Hi There!

Confession: I'm from the Metro Detroit area and I lurk around the city's old houses! :) Due to tough times here, a lot of homes have original features like the entry hall in this 1875 Victorian-thought I'd ask about it here.

I was told it's called a "Reception Hall" and I was wondering if anyone could give me any information about it? Mainly how is it different from a normal entry or the nearby parlor? It just seems quite large for a small home's entry (same size as the parlor) and features a fireplace.

Thanks a bunch!