The wainscoting on the walls of some of the rooms in the May-Stringer are worth a closer look. There are several styles present, but the paneling in the main part of the house is beautiful. Wainscoting has been used for centuries and was often made from oak that is now known as wainscot oak. Wood paneling was typically used in high traffic areas to protect the plaster walls on the lower 1/3 of the wall. So it is at the May-Stringer with the handsome wainscoting in the foyer, dining room and hallways.
The wood panels are individual pieces of wood with decorative grooves. The panels are set into and attached to the ample baseboard and capped with a finish piece of molding. The wainscot on the stairs is installed on an angle or bias. The paneling in the second floor hallway is not as ornate, but, again, consists of separate slats, so to speak. That look is the forerunner of the bead board panels we pick up at Lowe’s or even order from Wayfair or Overstock. Take a moment to admire the details and craftsmanship on your next tour of the May-Stringer Museum.
The Museum Schedules!
The May-Stringer tours on Wednesday – Saturday from 11am – 3pm – 352-799-0129
The 1885 Depot tours on Friday – Saturday from noon – 3pm – 352-799-476
The Countryman One Room Schoolhouse is open on Thursday – Saturday from noon – 3pm – 352-515-305
