History of the Mansions

The Lumb mansion, now known as the William W. Tripp Funeral Home, was originally built as the residence for the Lumb-Potter family. The home's cornerstone was laid in 1917 and was completed in 1919 after two years of meticulous craftsmanship. The mansion was built for Mr. James C. Potter, the proprietor of the former Potter and Johnson Machine Company, now the site of Hasbro Industries on Newport Avenue. The home was presented to his daughter Mary as a wedding gift upon her marriage to Ralph Lumb, heir to the former Lumb Knitting Mill, now the site of Teknor Apex on Central Avenue. 

The Lumb Mansion is fashioned in the English Tudor Style and constructed of red tapestry brick. The main level is comprised of several beautifully crafted salons and parlors, including a quartered-sawn oak room with a vaulted oak beam ceiling. This room also features a gothic-styled fireplace mantle which displays the coat of arms of the Lumb and Potter families. The fireplace's andirons, screen and gate were fashioned at the former Potter and Johnson Machine Company. Adjacent to this oak parlor, one would be lead into what was originally an open-air sun porch, presently enclosed and used as a funeral arrangement conference area. The northern end of the main level is comprised of a mahogany paneled room, featuring a gothic-styled fireplace mantle and ceiling. Adjacent to this room was formerly a solarium enclosed by a glass paned, cathedral-style French door. The original foyer of the grand home (the Newport Avenue entrance), was fashioned with a vaulted ceiling and paneled walls.  Entry was made through an oak door with leaded stained glass, leading to the home's main staircase and residence on the upper level which featured three bedrooms with respective fireplaces, two baths and a powder room. The rear of the house contained a butler’s pantry, kitchen and access to the maid's domestic quarters on the third level of the home where one would find a linen room and the nursery. The lower level of the home once contained a wine cellar, preserve room for jams and jellies and laundry room. The grounds were originally adorned with rose gardens, manicured lawns and a carriage house. 

The Lumb Mansion opened its doors to the public as the William W. Tripp Funeral Home on April 14, 1957 by William and Ethel Tripp. The funeral home has been proudly and honorably serving families of the community for over sixty years.