Hallways in great American manor houses were often gathering places for
guests.  When "calling," it was customary to be recieved in a spacious
hall, where one's card could be placed in a calling card receiver, often
held on a side table, perhaps a coat or hat were taken to be hung up.  A
chair or bench was offered for the waiting vistior or perhaps they were
taken to a parlor to wait.

Present day hallways where family and friends are received are also called
entryways.  It is located at the front entrance of a home. Hallways have
downsized and re-purposed in comparision to the spacious areas of earlier
architectural styles. It is now served as an area to prepare to go out.
The entryway furnishings may include a chest for storage, a gorgeous mirror and an
ocassional chair or two flanking the entryway chest. Perhaps it may include
an entry bench.

SOURCES: Hooker Furniture available through Pomegranate & Co. $1,062 (first two photos), meas.  44.75w x 18d x 34h; Ethan Allen Maison Chest $1249 (last photo), meas. 42w x 32.75h x 17d.

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