Lower Level

The 1896 basement housed a series of support spaces where food preparation, laundry, and other activities occurred. After 1936, most of these support spaces moved to the West Wing basement where new fireproofing made them safer and direct access to the outside made running the household easier.

Gold Theatre
The McCormicks enjoyed watching movies, so they added a movie theater in the space under Freedom Hall during the 1930s remodeling. On Friday nights the McCormicks’ guests relaxed on in the front of the room while employees and their families sat in the back. Large dinner parties were held here as well, and the room seated up to 50 guests.

Glass block walls, curving cabinet details, chrome trim, and fluted columns are typical Art Deco features. The ceiling originally boasted gold leaf.

Kitchen
The 1930s kitchens reflect the best in contemporary appliances and design. A custom-built General Electric refrigerator fills the south wall. A large white enameled stove with five ovens and six burners handled food preparation for large dinner parties. Robert had General Electric custom build a special gas-powered freezer. It contains 20 ice cube trays that can make up to 688 ice cubes at a time.

Servants' Dining Room
The original kitchen became a staff dining room and a room was built next to the new kitchen for a scullery where pots and pans were cleaned. As the servants' dining room is not open to the public, the original scullery depicts how the room might have looked.

Dish Pantry
It took a lot of dishware and kitchen equipment to serve the occupants and guests in a house this size. The purpose of the Dish Pantry was simply to store them all. A dumb waiter, or small electric elevator,  brought food and dishes up to the Butler’s Pantry where the staff could arrange them for dinner service.

Servants' Sitting Area
Several employees lived in the house. Robert provided them with places to enjoy their leisure time. Private bedrooms and shared bathrooms occupied the second floor of this wing.