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Cotton Mansion · Self-Guided Audio Tour
Narrated by Mike Schraepfer, Owner
Welcome to the Speakeasy Suite. This is a special feature on the self-guided audio tour just for our guests who are in the Speakeasy Suite and can’t get enough history. This room is a great space with a lot of history. Being on the garden level and next to the wine cellar, we dubbed it the Speakeasy and had fun with the design.
Originally, when this house was built, this was the family room. This was kind of the non-formal, cozy space the kids could play and the family could hang out together without being in the more proper formal main-level spaces.
The family room had access from both the servants’ staircase, which ran from the third floor all the way to the lower level, and also the formal staircase that you came down on your way to the Speakeasy Suite.
When the Cotton family moved in, they had young children. This was a great space for them to play in their younger years. They had a four-year-old, a seven-year-old, and their youngest son, John, would not be born for two more years.
Servants often tended to the children in this time period. And a lesser-known fact: the servants’ staircase wasn’t just for servants. It was also for kids to traverse the house while staying out of sight, which was also kind of common in this time period. Kids were kind of meant to stay out of sight unless they were dressed and proper.
Kids could go right from their rooms on the second or third floor all the way down to the family room without ever traversing through the formal rooms of the main house.
From 1940 to 1960, during the period of university ownership, this room was converted and used as the music theory room. A few of those original chalkboards still exist on the west wall by the bathroom entrance.
If you’d like to learn more about the Cotton Mansion, the Cotton family, and early-1900s Duluth history, consider following the main self-guided audio tour, where the first stop starts in the foyer on the main level. There are 12 stops that take you from top to bottom through the common rooms, starting with the QR code on the console in the foyer.
At the Boutique Collection By Heirloom, we believe every traveler deserves a place that feels like it was made for them. Our collection of historic properties across Duluth offers something special for every kind of guest, from romantic suites with fireplaces to spacious accommodations perfect for group getaways. Thoughtfully restored and full of character, each hotel blends timeless charm with modern comforts, ensuring your stay is both memorable and relaxing. No matter where your travels take you, there is a Heirloom Hotel waiting to welcome you.
Rooted in history and designed for today’s traveler, the Boutique Collection by Heirloom offers a collection of unique, boutique stays across Duluth. Each property has been carefully restored to preserve its original character while offering the modern comforts guests expect. Whether you’re visiting for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or a special event, Our stays provide spaces that feel personal, inviting, and unforgettable. With twelve distinctive hotels to choose from, your perfect Duluth experience begins here.
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