwork and trim including the columns. The project cost $1403.11 for material and labor. The glass was shipped by train in April of 1907 using the Iron Mountain Southern Railway Co. at a cost of $95.57. Damage to the glass occurred along the way requiring Charles Lecourtour’s visit to Beaumont sometime in May to personally attend to the matter. The glass was repaired at the home by the Bettis Manufacturing Co., located in Beaumont.


General Audience Tour

The Breakfast Room fountain was added in 1907 as part of the renovation project designed by Henry Conrad Mauer. Water poured out of the pitcher held by a woman, and the encasement below was lit with an electric bulb.
General Audience Tour

The glass and metal light fixtures were possibly made in Czechoslovakia, a country divided in 1993 into what is now Slovakia and Czech Republic.


General Audience Tour