The Ferguson Mansion - The Lobby

Mr. Ferguson was very proud of his home and loved to display it to guests as he welcomed them through the glass mosaic tiled entryway into the extravagant first floor lobby. The striking room provided the setting for events such as Margaret Ferguson’s second wedding. The unique grain effect in the oak paneling is achieved by the costly procedure of quartersawing. The intricately carved octagonal table is original and was constructed to match the room.

Edwin Hite Ferguson married Sophie Fullerton Marfield in a lavish 1898 wedding at the age of 48. Their marriage is illustrated in the original hand-carved stone chimneypiece found in the lobby. The Renaissance Revival Caen fireplace is one solid piece that was carved in France and shipped whole to the United States. The two coats of arms on the mantel belong to Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson’s respective families. The Ferguson family crest on the right bears the motto “Industria,” which translates to “diligence,” a befitting motto for a business-minded man. The coat of arms on the left belongs to the Fullerton family of Mrs. Ferguson’s mother. The Fullerton crest bears the motto “Lux in Tenebris,” meaning “Light in Darkness.”

The original lobby culminated in a magnificent staircase leading to the second and third floors. This staircase was altered by the Pearson family to make room for a side entrance to the funeral home. Much of the staircase was left intact, including the banister, although the stained glass window that lit the area was removed along with the grand stairs in the lobby. The Pearson family made another significant alteration to the building with the addition of an elevator. The elevator is about eight feet long and four feet wide – just enough room for a casket.

The Facade

The Member Lounge

The Filson Historical Society
1310 South Third Street - Louisville, KY 40208
Phone: (502) 635-5083 Fax: (502) 635-5086