Sylvanus Purdy, the original owner, had undoubtedly meant to occupy the house, and, that he planned to continue the usual activities of farm life is evidenced by its stone-floored milk room with broad hanging shelves of walnut made to hold great pans of cooling milk. Although never put to the use it was originally intended, it served Emeline Stevens as a cool commodious storeroom for the goodly stock of jams, jellies, preserves and pickles with which her bountiful table was always well supplied.

The rooms were furnished in the manner of the times with a mixture of Early American and Victorian mahogany. Sofas and chairs were upholstered in the usual black haircloth, its austerity in a measure offset by the bright floral designs of the Brussels carpets and, in winter, by the warm glow f fires in stoves, open grates and fireplaces.

On the pier table which stood beneath the large mirror in the front hall was a glass case filled with brightly colored birds, beautifully mounted and arranged in a setting suggesting their natural habitat. Their use of birds for decorative purposes was a popular custom of those days, frequently indulged in even by bird-lovers.

There were the usual steel engravings on the walls, framed in simple broad gilt frames, for this form of art seemed to have strong appeal during the early years of the 19th century. Many pictures adorned the walls but the place of honor over the mantel in the front parlor was reserved for the lovely child portrait of Oscar Stevens, John and Emeline Stevens’ first born, by Whitehorn (pupil of Trumbull) the well-known American portrait painter.

There were candlesticks of Sheffield plate and gilt candelabra with shining glass prisms on the mantels in the parlors where open grate fires brought warmth and cheer on winter days. These two adjoining rooms on the east side of the house, where stood the big square rosewood piano, were a popular gathering place and on many an evening were filled with music, laughter and the ring of young voices. Hospitality was the rule of the house and friends and acquaintances were always welcome. Dancing, both round and square was another frequent diversion and one which was enjoyed by the older members of the family as well as the younger.