January 2005: Volume XI, No. 3
McNamee lights tree,
welcomes Christmas to Cupples House
Maurice McNamee, S.J., shares memories and emotion as he lights the tree in the foyer of Samuel Cupples House.
Instrumental in restoring and renovating the house in the mid-1970s, McNamee served as a guest of honor during the
December event. The tree lighting was part of a Victorian Christmas at Cupples House. In addition, the mansion's new
museum shop debuted, complete with ornaments, suncatchers and truffles as well as jewelry handcrafted by SLU employees.
Photo courtesy of Allison Babka Burney/Grand Connections. Many thanks!
Click image to enlarge
Cupples House goes back in time for Victorian Christmas
The majestic mansion Samuel Cupples House really came alive for Christmas. Festive wreaths adorned the doors,
welcoming people into a Victorian holiday world. Inside, fragrant boughs of pine decorated mirrors and mantles, and a
Christmas tree was alight with candles and flowing ribbons.
"The house's interior is elegantly dressed everyday, but it goes black tie through Christmas," said Mary Marshall,
coordinator for Cupples House as well as the Saint Louis University Museum of Art.
This year, special guest Maurice B. McNamee, S.J., lit the Christmas tree in Cupples House. A former professor of
English and art history, McNamee oversaw the renovation and remodeling of the house during the mid-1970s, preventing its
demolition and opening to the public.
"It's so appropriate the Father McNamee could be here to light the tree," Marshall said. "He was instrumental in this
house's renovation."
Built in 1888, the house was constructed to show Samuel Cupples' wealth after living a rags-to-riches life. The interior
features exquisitely carved wood, stained glass and original furnishings. Although the architecture is considered
Romanesque Revival, many call it Victorian because of the time it was built.
"Samuel Cupples fulfilled the Victorian ideal of a self-made man. He died wealthy but gave much away," said David
Suwalsky, S.J., executive director of Cupples House.
Botanicals on the Park, located on Grand Avenue, was selected to decorate the house for the holidays. After
touring the house just once, designer Dean Riebeling set about adorning the home Victorian style. Once he was finished,
visitors noticed bows and pine swinging from the chandeliers and beautiful topiaries and wreaths peeking out from all
areas of the house.
"We used the Victorian style of decorating," Marshall said. "It keeps with the elegant taste of Cupples House."
Riebeling said that upper-class families such as the Cupples had special decorations during the holidays. They often
used dried flowers and herbs from their own gardens to adorn tables and balustrades. A Christmas tree sometimes was
available, but it was lit just for one day because the needles would become dry.
Cupples House isn't simply a trip back in time, though. The domed conservatory of Samuel Cupples House now is home
to three flat-screen computer work stations, allowing visitors to take a virtual tour of the elegant rooms and galleries
of the three-story mansion. In addition, a wheel chair lift has been installed in the conservatory, making Cupples House
handicap-accessible for first floor receptions and tours.
In addition, the house recently debuted its first shop. Nestled into a corner of the house, the shop features items
such as sun catchers, T-shirts and note cards, while a golden replica of the house is a holiday ornament. Other items
include chocolate truffles, CDs and beaded jewelry created by SLU staff members Lisa Suggs, Heather Lake and Jeanette
Landon.
"We have a cool boutique right here," Marshall said. "These are distinctive gifts you don't have to travel for, and
they embody the feel of Cupples House."
Samuel Cupples House is open 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday - Saturday. It re-opens in February. For more information, call
977-3575.
