The downstairs rear bedroom (to the left at the end of the
Front Foyer) was used extensively by Mabel, Theodore's second child and
is honored with her name. It has a private bath, fireplace, queen
size bed, ceiling fan and TV. The fireplace, original to
the house
except for the gas heater, has extensive carved Oak all around and was
the
principal source of heat until recent renovations in 1995 added baths
in
each bedroom and central heat and air conditioning.
The furnishings in the Mabel bedroom portray the style of furniture used by Mabel and her husband on their many visits to her family home. Typical of houses built in Louisiana ca. 1850 there are no closets, as homes were taxed according to the number of rooms and closets were counted as rooms. Each bedroom has an armoire for storage. High ceilings, ceiling fans and large windows add to the quiet charm of the downstairs bedrooms.
The downstairs
front bedroom (immediately to the left when entering the foyer from the
front porch) honors Max Mayer Dreyfus, the first born son. After
attending school in New Orleans Max returned to Livonia an oversaw the
farm operations for several years. After his marriage he made his
home in New Orleans but the house and family affections drew Max
and his children to frequent visits and long summers at Dreyfus House.
