History lovers line up for the Annual Cemetery Walk
© Oak Park Journal photo
Oak Park Village Clerk Sandra Sokol (center right) and
Dr. David Sokol
© Oak Park Journal photo
15th Annual "Tale of the Tombstones"
review by Ed Vincent
The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest always
puts on a first rate event and the attendance speaks to that
as the crowds form a line for the first performance.
Interpreters for the event were Kermit Eby, Glenn Braun,
Andy Grah, Georgia Kmetz, Annie and Chance Max,
Ellen Miles, Alice Muciek, Deb Salisbury, Kenn Sinko,
Nancy Greco, Brett Epich, Mary Ann Porucznik, John Rice,
Doug Deuchler, Michael Stewart, and Nancy and Tom Holmes.
It didn't rain but everyone was ready to get out and do it
again next weekend if it had. This was a wonderful and
spirited event, loaded with local and regional history (some
of it national and international) and brought to life again
with fine work of the aforementioned interpreters. These
folks did a grand job and many have done this for many
years.
Even large dogs enjoyed the pageantry and history.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Doug Deuchler portrays a knowledgeable and well dressed gravedigger.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Doug Deuchler the well
known and much admired teacher, writer, author, theater reviewer, Santa
interpreter, brings a ton
of information to the Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest's
event. Below is a link to a live recording from the event.
Doug Deuchler as a Grave Digger from 1900
Tells a Little
Graveyard History
The Haymarket Martyr's Monument is Brought To Life.
© Oak Park Journal photo
The Haymarket protesters get to tell their tale of woe and their fight for the rights of workers and the underclass from the grave. The history of the time and some ad-libs keep the audience entertained and delighted. The Historical Society of Oak Park and River Forest did a fine job on this presentation
and workers rights are still on the list of hot topics today, whether in Chicago with the failed big box ordinance or rights
in general.
Haymarket Riot Dead Tell Their Views of the
Violence
The dead speak at the cemetery and history is kept alive.
© Oak Park Journal photo
Doug Deuchler as a Grave Digger from 1900
Tells a Little
Graveyard History
Haymarket Riot Dead Tell Their Views of the
Violence
© Oak Park Journal
published by Suburban Journals of Chicago Inc.