Vigo County Historical Society

No self-respecting Victorian entryway was considered proper unless it had a hall tree or hall stand for family and visitors to use. The Vigo County Historical Museum’s entry hall is no exception. You will find a beautiful wood hall tree complete with wooden hand/coat pegs, a walking stick stand, an umbrella holder complete with drip tray, a mirror and a marble ledge to hold gloves, keys and calling cards. It is the Historical Treasure for this week.

The popularity of hall trees lasted through the Victorian Era. They came in a multitude of designs.

Some were as simple as a post with hooks at the top. A convenient feature on some hall stands was an attached bench with storage for shoes. Others had a peering mirror near the floor so the ladies could check to see if her petticoats were showing.

The hooks or pegs could be made out of wood, brass or other metal.

Most drip trays in the umbrella holder portion were removable, making it easy to pour out any water that drained off the umbrella.

On the cane stand portion, you usually could find slots that keep the canes from bumping into each other. Some hall stands had sconces that lit up the hallway with candle, oil or gas light.

The height of a hall stand varies, also. Some were just tall enough to keep long coats and capes from resting on the floor. The most elaborate ones went from floor to ceiling, sporting elaborate carvings and other trim.

During this time in our history, every aspect of society was influenced by elaborate sets of rules. Gentlemen did not go out without hats, gloves and walking stick.

A lady wasn’t properly dressed to go out unless she had a sun shade, hat and gloves. They both carried calling cards to put in the butler’s tray as a way to introduce themselves to their hosts when they called on a friend. All these items needed to have a place near the door. The hall tree fulfilled that need.

You will find this formal hall tree in the entryway of the museum. It truly is a treasure.