Laurel Hall & Mausoleum

Location: Shrewsbury
Tag(s):
Historical Category: Local History
Video Date: 11/23/2020

John Porter Bowman was beset by tragedy, losing his daughter and wife in quick succession. In 1880, he moved back to Shrewsbury, where he was born, and built a mausoleum and a mansion across the street so he could be near his loved ones. The mausoleum took 125 workers more than one year to complete, at a cost of $75,000. In his will, he left the property in a trust with instructions for upkeep in case they returned. It was maintained that way up until the 1950s when the funds from the trust ran out.

This Place in History is produced in partnership by Local 22 & Local 44 (www.mychamplainvalley.com) and the Vermont Historical Society.

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