James V. Brown Library - Lycoming County Digital Photo Archive

Fireman's Tomb: Pallbearers shove the unembalmed body of Thomas Pursell into his tomb.

Tombs and sepulchral monuments, Cemeteries, Fire fighters, Williamsport

Fireman's Tomb: Pallbearers shove the unembalmed body of Thomas Pursell into his tomb. Article from "Life" Magazine July 5, 1937, p. 76. Letter accompanying photographs, written by Helen M. Unger, reads: "Sirs: When Thomas Pursell, 83-year-old retired fireman, was buried in a Williamsport cemetery on June 15, a door of one of the strangest burial places in the world was bolted shut. Fear of being buried alive prompted Pursell to conceive plans for and erect this mausoleum with ventilating system and patented wheel lock, which can be opened only from the inside. The fireman spent a year and a half perfecting the vault. He made by hand the brass bolts which fasten the door in place, and entrusted James Miller, a friend, to apply them and clip off the tops with a hack saw so that no entry could be made. Placement of a hammer and two boards by his side, to aid in an exit should resurrection occur, was a part of the burial which attracted the curious to the cemetery grounds.

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Fireman's Tomb: Pursell's body, wrapped in a blanket, may emerge feet first from the vault.

Tombs and sepulchral monuments, Cemeteries, Williamsport, Fire fighters

Fireman's Tomb: Pursell's body, wrapped in a blanket, may emerge feet first from the vault.. Article from "Life" Magazine July 5, 1937, p. 76. Letter accompanying photographs, written by Helen M. Unger, reads: "Sirs: When Thomas Pursell, 83-year-old retired fireman, was buried in a Williamsport cemetery on June 15, a door of one of the strangest burial places in the world was bolted shut. Fear of being buried alive prompted Pursell to conceive plans for and erect this mausoleum with ventilating system and patented wheel lock, which can be opened only from the inside. The fireman spent a year and a half perfecting the vault. He made by hand the brass bolts which fasten the door in place, and entrusted James Miller, a friend, to apply them and clip off the tops with a hack saw so that no entry could be made. Placement of a hammer and two boards by his side, to aid in an exit should resurrection occur, was a part of the burial which attracted the curious to the cemetery grounds."

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Fireman's Tomb: The late Thomas Pursell

Tombs and sepulchral monuments, Fire fighters, Cemeteries, Williamsport

Fireman's Tomb: The late Thomas Pursell. Article from "Life" Magazine July 5, 1937, p. 76. Letter accompanying photographs, written by Helen M. Unger, reads: "Sirs: When Thomas Pursell, 83-year-old retired fireman, was buried in a Williamsport cemetery on June 15, a door of one of the strangest burial places in the world was bolted shut. Fear of being buried alive prompted Pursell to conceive plans for and erect this mausoleum with ventilating system and patented wheel lock, which can be opened only from the inside. The fireman spent a year and a half perfecting the vault. He made by hand the brass bolts which fasten the door in place, and entrusted James Miller, a friend, to apply them and clip off the tops with a hack saw so that no entry could be made. Placement of a hammer and two boards by his side, to aid in an exit should resurrection occur, was a part of the burial which attracted the curious to the cemetery grounds."

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Fireman's Tomb: The Pursell vault is ventilated by the chimney shown on the roof.

Tombs and sepulchral monuments, Cemeteries, Williamsport, Fire fighters

Fireman's Tomb: The Pursell vault is ventilated by the chimney shown on the roof.. Article from "Life" Magazine July 5, 1937, p. 76. Letter accompanying photographs, written by Helen M. Unger, reads: "Sirs: When Thomas Pursell, 83-year-old retired fireman, was buried in a Williamsport cemetery on June 15, a door of one of the strangest burial places in the world was bolted shut. Fear of being buried alive prompted Pursell to conceive plans for and erect this mausoleum with ventilating system and patented wheel lock, which can be opened only from the inside. The fireman spent a year and a half perfecting the vault. He made by hand the brass bolts which fasten the door in place, and entrusted James Miller, a friend, to apply them and clip off the tops with a hack saw so that no entry could be made. Placement of a hammer and two boards by his side, to aid in an exit should resurrection occur, was a part of the burial which attracted the curious to the cemetery grounds."

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Fireman's Tomb: The vault, sealed by James Miller, can still be opened from inside by Pursell.

Tombs and sepulchral monuments, Cemeteries, Williamsport, Fire fighters

Fireman's Tomb: The vault, sealed by James Miller, can still be opened from inside by Pursell.. Article from "Life" Magazine July 5, 1937, p. 76. Letter accompanying photographs, written by Helen M. Unger, reads: "Sirs: When Thomas Pursell, 83-year-old retired fireman, was buried in a Williamsport cemetery on June 15, a door of one of the strangest burial places in the world was bolted shut. Fear of being buried alive prompted Pursell to conceive plans for and erect this mausoleum with ventilating system and patented wheel lock, which can be opened only from the inside. The fireman spent a year and a half perfecting the vault. He made by hand the brass bolts which fasten the door in place, and entrusted James Miller, a friend, to apply them and clip off the tops with a hack saw so that no entry could be made. Placement of a hammer and two boards by his side, to aid in an exit should resurrection occur, was a part of the burial which attracted the curious to the cemetery grounds."

More