The mantel of the museum’s merchant’s drawing room is adorned with photo portraits of members of the Gorokhov family. Vladimir Gorokhov (1849–1907) was a famous Tomsk merchant who traded bread and flour, as well as had his own flour mill. Gorokhov was born in the Irkutsk Governorate. In 1867, he graduated from the Irkutsk grammar school. Eventually, he moved from Irkutsk to Tomsk, where he opened several shops, as well as built warehouses and his new residence. Later, Gorokhov purchased a mill, which brought him a substantial income. The merchant settled in the village of Berdskoye in the Tomsk Governorate, soon becoming one of the richest people in Tomsk. He was also one of the first to buy a Ford car, which was brought all the way from the US specially for Gorokhov.

Several historical buildings associated with the merchant family have survived in Tomsk to this day. One of the most famous is the warehouse of the ‘V. A. Gorokhov’ trading house. It was constructed based on the project by the architect Andrey Kryachkov in 1916, who designed this red brick structure with round windows in the style of Art Nouveau. It stands out among the surrounding urban buildings thanks to its rectangular tower topped with a spire. Gorokhov’s warehouse was clearly visible from the river. The embankment was the favorite spot of the city’s merchants, since the river was the main traffic artery of the city during the warm season, and the ability to maintain warehouses near the pier helped them facilitate the transportation of goods.

Another architectural landmark of the city is the so-called Flour House, which was built on Gostinodvorskaya Square (present-day Lenina Square). Before the Revolution, it sold flour. The building housed not only Gorokhov’s shop but also those of other merchants, including Rodyukov, Fedulov, Kukhterin, and Fuksman.

The Gorokhov family also owned docks, a creamery, a sausage factory, shops, and other facilities in various regions of Siberia. Vladimir Gorokhov was engaged in philanthropy, donating funds for the construction and maintenance of hospitals, cultural facilities, and educational institutions.

The photograph depicting relatives of the renowned merchant was added to the collection of the Tomsk History Museum in 2004.