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This bathroom is referred
to as the Napoleon Bathroom because of the very unique, carved, solid marble
tub that was found on the property. One enters this bathroom from the north
side of the library. This tub was purchased from the Napoleon Estate in
France by Buford Balter, who was the owner of 849 East Scenic Drive for
several years. The heiress from whom the Danielsons purchased the property
was Elaine Kolp. Mrs. Kolp authenticated the origin of Napoleon’s tub and
stated that Mr. Balter had Rolls Royce automobiles, and he went to England
every two or three years for servicing of his vehicles. From there he
traveled to France. He was very interested in Napoleon and bought Napoleon’s
bathtub from the Napoleon Estate. He transported the tub from France to New
Orleans by ship watering trough, boasting that his horses were royalty and
should only drink out of a king’s tub.
The tub weighs 2000 pounds,
and it took an extensive amount of work to buff and polish this weathered
piece of art and required additional foundation to support such a heavy
marble tub. It was a difficult object to move. The Danielsons had
approximately fifteen or sixteen Seabees who were helping clear land and who
also helped elevate the tub from its semi-buried position in the ground to
(2) four by fours. A forklift was used utilized to transport the tub to the
front porch area of the home, and then eventually, with the help of many
people, the construction crew was able to roll the tub into its permanent
location in the home.
Above the bathtub is a nude
painting by Barnaudo Bernini, a famous Italian artist.
The porcelain lavatory and
pull-chain commode are original, not reproductions, and the unit was
restored to perfect working order. A French chandelier hands in the ceiling.
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