Fifth Annual Buried Treasure Graveside Tales
by September 10, 2015 3:20 pm 149 views
BURIED TREASURE GRAVESIDE TALES
Meet Early Residents of Greenwood at Historical Society’s Fifth Annual Event
Greenwood is a small town full of big personalities and it seems that has always been the case. The South Sebastian County Historical Society’s annual Buried Treasure event is a fascinating and fun look at the rich history of Greenwood.
The fifth annual Buried Treasure Graveside Tales will be held Sunday, October 11 at 2 PM, rain or shine, at the historic Civil War era Mt. Harmony Cemetery, southeast of the city on Mt. Harmony Road. Area re-enactors in period costume will portray historical personalities, according to organizer Donna Goldstein. Through their characterizations, visitors will develop an appreciation for their significant contributions and learn a little history in an entertaining way. Those honored at this year’s event include Civil War patriot Andrew Hannah, who aided the Confederate cause (portrayed by Mike Gibbs), early settler Mary Matilda Fields McKinney (portrayed by great granddaughter Sherrell Stallings Buchanan), Clarence LaFleur, WWII scout and Bronze Star recipient (memorialized by Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow), and Anne Marie Hannah Morris, a mother who lost a son, son-in-law and husband during the Civil War (portrayed by Barbara Jacobson). Henry Norwood (pictured, left), a former slave who became a community leader, is interred south of the cemetery and is portrayed by Reginald Moore. Reggie is a familiar re-enactor to fans of Fort Smith’s Tales of the Crypt. Reverend Oscar Stallings, pastor, evangelist and biographer of Henry Norwood, will be portrayed by his great nephew Les Oliver. Though not interred there, Rev. Stallings grew up within a stone’s throw of the cemetery and has many familial connections there. This year’s event will also feature a brief history of the historic cemetery presented by Karen Stallings Winters and will include such special activities as the performance of an historic spiritual by Reggie Moore and the playing of “Taps” by Andrew Morgan. Local historians will be on site to answer questions and visit with guests.
Meet Early Residents of Greenwood at Historical Society’s Fifth Annual Event
Greenwood is a small town full of big personalities and it seems that has always been the case. The South Sebastian County Historical Society’s annual Buried Treasure event is a fascinating and fun look at the rich history of Greenwood.
The fifth annual Buried Treasure Graveside Tales will be held Sunday, October 11 at 2 PM, rain or shine, at the historic Civil War era Mt. Harmony Cemetery, southeast of the city on Mt. Harmony Road. Area re-enactors in period costume will portray historical personalities, according to organizer Donna Goldstein. Through their characterizations, visitors will develop an appreciation for their significant contributions and learn a little history in an entertaining way. Those honored at this year’s event include Civil War patriot Andrew Hannah, who aided the Confederate cause (portrayed by Mike Gibbs), early settler Mary Matilda Fields McKinney (portrayed by great granddaughter Sherrell Stallings Buchanan), Clarence LaFleur, WWII scout and Bronze Star recipient (memorialized by Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow), and Anne Marie Hannah Morris, a mother who lost a son, son-in-law and husband during the Civil War (portrayed by Barbara Jacobson). Henry Norwood (pictured, left), a former slave who became a community leader, is interred south of the cemetery and is portrayed by Reginald Moore. Reggie is a familiar re-enactor to fans of Fort Smith’s Tales of the Crypt. Reverend Oscar Stallings, pastor, evangelist and biographer of Henry Norwood, will be portrayed by his great nephew Les Oliver. Though not interred there, Rev. Stallings grew up within a stone’s throw of the cemetery and has many familial connections there. This year’s event will also feature a brief history of the historic cemetery presented by Karen Stallings Winters and will include such special activities as the performance of an historic spiritual by Reggie Moore and the playing of “Taps” by Andrew Morgan. Local historians will be on site to answer questions and visit with guests.
“The portrayals are done with warmth and humor,” says Goldstein, “and the content is appropriate for all ages.”
The event is free, though the Historical Society welcomes donations. Proceeds will go to the South Sebastian County Historical Society’s fund for restoration of abandoned area cemeteries. There will be some seating graveside for those who require it.
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Buried Treasure When: October 11, rain or shine. (In the event of rain, the event will be moved to the church adjoining the cemetery.) Guided tour begins promptly at 2 PM. What: Costumed portrayals of historic figure in Civil War era cemetery. No admission fee. Donations appreciated. Where: Mt. Harmony Cemetery, Mt. Harmony Road, Greenwood For more information, call the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce at 479-996-6357. For more information, call the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce: 479-996-6357 Directions from Fort Smith: 71 South, exit 10 Spur east at Greenwood, travel east to light at Mt. Harmony Road, turn right (south), travel 3.2 miles. Turn right at Mt. Harmony Baptist Church. From Booneville: Highway 10 to Greenwood, turn left at Mt. Harmony Road. Travel 3.2 miles to Mt. Harmony Baptist Church. |