The Hamill House Museum is part of the Georgetown-Silver Plume National Historic Landmark District in the Winter Park area of Colorado. This museum was originally a small cottage which was built by Joseph Watson in 1867. In 1879, Willian Arthur Hamill (Joseph Watson's brother in law) enlarged the cottage. The Hamill family is known for their mining properties in Colorado.
This museum now gives visitors a glimpse to visitors of what life was like in the 19th century for these Winter Park residents. The furnished home includes all of the typical accents of the 19th century such as architecture from the time, Victorian plants and landscaping. During the tour you will see the Parlor, Dining Room, Library and the Conservatory.
The parlor was the welcoming area for the family's guests. It features original black walnut, fireplaces, lighting fixtures, ceiling and wallpapers. The carpet and drapes that you will see throughout the home are not original but reproductions. The furniture is original but it has been reupholstered due to wear. The Dining Room is in Gothic Revival style. The Library was used as a family room for the Hamill family. All furniture is also original but reupholstered. Some of the books on the shelves belong to late William Hamill. The conservatory is a beautiful greenhouse. This greenhouse is a reproduction of what it would have looked like when William Hamill lived there in the 19th century.
The Hamill House Museum's website, http://www.historicgeorgetown.org/houses/hamill.htm, has a virtual tour of the home. If you find it impressive online, you know you will want to see it in person.
