One of the most impressive features of the Brenton House is the grand staircase on the main floor.  Its mahogany wood and hand crafted details, coupled with its graceful curve as it winds to the second floor is witness to a bygone era of craftsmanship and skill not often seen in today’s homes.  The layers of design elements are so intricate that one can overlook one of the more curious features of the home.

As the staircase curves towards its final step, there is a simple and understated nook on the wall opposite the railing.  I remember seeing it the first time we ventured up the stairs and disregarding it immediately as simply another detail that the original designers incorporated into this elaborate home.  The simplicity of it made me assume that it was more than likely added as a statue holder.  It made the perfect home for a figurine of the Virgin Mary or a Madonna.  How wrong I was.

About a month after moving in I had the fortune of being introduced to Kathy, the daughter of Art and Bev Nelson.  We spoke for nearly 45 minutes as she shared her experiences and stories growing up in this home in the 80s and 90s.  Towards the end of our conversation she asked, “Is the coffin niche still there?”

I questioned, “Coffin niche, what are you talking about?”  

“The coffin niche, the nook at the top of the stairs.”

“Oh yeah, the nook that holds a statue,” I replied.

I could hear her smile through the phone.  She explained that the nook in the wall was actually called a Coffin Niche and it had a very specific purpose.  It was incorporated so that when a coffin was brought up or down the stairs it wouldn’t damage the wall.  The niche provided a space for the frame of the coffin in order to make the turn in the stairs.

At first I didn’t believe her.  But a quick Google search quickly confirmed her story.  No has yet to confirm if the niche has actually had to serve its purpose.  Either way, it’s another fascinating piece of history and architecture that makes this house so much fun to call home.  Who knows what we might find out next?