The Chair of the Salem Historical Commission says the first-ever ‘Tales from East Lawn’ cemetery tour over the weekend went off without a hitch and to great reviews from those who heard the tales from some of Salem’s earliest settlers and most influential residents.
Luke Purcell says even the rain held off on Saturday, avoiding the need to go to a backup plan for the tours.
“Our actors really made this thing work. We gave them very basic information. They put their stories together and did the research and made the costumes, put all that together, and made the show what it is so we’re very appreciative of that. Lots of help from many many people in the community.”
Purcell says the program will definitely be back.
“That’s the plan. We plan to do this annually. We’ve got a cemetery full of very interesting people so in the future we will feature different people. If anyone has suggestions they can sure let us know at the museum and we’ll do our best to accommodate anyone we can.”
Proceeds from the program will help support the new Salem Museum in the 100 block of South Broadway. The museum is now open from nine to noon every Saturday morning.
Nathan Duke tells the story of early settler Matthew Young.
Clint Stevens played the role of early newspaper editor John Merritt.
Jim Husk portrayed Colonel Stephen Hicks who was involved in leading multiple battles in the mid-1800s.
Karen Short played the role of Aunt Lulu Hull who among other things started the Salem Woman’s Club and DAR.
Frank Brinkerhoff told the story of Salem’s founder Mark Tully.
Michelle Barbee portrayed Mariah Bryan, the mother of William Jennings Bryan.
