A. E. Mauger, funeral director of town, who is also a carpenter, has
finished a funeral car that is an evidence of his skill as a
mechanic. The wheels and running gear were made by Coach maker John
Rea, who has provided the hubs with silver mounted hook and
yoke. The ends of the pulling bars are also silver mounted. The
body was entirely constructed by Mr. Mauger, and is a fine piece of
workmanship. The sides of the frame are divided into a large center
and 2 smaller beveled plate glass panels by pilaster columns, fluted
and capped with embossed molding. The center panel is curved on the
top line, while the other two are rectangular in shape. The front
end of the body is made of one large piece of beveled plate glass,
supported on the ends by columns of the same design as those on the
sides. The rear end is made of 2 large glass doors, hung with silver
plated hinges. The roof projection is closed underneath with a
heavy embossed molding and the center of the roof is surmounted with
a large heavily carved urn. A large silver plated lamp is hung upon
each side of the driver's seat. Inside the fixtures for securing the
casket are all silver mounted, the floor covered with Brussels carpet
and the sides hung with heavy black filed silk tasseled
curtains. The ceiling is covered with heavy black cloth, put on in
neat folds. The painting throughout is a heavy black and was done by
Wilmer Rea. John L. Reeser did the blacksmith work, and the silver
mountings, curtains, etc. were procured from New York parties. A
great many persons have inspected the car and many compliments have
been paid Mr. Mauger, upon his taste and the excellence of the
workmanship. It was used for the first time at the funeral of Amos
Harner, being drawn by M. K. Rhoads 2 coal black horses.
[Source: Reading Eagle, Reading, PA, May 33, 1896, Birdsboro. Submitted by Betty.]
Last Modified