GH Front Entrance and Hall

Stylistically, the Gallier House is eclectic, combining Italianate features, such as the stuccoed facade, with classical elements, such as the formal front entrance.

Interior side-hall staircases were typical of American-style townhouses. The mahogany stair railing is original.  The brass stair rods are functional as well as decorative.  The carpet would have been removed for the summer and for cleaning.  Carpet tacks could tear carpeting and damage floorboards, but the brass rods lift out easily.  The rods also facilitated periodic shifting of the carpet to insure even wear.

The hall would have been used as a reception area. All guests would enter through the front door, where an enslaved house servant would greet them.  If the family were home and receiving visitors, then the guests would be escorted to the parlor to wait.

If the family were away from home or not receiving callers, the visitor would leave his or her card on the hall table.