The Whitmore Mansion Abandoned After Glassworks Factory Collapse

The Whitmore family established Rosevale Mansion on Carlton Avenue in the city of Bellmont in 1907 after Edward Whitmore built the residence while expanding his glassworks factory. Edward, his wife Clara, their four children, and Edward’s brother lived in the three-story Queen Anne home. The family income came from decorative glass production, factory contracts, and architectural commissions.

Local newspapers described Rosevale Mansion as a remarkable street landmark with maintained gardens, preserved stained glass, and regular improvements before industrial changes affected the Whitmore factory.

The first warning sign appeared in 1928 when several architectural clients cancelled large glass orders after construction slowed. By 1930, Edward received overdue notices from suppliers and reduced factory workers to control expenses. The family dismissed household staff, closed the upper turret rooms, and delayed repairs to the copper roof, porch details, and damaged shutters. The glassworks factory collapse of 1932 caused unpaid equipment loans, supplier debts, and property tax arrears. In 1933, Edward and Clara left Rosevale Mansion after foreclosure proceedings began, moving to live with relatives in another county.

Rosevale Mansion was abandoned in 1934 after the glassworks factory collapse, foreclosure, and accumulated debts ended the Whitmore family’s ownership. No restoration occurred, and no Whitmore descendants returned to occupy the property. Municipal records later documented unsuccessful auctions and rising repair costs. Furniture, factory records, and personal belongings remained inside while weather damaged the wooden exterior, copper roof, and stained-glass features. Over decades, climbing roses covered the garden and the neighborhood changed around the property. The Queen Anne Victorian mansion remains empty on Carlton Avenue, deteriorating without restoration or a confirmed future owner.