The Bowman Family Estate, also known as Laurel Hall, can be found sitting upon a small hill above the village of Cuttingsville. It was built by John P. Bowman following the death of his wife and two daughters to infections (possibly Scarlet Fever) in 1854 and 1979. Being a loving and devoted family man, he wished to honor all three of them with a Mausoleum in the Claredon Cemetery. Though this was not initially well-received by the townspeople, he went on to build it and further established even more elaborate park cemeteries which seemed to please them. Once the mansion itself was finished, Bowman spent time there in his leisure, entertaining guests and celebrities. He died 10 years later, leaving $50,000 behind to continue to pay servants to cook a family dinner every evening. You see, he believed in reincarnation and wish for his family to return to a warm meal if they ever came back. Today it is owned by private owners who have turned it into a museum.
Apparently, people have heard the voices and seen shadows of the family pleasantly chatting away within the Bowman Mausoleum. Both tour guides and visitors have seen visual apparitions throughout the home in the figures of the family. Apparently, Mrs. Bowman has been busy with her daily chores and also keeps an eye on her guests to ensure that they remain respectful in her home. While on tour, a little girl was being rather bratty and stuck her tongue out at a picture on the wall, which subsequently flew off and hit the little girl on her head. People who have witnessed these occurrences have described the ghosts as active and curious. They don’t seem to be afraid to show themselves amongst the living. Should you visit, perhaps you could get a glimpse of them too!
Leave a Reply