This Tiny Tuesday is calling for your attention!

These little devices, known as speaking tubes, are located in the mansion’s second floor master bedroom. Original to the house – circa 1870 – this early form of an intercom system connected to the third floor bedrooms. The third floor was the domain of the family’s children, meaning that their mother could summon them – or scold them – without having to leave her bedroom!

Many Victorian homeowners installed them within the main areas of the house connecting them to the servants’ quarters. Such devices were useful in a larger home where hand-held bells may not have reached the ears of those needed!