Late 19th century mansion turned bed and breakfast, Addison County, Crystal Palace Bed and Breakfast, Bristol, Vermont, history

History

The Crystal Palace is a Love Story

William Lawrence was born in near-by Monkton. He initially made a living as a farmer. In 1884 he started a carriage-making business which was very successful. He continued this business until 1899 at which time he started his horse business. His wealth was acquired as a result of his becoming one of the largest horse traders in Vermont , if not in New England . He would import horses from the Midwest and resell them in the local area. At that time the car was not yet in existence and Mr. Lawrence's business was very popular and afforded him a comfortable life style.

Mr. Lawrence was originally married to a lady named Lockie Partch on March 22nd, 1876. Their marriage lasted until December 11th, 1889 at which time Mrs. Lawrence passed away.

In 1897 the biggest horse trader in the Green Mountain State offered to build for his second bride, should she accept his proposal of marriage, the “grandest home in Bristol .” The proposal was accepted and, true to his promise, a beautiful three-story Victorian home in the Queen Anne style was built.

Minnie Morrison Peet and William A. Lawrence were married on March 27th 1901. Tragically, in 1906, after just five years of marriage, Minnie Morrison Peet was killed in a railroad collision in nearby Vergennes.

Mr. Lawrence, overwhelmingly saddened, could not bear to occupy the home he had built for her. Until his death in 1915 he lived next door with his nephew, Arden Lawrence.

He built the Lawrence Memorial Library and donated the large stained glass window in the front of the Bristol Federated Church across the street in memory of his wife. All of the houses on Lawrence Lane belonged to Mr. Lawrence and to ensure adequate funding of the library he deeded them to the library for income in the form of the rental on those properties.

The house was owned for approximately 60 years by the Cragen family who maintained it mostly in its original condition. In the early 80's it was bought by a retired couple who worked diligently to restore those portions that needed work. They lived in the house for approximately 16 years. They were the people who turned it in to a Bed and Breakfast and provided the name. After changing hands several times, the current owners, Stephen and Stacie Ayotte, look forward to maintaining the house and running the Bed and Breakfast.

The Crystal Palace was featured in an article written by John Kosmer, in Victorian Homes, Spring 1994.


	History The Crystal Palace is a Love Story William Lawrence was born in near-by Monkton. He initially made a living as a farmer. In 1884 he started a carriage-making business which was very successful. He continued this business until 1899 at which time he started his horse business. His wealth was acquired as a result of his becoming one of the largest horse traders in Vermont , if not in New England . He would import horses from the Midwest and resell them in the local area. At that time the car was not yet in existence and Mr. Lawrence's business was very popular and afforded him a comfortable life style. Mr. Lawrence was originally married to a lady named Lockie Partch on March 22nd, 1876. Their marriage lasted until December 11th, 1889 at which time Mrs. Lawrence passed away. In 1897 the biggest horse trader in the Green Mountain State offered to build for his second bride, should she accept his proposal of marriage, the “grandest home in Bristol .” The proposal was accepted and, true to his promise, a beautiful three-story Victorian home in the Queen Anne style was built. Minnie Morrison Peet and William A. Lawrence were married on March 27th 1901. Tragically, in 1906, after just five years of marriage, Minnie Morrison Peet was killed in a railroad collision in nearby Vergennes. Mr. Lawrence, overwhelmingly saddened, could not bear to occupy the home he had built for her. Until his death in 1915 he lived next door with his nephew, Arden Lawrence. He built the Lawrence Memorial Library and donated the large stained glass window in the front of the Bristol Federated Church across the street in memory of his wife. All of the houses on Lawrence Lane belonged to Mr. Lawrence and to ensure adequate funding of the library he deeded them to the library for income in the form of the rental on those properties. The house was owned for approximately 60 years by the Cragen family who maintained it mostly in its original condition. In the early 80's it was bought by a retired couple who worked diligently to restore those portions that needed work. They lived in the house for approximately 16 years. They were the people who turned it in to a Bed and Breakfast and provided the name. After changing hands several times, the current owners, Stephen and Stacie Ayotte, look forward to maintaining the house and running the Bed and Breakfast. The Crystal Palace was featured in an article written by John Kosmer, in Victorian Homes, Spring 1994.