10/09/08 — Have you ever taken a rhododendron drive through Greendale Cemetery on a perfect spring day and found yourself wondering what stories the people buried among the spectacular blossoms could tell?
Have you ever imagined what that magical place would look like by the light of the moon?
Those questions are about to be answered.
Beginning at dusk on both this Saturday night and next, lantern tours of the historic site designated by its founders as both a burial ground and a park will literally shed some light on what Greendale Cemetery is all about.
As guides lead lantern-carrying groups (bring your own flashlight) throughout the grounds, approximately a dozen of Meadville’s most notable citizens are expected to be on hand to provide a bit of perspective on what life was like — back in the day.
Timothy Alden, who came to Meadville in 1815 with his family and a dream of founding a college on the new nation’s western frontier, may be on hand to tell the tale of some very well-traveled bones.
Other appearances may include Meadville founder David Mead; Harm Jan Huidekoper, who ran the local office of the Holland Land Company; Lewis Walker, who planted the industrial seeds that led to Meadville becoming known far and wide as Tool City; and even the legendary Herman Leo, who was hired on Oct. 30, 1854, to “repair all fences around the grounds and secure the same against all depredation of cattle and swine” for Greendale, which had been incorporated in 1852 as Meadville Cemetery. A legendary madam renowned locally for the elegance of her Walnut Street House of, um, Joy, is also expected — among others.
Over the years, Greendale has become the final resting place for a wide variety of notable individuals including one of President Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguards, two Civil War Congressional Medal of Honor winners and any number of college presidents, elected officials and other citizens of distinction. One never can tell who may make an appearance.
Tours, which are free and open to the public, are expected to last between 45 minutes and one hour and leave the cemetery’s gates at approximately 15 minute intervals, depending on the number in attendance. Organizers caution that the tour will involve walking over some uneven surfaces — participants should bring flashlights.
Reservations are encouraged but not required. To reserve a space, call 336-3545.
The lantern-light tours are part of downtown Meadville’s Scarecrow Festival, a celebration sponsored by Make It Meadville, a volunteer effort to establish a Main Street program in the city.
“We want people to understand what kind of history has gone on in Meadville — but also what an asset Greendale is to the community,” Market Master Alice Sjolander said.
In addition to the scarecrows standing guard along the city’s streets Scarecrow Festival activities include hayrides at Meadville Market House on Saturday and also Oct. 18.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 18, Harvest Festival in Market Square will feature food, fun, children’s activities and even a pumpkin-decorating contest.
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