MASON CITY – The fifth annual History Walk and Evening Stroll was held Saturday in Mason City’s Elmwood Cemetery.
This year, the afternoon history walk through the cemetery included portrayals of Bayard Way (portrayed by Steven Van Steenhuyse), William McArthur (portrayed by Alan Steckman), Addie Barton (portrayed by Pat Schultz), Minnie Lien (portrayed by Linda Schluter), Elisha Randall (portrayed by John Lee) and James Blythe (portrayed by John Henry).
About 210 people paid the $10 fee to see the actors portray these famous former living residents of Mason City. That is up from about 140 that attended the first year.
Later, participants enjoyed a chili supper, Cemetery Director Randy Opheim said.
A newer feature is an evening history walk with different famous individuals portrayed.
The evening walk included portrayals of Rockley Whipple (portrayed by Steve Musson), Isabelle Clark (portrayed by Katie Byerly), Lucinda Gloyd (portrayed by Jo Beck), and Anna Shepard (portrayed by Cheryl Blakely).
CLICK PHOTOS TO VIEW LARGER
I find this disrespectfull and not a proper place for entertainment.
@SOS-Nothing disrespetfull about history at all. The only thing disrespectfull is your comment about things other people enjoy.
I respect your opinion. However, I feel like this event is done in a respectful way, and I can’t think of a better way for the cemetery to be used by the community. It is packed with history. Those buried there, I think, would be honored to know that they are being remembered. I also admire how the cemetery staff remind folks that they are welcome to come to the cemetery and walk, fish, sit on a picnic table. The people pay for the cemetery, and the funds raised help maintain and improve the grounds. It is most certainly a win-win situation.
Very interesting program with a lot of good history that people have mostly forgotten or never knew. The cemetery is a place of power that you can feel when you are there.
“Leave the dead to bury their own dead”.
what in the squat is that supposed to mean?