Walnut Doorbell Indicator
Did someone ring for Tiny Tuesday?
These tags, aptly labeled “Front Door” and “Side Door”, were once a necessity to the servants that worked in the mansion that now houses the FRHS. The tags are part of a 19th century walnut doorbell indicator that is located just outside the staff wing, or “ell”. To prevent confusion and encourage promptness, the appropriate tag would drop when the associated bell was rung. No longer would a maid have to scurry from door to door to find a disgruntled guest waiting outside. Once the bell was answered, the knob at the bottom of the box was pushed up, and thus the system was reset.
The doorbell indicator and its accompanying tags are just one of the “modern” technologies installed when the house was rebuilt at its current location in 1870. As mentioned in previous posts, the home also boasted speaking tubes and service buzzers throughout the building.
All such pieces were installed to streamline efficiency in the day-to-day workings of the Victorian home.