The door swings open on large, wrought-iron strap hinges, which extend two feet each way, and one enters the long hallway. This apartment divides the house into two parts and ends in a duplicate door at the rear, which opens upon the old-fashioned garden. During the summer-time this door is left open, and here, in the cool recess of the hall, accompanied by the droning of bees and the sweet scents from the posy beds in the garden below, it is a favorite custom to serve tea in the long, warm, summer afternoons.
Flowers, books, old-fashioned furniture, and pictures of the choicest are everywhere. A fine portrait of General John Stark, painted in 1830 by Samuel F. B. Morse, the inventor of the telegraph, is hung on the wall at the right. Facing the door another beautiful portrait is seen. This is of Miss Charlotte Stark and was done by Jane Stuart, the daughter of Gilbert Stuart. A third picture, which is a fitting companion for the others, is a portrait of the great American statesman, Daniel Webster, done by Lawson.
Curious old prints, priceless in value, have their appropriate places on the wall, and beside them are queer old miniatures. Hepplewhite tables and chairs are artistically arranged to form the furnishing of this old hall, while the crowning piece of furniture is the old roll-top desk, which has drawers underneath. This, as did many of the other ornaments and furnishings found in this old homestead, belonged originally to Robert Morris, the financier of the Revolution.
The hall opens at the right into an old-fashioned parlor, where hangs a portrait of the mother of President Pierce. On the table is a Baskerville Bible, in two volumes, illustrated by valuable prints by old masters and also once owned by the "Great Financier." A set of Dresden china, originally in the possession of the first French Minister to America, and presented by him on his return to France to Mr. Morris, is kept here. A large mirror, once the property of Robert Morris, fine old paintings, including those of Governor and Mrs. Pierce, and of Lieutenant John and Mrs. McNeil, painted over a century ago, a brace of flint-lock pistols carried by General Stark at the battle of Bennington, a magnificent, gold-headed cane with the inscription "Robert Morris, from his friend, John Hancock" are among the relics shown in the interesting room.
Opening out from the parlor is the den of Mr. Charles Morris Stark, the present owner, who is of the sixth generation, his maternal grandfather being Robert Morris. This room is also an interesting apartment, exemplifying his life as a sportsman.
Opposite the parlor is the library, which is fitted with bookcases filled with queer and valuable old books, while cosy seats are placed in the windows. The hearth of stone, as originally made, is still shown in the fireplace. In this room is placed a cane given to Major Stark for valiant conduct in the defense of Fort William, and another, made from the bone of a whale and headed with ivory, is also kept here. Statuettes in bronze of Napoleon Bonaparte, brought from France and presented to Major Stark by Lafayette, as well as General McNeil's mahogany desk, are other mementoes of the past.
Everywhere historic bits are displayed. Especially noteworthy are a fine old mezzotint of the Duke of Wellington, and one of the Morris mirrors.
Plate LXV.—Dining Room, Stark Mansion.