Millie Mouse Introduces the Colonial Parlour in Buccleuch Mansion

Hi there! It's me, Millie Mouse, back with a new room to show you! Can you spot little 'ol me in the bin by the fireplace?

This is the Colonial Parlour. It's another special room in Buccleuch Mansion. Check out the checkerboard floor! It's painted in the color Prussian Blue, and it's my favorite color in the house. It's much brighter than the colors most people would have on their walls at home. In colonial times, having painted walls and floors that were painted to look like carpet was a sign of a wealthy homeowner. 

This room is named for Anthony White, who was the the original owner and builder  of Buccleuch Mansion in 1739. Then, the house was known as White House Farm. Later, when Col. Joseph Warren Scott and his family moved in, he renamed the house in honor of his Scottish ancestor the Duke of Buccleuch.

The parlor is furnished with a lovely Queen Anne sofa and wing chair. Anthony White’s portrait hangs on the wall, over the yellow-gold chair.

​Here I am ready to take a ride in the children’s carriage that is on display in the parlor!

Be sure to check out the fireplace screen in front of the fireplace. It is a monkey and cat needlepoint picture made in 1783! It was a wedding gift to Anthony White and Elizabeth Morris, who was the daughter of Lewis Morris (1671-1746), chief Justice of New York, 8th Colonial Governor of New Jersey and namesake of Morris County, New Jersey. So this home was meant to be beautiful and grand for the daughter of a very important royal governor!

The fireplace screen with a monkey and cat needlepoint motif.

Anthony and Elizabeth's son, Anthony Walton White, was only 25 years old at the outbreak of the American Revolution. Against his parents' loyalist wishes, he joined the army of General George Washington against the British. The rest, as you say, is history! 

There is also a lot of other furniture in the room that tells the story of the home. There is an old black chair near the corner of the Colonial Parlour. It is rumored to have been sat in by General George Washington himself when he visited Col. Scott’s father (Dr. Moses Scott) in New Brunswick.

The very tall mahogany clock and case works (the parts that run the clock) were made by local New Brunswick craftsmen. Several other furniture pieces in the parlor were made by New Jersey craftsmen.

Signing off for now! Be sure to look for me throughout the house when you visit! 

"Written" by Millie Mouse

​Millie's family lived in the mansion from the very beginning of the building. Learn about the story of her life in Colonial America through her observations and adventures as she shares the history of the New Brunswick area with young visitors.