Do You Love the Antiques?
It wouldn't be possible to fully tell our story without the antique furniture and artifacts throughout the mansion. From the Houmas Indian figurines from the early 1800's to the Prudent Mallard beds, each piece tells a story from our 240 year-old history.
Some artifacts are a display of wealth, while others prove how hard it was to live without the modern conveniences we have today.
For example, displayed in the mansion dining room is a rare champagne carafe only afforded by the wealthy. It was used during lavish dinner parties stretching over many courses where the discussion was of politics, war, cultivation of sugar cane and local gossip.
In contrast, displayed and demonstrated in the original kitchen dating back to 1774, are antique tools and "appliances", showing how labor-intensive brewing a pot of coffee was, starting with roasting the coffee beans for hours. None of these stories would be complete without these artifacts- some dating back to the 1790's.
Much of the artwork throughout the home depicts what every day life was like, from the landscapes to the portraits we see how much has changed in our surroundings and in fashion.
The Houmas House story is much more than just a home tour. Once visited, one has a better understanding of the culture and the history along the Great River Road and specifically of Houmas House.
