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."

1937

Williamsport, Lycoming County, PA

July 5, 1937

Image

Photographs

image/jpeg

jbph1863

eng

Pennsylvania History Collection

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For information on source and images, contact the James V. Brown Library, 19 East Fourth Street, Williamsport, PA 17701. Phone: 570-326-0536.

James V. Brown Library

This Digital Object is provided in a collection that is included in POWER Library: Pennsylvania Photos and Documents, which is funded by the Office of Commonwealth Libraries of Pennsylvania/Pennsylvania Department of Education.