Post #22478 by tikibars on Sun, Feb 9, 2003 1:42 PM

Hey Dean/Jab (and everyone else) -

Here's a little preview of TRT: my Brucemore review!

Brucemore, 2160 Linden Dr. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA (319) 362-7375

Category VI - Other (vintage mansion)

TiPSY Factor: 2

Brucemore is a nineteenth century mansion, built by the Sinclair family in Cedar Rapids Iowa. It was later maintained by the Douglas family. Two theme rooms, located in the basement of the mansion, were created in 1937 by Howard Hall - who married into the Douglas family - to entertain his business associates. These are The Tahitian Room and the Pacific Northwest-themed Grizzly Bar.
The Tahitian Room is decorated with a painted map of Tahiti and Moorea on the floor (which still looks brand-new after 65 years), plus deco-era hula girl sculptures, dioramas of exotic themes within small alcoves cut into the walls, perfectly maintained bamboo furniture, and hand painted maps and murals. A slanted tin roof hangs below the ‘real’ ceiling, onto which ‘rain’ falls from a sprinkler system hung above it. The water trickles down the sloping tin roof, falls along the side walls of the room, and is then recirculated.
Of course, Mr, Hall is no longer entertaining guests, so no food or drink is being served, but the Tahitian Room is an interesting spot to scope out. It will definitely appeal to all Tikiphiles, if for no other reason than because it might be the first - and is certainly the oldest surviving - home Tiki Bar!
Of course, to see the Tahitian Room, you’ll have to take the entire tour of Brucemore (which occurs daily - except Mondays - every hour starting at noon). The mansion is definitely is worth a look; there are some fascinating things to see including a huge vintage pipe organ and a mural depicting Wagner’s Ring Cycle. Brucemore also hosts a blues festival every summer.