Millionaire Households and Their Domestic Economy (Classic Reprint): With Hints Upon Fine Living

by Mary Elizabeth Carter

Excerpt from Millionaire Households and Their Domestic Economy

Household work may be compared to Pen elope's web, ever being done and undone. The woman presiding over it should be wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove. Above all, to a high sense of duty unswervingly loyal.

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1903

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating description of the servants working in a wealthy household, their job titles and duties. This is an excellent resource for anyone working at an historic house museum. And very readable just as a general read.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book about life of the American servants during the gilded age. I chose this book based on a reference made to it as the Biltmore Estate was restoring some servant quarters to their original intent. They used this book as a guide to know what it would have been like. Interestingly the author gives very clear instruction to future home building on how servant areas should be designed. I think the best chapter of the book was the "When The Smart Set Dines" and found the contrast between the two classes to be illustrated beautifully in words. I picture myself as a butler based on the occupations I could pick out of the guide, however, I'd have a tough time dressed up all the time and not be sweating up a storm.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this for research. Very interesting look into lives "back then." Lots of things have changed, but more interesting is what has stayed the same!