![]() |
|
Ferguson Funeral Home Museum Robert B. Ferguson, Jr. F.D., Owner |
Ferguson Funeral Home Museum |
Rockfalls Horse Drawn 1880 Hearse
From Revolutionary times until the Civil War, domestic carriage makers manufactured hearses on the side. Both the popularity and affordability of hearse drawn services increased after the outbreak of the Civil War. Then as now, fashion and style were important components to society and the design and quality of hearses changed. Deck ornaments replaced the plumes and emblems that were once used, and which originally waved from the top of urns were placed upon the body. Smooth, undecorated tops came into favor for horse drawn hearses. The Rockfalls Hearse
William Ferguson then entered into partnership with J. Patrick Owens at the turn of the century. William continued to use a horse-drawn hearse of this style until the start of World War I when the introduction of motorized vehicles made it obsolete. The current owner of Ferguson Funeral Home, Robert B. Ferguson, Jr., is the great grandson of William. In honor of his great grandfather, Rob restored an authentic 1880 Rockfalls horse-drawn hearse and constructed a carriage house in memory of his grandfather in 1999. The carriage house was constructed by famed architect Theodore Charletta of Trafford. The hearse was restored by Noah Zimmerman, proprietor of the Cove Buggy Shop in Martinsburg, PA. The project was completed for the Scottdale Community Fall Festival and continues to remain a part of the Ferguson Museum. In addition to the hearse and carriage house, Rob also constructed an aggregate gravel driveway that was named “William Ferguson Way” as a tribute to his great grandfather’s legacy. The Rockfalls Hearse is featured each year in the Scottdale Community Fall Festival and is available for use at local cemeteries.
|
Ferguson Funeral Home Museum • Located in Scottdale in
Southwestern, PA for over 125 years |
Home
The Collection
1880 Rockfalls Hearse
Funeral Home History
Aultman-Ferguson
Family Tales Community Ties Local Attractions Directions Contact Us |
|