I used to work in a historic house in New Orleans that did have closets,
although they were not typically used.  Research had been done in the
past, and no evidence of closet taxes was found (at least in New
Orleans).  People simply did not use closets.  One reason is because in
humid climates, closets attact moisture and mildew, so clothing was kept
in wooden armoires which were better suited for textile storage.  Closet
taxes seem to be a popular myth that has been handed down through the
ages much like petticoat mirrors, but I think it is only a myth.

Nan Prince

Joann Lindstrom wrote:

>I took a tour of a historic home recently and was told by the guide that old
>homes often do not have closets for a specific reason.
>
>Before I relay the reason given to my group, I would like to hear from those
>of you who may know--what do you tell the public about the lack of closet
>space at your historic sites?
>
>Joann
>
>
>Joann Lindstrom
>Museum Consultant
>380 Back West Creek Road
>Berkshire, NY  13736
>607-642-5078 phone
>607-642-5494 fax
>
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--
Nan Prince, Registrar
Old Capitol Museum of Mississippi History
P.O. Box 571
Jackson, MS 39205-0571
Telephone: 601-576-6930
Facsimile: 601-576-6981
Email: [log in to unmask]

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).