Mary Reynolds Babcock's List of Improvements for Reynolda

Author Mary Reynolds Babcock (1908 - 1953)

Datecirca 1935

MediumDocument

Credit LineReynolda House Museum of American Art

CopyrightPublic Domain

Object numberPC194-533-001

DescriptionAfter taking over ownership of Reynolda in 1935, Mary Reynolds Babock wrote out a list of improvements for the residence with the heading "Reynolda in future Bungalow -- must keep present style." Included on the list of changes for the residence were creating a garden from the parking circle, adding a game room to the basement, and the hope that someday the indoor pool would join the house. Also attached to the improvement plan is a typed list of rooms for a "Perfect House." The rooms desired included more guest rooms, a flower room, and servant's quarters with separate dining and siting areas for white and African American staff.
ProvenanceThe Reynolds Family Papers were transferred from Wake Forest University in 1993 when Reynolda House Museum of American Art established its archives. The bulk of this collection was originally received by Wake Forest University as a gift from Nancy Susan Reynolds, 15 May 1976 and 22 February 1982. Other items were received by Wake Forest as transfers from Reynolda House, Inc., 13 August 1976, 30 November 1976, 15 June 1978, 6 October 1980, 28 October 1980, and 26 January 1981.
Published ReferencesMayer, Barbara, Reynolda: A History of an American Country House (Winston-Salem, NC: John F. Blair, 1997), page 106.

Status

Not on view