If Walls Could Talk

It was the beautiful stone construction and the spectacular view that first attracted Ed and Chris to Laurel Lodge. As they investigated the house further, they found artifacts imbedded in its walls and curious inscriptions in its porches and walkways. This was the beginning of their exploration of Laurel Lodge’s early history and its colorful owners.

The HGTV program “If Walls Could Talk,” which features lore and intrigue of historic homes, contacted Ed and Chris about sharing their discoveries and some of the home’s history.

During renovations at the Lodge, Ed and Chris discovered a business card under the floor boards that provided a crucial link to the original owners of the house and its curious past.  The card, from proprietor Mrs. Frank E. Shugart, advertised rooms and meals at Laurel Lodge. 

Not long after, Ed and Chris received an unexpected call from Frank Shugart, Jr, the son of Mrs. Frank E. Shugart.  Over time, Frank Jr. and his sister Margaret generously shared family lore about their grandparents, Eugene and Maggie Shugart, who built Laurel Lodge.

Rogers, Chris, Ed and Frank Jr. review Shugart family photos	Ed & Frank Jr. at Shugart family plot
Eugene and Maggie	Ed & Chris filming for HGTV

Eugene, a seven-term mayor of Harpers Ferry, constructed Laurel Lodge in 1914 using stone from the powder magazine of the Harpers Ferry Federal Armory, which had been in ruins since the Civil War.  The house became a popular stop for visitors to the town, for imbedded in the walls are Civil War-era bullets, guns, bayonets and epaulettes arranged in fanciful designs.  In the stone pillars are bottles, keys plates, jugs, coins, spoons and war relics of all sorts collected by Eugene.  He was described in newspaper accounts as a "faddist for collecting." 

C&O Canal Chain	Hilltop House Fire Relics
Artifacts	Sidewalk Inscription

Iron chains that stretch between the porch columns are reputed to be from the lock gates of the now defunct C&O Canal.  Printed in the sidewalks and steps are such inscriptions as "Don't Worry - Grunt", "What a Pity Bryan Had To Worry" and "Please Don't Worry." After Eugene's death in 1919, Maggie took advantage of the notoriety of the Lodge by opening a boarding house that served dinners to tourists on weekends.  This business was continued by her daughter-in-law, Anne Wise Shugart (aka Mrs. Frank E. Shugart) into the early 1960s. Ed and Chris are proud to continue this legacy of hospitality at Laurel Lodge.

Mr. Eugene Shugart

Mrs. Maggie Shugart

HGTV spent a full day filming at Laurel Lodge in December 2007.  Ed and Chris were delighted to have the company of Frank Shugart, Jr, his nephew Rogers, and his son-in-law Gary here to share in the excitement.  To find the next scheduled airing of this episode, click here.