"Our room towards window. 3:10 pm,medium light flashed with looking glass, Monday, November 28, 1898." Photo courtesy of the Staten Island Historical Society.

Alice and her mother shared this room from Alice's infancy until her mother's death in 1900. Photographs show that Alice filled her room with books, personal items, and mementos of travel. In later years, when the room was her own, Alice continued to collect items to the point where getting around in the room was difficult. She photographed her room from every angle, demonstrating her love for it and giving us a detailed visual reference. Sadly, almost all of her personal possessions have vanished.

"Our room, wardrobe. Monday, November 28, 1898, Medium light, flashed with looking glass, 3:45 pm." Photo courtesy of the Staten Island Historical Society.

John Austen added this room and the second story directly above it shortly after his purchase in 1844. The room

reflects the lighter frame construction used in the 19th century that made the large ceiling beams, so prominent in the 18th century construction, unnecessary. The classical mid-l9th century fireplace has a wooden mantel and a cast-iron grate. In the northeast corner, glazed double doors lead onto a small enclosed porch structure which was added circa 1870. Its northerly orientation and many windows probably made this room a cool retreat in the summer. Architecturally, it serves a function similar to that of the conservatory in that it provides a picturesque expansion beyond the box-like shape of the house. In 1900, on the west side of the room, a small extension was added to house the first indoor toilet at Clear Comfort.