Originally intended to be a sewing room, this room was used by Jacob Van Orden as his private study. Gold leaf adorns the original anaglyptic wallpaper (a linoleum/paper product). The light fixtures are combination gas and electric. The mansion was built in a time when electricity was still new and unreliable.
Many of the books in the cases date to the turn of the century. The Native American artifacts, seen on the desk, represent Jacob’s interest in area history. He was an early member of the historical society, serving on its board of directors. He was also involved in the preservation of Man Mound, the only know existing human effigy mound, located just east of Baraboo.
