For today’s History Bit, we continue our museum tour of Webster, but step off of Main Street for a quick peek into some typical early-1900s homes.
At the back, easternmost end of the museum, are three period rooms – a parlor, bedroom and kitchen – which seem to have been frozen in history, plucked straight out of the early 20th century. Displayed within them are dozens of common household items which reflect what everyday life was like in the Town of Webster in those early days.
A pump organ and melodeon (a small reed organ) anchor the furnishings in the first room, the parlor, reflecting that this family was probably a bit more upper class – and liked their entertainment. Standing nearby are an Edison table-top Victrola and a crank-handle cabinet Victrola which still plays records. And remember Viewmasters? Next time you stop by the museum, make sure you try out their inspiration, a stereoscope.
Next door to the parlor is the bedroom, where a typical rope bed sits in the center of the room, not far from the very important chamber pot, wash basin and pitcher. Make sure to pause to read the interpretive text panel to learn where the phrase “sleep tight!” came from.
The last room, the kitchen, features dozens of tools essential to keep a home running. There’s an ice box, a cast iron stove (which used wood or coal), a toaster, iron and ironing board and lots of kitchen gadgets that made everyday life in a busy household a little easier to manage.
Stay tuned for the next stop on our museum tour when we learn more about Webster’s apple and basket industries and much more. In the meantime, you can find out more about the Webster Museum on their website, webstermuseum.org. Or stop by for a personal tour.
The Webster Museum is located at 18 Lapham Park in the village, and is open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 4:30 p.m. There’s no admission charge.
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(posted 10/19/2025)
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