Annual Cemetery Walk to bring Ironton history alive Sept. 28

By Terry L. Hapney, Jr.
The Ironton Tribune

Woodland Cemetery, dating back to the 1800s, is full of history that comes to life during the annual cemetery walk from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.
One such historical figure, an “all-time favorite” according to Lawrence County Museum & Historical Society President Nicole Cox, is Dr. Lowry, a physician in town. While substantiated history is shared through the portrayal of his character during the walk, Cox said there is folklore added to it.
“We say, ‘this was the town talk at the time’—to separate fact from fiction,” she said.
The story goes that Lowry wouldn’t fit into his coffin, so they chopped off his legs to make him fit.
“We’ll give a disclaimer that this is probably not accurate,” Cox said. “People love hearing that story. The line for Dr. Lowry is probably the longest.”
Museum representatives will sell optional programs with maps for $3 that evening for use during the event. Cox said the characters have a number in front of them to help people navigate.
“We have John Campbell, the founder of Ironton, along with Nannie Kelly, the female ironmaster,” she said. “We try to add a few new ones each year.”
Woodland Cemetery officials open Woodland Abbey, the large mausoleum, during the walk.
“People enjoy getting to go in there,” Cox said. “We have Civil War soldiers and a lot of the founders. It’s our biggest, most popular event of the year.”
Museum members and others appear in period clothing as they portray the characters. The Historical Society completed and substantiated the research on each one.
“Some people do their own characters,” Cox said. “They do their own research and then we fact check it to make sure it’s right.”
During some years more than 3,000 people attended the annual event. Approximately 30 characters are usually on the roster.
“If people want to see all of them, they can,” Cox said. “If they want to pick and choose that’s okay too.”
Those attending the cemetery walk are asked to park at Vertiv and either walk over or take a shuttle bus to the cemetery.
“We don’t want people parking at the cemetery unless it’s wheelchair only,” Cox said.
People of all ages attend the walk. Cox said it is not scary.
“It’s not a haunting thing,” she said. “It’s an educational thing. Nothing scary or paranormal.”
The most effective way Museum representatives share the area’s history, Cox said, is via reenactments—bringing it to life.
“People love it and are excited about it,” she said.
The event began in the 1990s. Cox said a couple of people at the Museum took their friends and walked around the cemetery.
“Here’s what happened here and here’s what happened there,” she said. “It has grown into what it is now.”
If anyone wants to portray a character, Museum officials are “always looking for volunteers.” Those interested may call Cox at 740-646-4104 or email her at nsratliff@gmail.com.
Cox thanks those in the community who attend the annual event.
“The community supports this event,” she said. “September and October are such busy times. There are activities going on every weekend. I’m always grateful people choose to come to our event because there’s a lot competing with it.”
The event, which is free and open to the public, does not have a rain date.
“Luckily, it’s never rained on this day, but it won’t be rescheduled if it does,” Cox said.

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