Back Stairs at Brucemore: Life as Servants in Early 20th Century America

Abstract:

looks at the role of servants at a 33-acre estate during the early 1900s. The 21-room mansion was built in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in the 1880s with a separate entrance, dining area, and stairs for servants. Servants cleaned house, supervised children, washed laundry, cooked meals, cared for the garden and farm animals, and maintained carriages and cars. Floor plans, photos, and diary excerpts are included.

Subject:

Humanities, Social Sciences

Grade Level:

Primary, Secondary

Collection:

National Park Service