Built in
1903 and 1904, the Martha E. Parry Bed and Breakfast is a ornate and
grand colonial revival
home. Mrs. Parry was the third wife of a local wealthy and prominent
citizen, Mordecai Parry. Upon Mordecai's death in 1892, Martha was
given her choice of property from his holdings. She chose the
four city lots in the Parry South Park addition to the city of Richmond
on which the Martha E. Parry
Bed and Breakfast still stands. Mr. Parry was a
member of the Society of Friends and contributed substantially to Earlham
College. Evidence of this is Parry
Hall, located on
Earlham's campus. Historical journals describe him as a man of "handsome
fortune" in real estate and various business ventures. Mrs.
Parry paid particular attention to detail concerning her house and wanted
it to reflect her personal tastes. The Parry house
flows from one room to another. A noticeable outdoor feature is
the porte cochere, where carriage drivers left their occupants
to flee the elements and enjoy the warmth of Mrs. Parry's home. The
inside is graced with original features such as the servant's staircase,marble
sinks, gasolier light fixtures, stained
glass windows, china and dry goods pantries and original ice box. Come
to Richmond and relax in the splendor of the Martha E. Parry B & B,
restored to it's original grandeur for her 100th year.
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