Carved ceiling paneling

Edgar Miller
c. 1930s

Looking up, we see more intricately executed wood cartouche carvings. These images portray different astrological and natural motifs, which include the depiction of twin brothers, a pair of overlaid fishes, and other stylized humans and animals. As with all of Miller's embedded artistry, no two panels are the same. Miller, who was a prolific block print carver, was skilled at producing industriously and with varying design, which he transferred seamlessly here to interior design elements.

Miller employed complimentary, earth-toned colors for the room's ceiling and walls, highlighting its natural wood, as well as to ensure a feeling of consistency and calm. These carvings were likely completed during the initial construction of the house, by 1932. The Port Room's style was later emulated in the ceiling carvings in the Arts and Crafts Room on the other side of the same floor, where engraved panels tell a more structured story of the history of science and technology. Those carvings were completed over a decade later for Frank Furedy, in 1946.