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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. |