The historic treasure known today as the Tampa Bay Hotel once served as the United States operations camp for the Spanish-American War. According to Twice’s Nice Consignment owner Debye Bernard, this red velvet parlor couch was used in the hotel by Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders. Bernard collected the piece from a church sale where she learned the story of its past. As the leader of the Rough Riders in the invasion of Cuba, Roosevelt served as a colonel assisting in preparation and war planning. He would run drills with his men on the land, and inside the Tampa Bay Hotel, Roosevelt would gather with officials to discuss strategy. This parlor couch with intricate carvings potentially served as a resting spot for Roosevelt as he contemplated his next move. Envisioning the group of Rough Riders and Roosevelt in dusty garbs, gathered around the elegant velvet, is a compelling image that adds to the grandeur of the piece.

Twice’s Nice, 1480 Fruitville Rd., Sarasota, 941-366-2188.