IN 1915 ALFRED T. RINGLING PURCHASED THE ENTIRE VILLAGE OF PETERSBURG AND HAD IT COMPLETELY LEVELED. ON THE PROPERTY HE BUILT THIS PALATIAL COBBLESTONE-FACED CLASSICAL REVIVAL MANSION THAT INCLUDED TWO LARGE BALLROOMS AND A PIPE ORGAN. RINGLING AUDITIONED CIRCUS ACTS IN THE MANSION AND KEPT ANIMALS AND CIRCUS EQUIPMENT IN THE OUTBUILDINGS. HE STAYED HERE FOR A SHORT TIME, DYING UNEXPECTEDLY IN 1919 AT AGE 56.