Last week the Historical Society of our town hosted a cemetery tour. It was advertised like this:
"Take a stroll through the cemetery and meet some of Allendale's first: First settlers, first storekeeper, first veterans and more."
This wasn't meant to be scary, but educational and a tribute to those
who lived here before we did. It was a beautiful evening, and there was a
good turnout of people taking the tour.
These are the 7 actors who portrayed these people. There was an Indian, a storekeeper, the first settler in the area, a WWII soldier, a civil war soldier, a mom and the man who donated land to many early settlers.
This antique hearse was also on display.
This is an actual ledger from the first store in Allendale.
This little gravestone is of a 5 year old boy who died in the early 1800's. His parents donated land for a cemetery after his death, and he was the first person to be buried here.
I learned a lot about our local history and found it interesting. I'm told that they plan to learn more about other people buried here and do this again.
14 comments:
Sounds interesting. I enjoy visiting cemeteries...they are so peaceful and thought-provoking!
How interesting! That's an awesome thing to do; learning about the early settlers.
I've also liked old cemeteries for some reason. Not that I'm ready to be there yet.
xoxo
I follow a blog of someone who lives in IL, and she was complaining about the graveyard tours that were being done in her home town. However, they were ghostly tours. It was a real money maker for someone. I felt badly for her and other people who had loved ones buried in that town's graveyard.
The tour of which you have written seems much more educational and respectful of the dead.
That is pretty neat..not sure about that hearse though, lol.--we went yesterday to the gravesites of my husbands father and grandparents..it seems we are the only ones who care enough to take care of it.
I would enjoy that tremendously. We have a similar tour in the oldest one in town and I just never have been able to go. The old hearse is neat. Hope you have a good Tuesday.
I have many comments about this tour; how interesting it was. I'm sorry we missed it.
This sounds so interesting. I live near a Cathedral and sometimes stroll through the old cemetery and read the tombs. Some are so sad (children and young mothers) and I always feel a new appreciation for life.
Well you sure rang my chimes. That old hearse is to die for. I LOVE hearses. Too bad when I ride in one, I won't be around to enjoy it. The girls and I are doing this same thing at Elmwood this Thursday! Daggy is wearing a bat-baby costume. LOL xoxo
What an absolutely wonderful idea someone had!! I actually love visiting cemetaries and seek them out when we travel. There are many lessons to be learned, and a lot of the older gravestones even have a history lesson carved into them. Thanks for sharing this!!
That sounds like a really interesting and informative event. I really like old cemetaries. I never find them scary. They are usually very pretty and peaceful places to sit and think, or take a little stroll. I'm glad you enjoyed this historical event.
How fascinating! I love visiting old cemetaries - it seems like there is so much history in them.
Enjoy your week! Hugs
Ahhh... I love history! This reminds me of Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, VA, close to where I live. A few presidents are buried there and lots of other notable folks. You've inspired me to take a formal tour.
It sounds as though you had a very interesting evening. xx
What a great idea. I would love to go to something like this. Such a thoughtful way to honor your town's early settler.
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