Some of Warsaw’s finest from the past arrived at Oakland Cemetery on Sunday, Oct. 11 to greet visitors and share their stories. Sporting creaky bones and joints, they cheerfully conveyed joyful and sad, even tragic details during the Warsaw Historical Society’s (WHS) Cemetery Tour that, by all accounts, made lasting impressions on these sojourners, who were heard retelling the stories among themselves and others.
Abe Lincoln (Jeff Thill) and Martha Zumwalt guided guests to gravesites of notables who agreed to “show up” and venture back in time to share events and experiences that impacted their lives. Nellie Piedrit, brought to life by Karla Froman, related overwhelming challenges she faced as a young mother in the 1880s. Christian Eymann, a much loved and respected merchant told his story through Andrew Hauk. Truman Plantz, an involved, community-minded Warsaw mayor, school board president, and general attorney for Modern Woodmen of America, came to life through Denise Heembrock; arriving from St. Clair, Missouri, after being revived, Plantz traveled the farthest to narrate his journey. Fleta Quick’s mother, awakened by Jane Roskamp, pondered her daughter’s death at the age of 16. Joseph Fry, a generous, large land owner and expert farmer, came to life through Mike Heisler. Portrayed by Debbie Callaghan, Clara Johnston recounted the tragic details of her and her husband’s deaths on the same day, and their burials.
WHS President, Jennifer Wiese-Haskins provided in-depth storytelling of George S. Knox, an engaged businessman whose beneficial involvement in breweries, foundries, banking, and the Warsaw Woolen Mill helped the town to grow and thrive.
The WHS appreciates the community’s participation in the Cemetery Tour and looks forward to summoning other notables to share their stories in the future. It is hoped that the Walking Tour, which is in progress, will also enable residents and visitors to turn back the clock for a historic residential and commercial architecture journey.
For more information on the WHS, please visit the Warsaw Historical Society and Museum Facebook page or contact President Jennifer Wiese-Haskins at 217-294-8210.