The Greene County Historical Society hosted its first cemetery walk at the Jefferson Municipal Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 5. More than 70 persons enjoyed seeing and hearing from Greene County’s early settlers. It was a beautiful crisp fall afternoon when the walkers climbed aboard a school bus provided by Greene County Schools for the trip to the cemetery.
The actors stood in front of the tombstone burial markers of early key leaders. They were able to hear Dick Bardole do a portrayal of Judge Rippey; Rob and Emily Hoyt portrayed Azor and Maddie Mills; Darren Jackson and Nicole Friess Schlling supplied the biographical information about David and Addie Milligan and Captain Albert Head was portrayed by Alan Robinson.
The re-enactors wore period clothing, and Alan Robinson had the sword used by Captain Albert Head in the Civil War. It is the property of the Greene County Historical Society and was on loan from the museum. Mr. Dick Bardole told of R. M. Rippey’s surveyor experiences and had a historic “chain” measurement tool like the one was used by Rippey in surveying Greene County. It was on temporary loan from the late James H. Andrew and his family.
Following the return ride back to the Greene County Fairgrounds, they found the historical society barn museum had been transformed into a fall dining room, complete with scarecrows provided by the Greene County High School art students. Chili soup was served, along with Deal’s Orchard apple cider, fresh corn muffins, relish and homemade cookies completed the menu. The visitors sat at tables decorated with pumpkins and leaves amidst the historical agricultural implements and machinery used in Greene County.
Ces Brunow, president of the GCHS stated, “This was the first cemetery walk hosted by us. The attendees appeared to appreciate how ‘history came to life’ in Jefferson today. We are pleased with the outcome and will be doing this again next fall.” ~by Mary Weaver
