House Tour
Riverview at Hobson Grove has two main levels that were used by the family plus an attic area on the third floor, which includes access to the cupola on top of the house. The basement level was originally the kitchen and storage area and is now used for meeting and office space and the Museum Shop. Tours begin at the front door.
Riverview was a 400-acre working farm during the Victorian period where cattle, thoroughbred horses, and poultry were bred. The Hobsons raised crops such as tobacco, corn, potatoes, and grains along with a peach orchard. Today the centerpiece of the farm, Riverview, sits alone in memory of those farming days. The small surrounding yard now contains several gardens dedicated to family members and special volunteers. The large tree in the front lawn is the last of six planted by the Hobsons at the time the house was built. It is a White Pine, also called a Sentinel Pine.
Front Parlor
Unless entertaining, the Hobson family seldom used the front parlor, the largest and most impressive of the home's eight rooms. It contained the best furniture and a beautiful hand-painted ceiling and was reserved for receiving and entertaining guests. When not in use, doors closed off the parlor from the rest of the house to keep it clean.
Dining Room
The Dining Room was used daily by the entire family. The evening meal was of great importance, as it served as a time for social interaction among the members of the family. A meal during the Victorian period could last for hours, especially when entertaining, as numerous courses would be served. Food was brought up the narrow stairs from the kitchen in the basement and then served to the family. The cook prepared the food downstairs while the houseman or butler served and cleaned up after the meal. Riverview did not have live-in servants.
The Dining Room table and chairs are original Hobson family pieces
Master Bedroom
The Parents' bedroom is the largest room on the second floor. It would have had the most commanding view of the Barren River and the daily river traffic in both cargo and passengers. This room illustrates the Victorian period's emphasis on the collection of material objects such as hair jewelry, and innovative furniture with a half-tester bed and a gout stool.
A virtual tour of Riverview can be viewed at:
http://visitbgky.com/see/c/civil-war/detail/riverview-at-hobson-grove/
Other photographs of Riverview can be found at our facebook page or at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/VisitBGKY/RiverviewatHobsonGrove
Museum Manners
To ensure the safety and good stewardship of the museum collection, eating, drinking, and chewing gum are prohibited in the private areas of the museum. Photography and writing instruments are not allowed upstairs in the house. Touching objects and sitting on furniture are against museum policy. Visitors are required to stay with museum docents at all times in the private areas of the museum.