Cemetery TOur
The ever-popular Old Willimantic Cemetery Tour will take place Sunday from 1 - 2:30 PM. Led by WVNA member Historian Dr. Thomas Beardsley, it’s safe to claim that he knows more about the area than many Windham natives. His interesting comments and fund of facts, little-known and otherwise, about the cemetery residents make for a delightful, informative visit.
The exact nature of the twist remains a secret but we’ll give you a little hint that it involves the Windham Theatre Guild. Are you getting warm?
The cemetery across from Stop & Shop Gas Station has to be one of the most beautiful in New England. Its spacious lawns are dotted with magnificent old trees, hills, masoleums and tombstones & monuments of infinite variety. All and all a tranquil resting place or the setting for a leisurely stroll.
Although not limited to, Tom plans to highlight the burial plots of 5 of the 19th century’s urban elite whose names have become synonymous with the area.
Willimantic Cemetery Tour
1:00 pm - $10.00
Edwin Buck (1832-1905) was an entrepeneur in the manufacture of glass and in grain distribution. His fine home at 150 North Street is in the heart of Victorian territory.
Dr. Thomas Hills (1839-1909) was renowned for his surgical skills and was responsible for the development of the spring water well at what is now Alex Caisse Park.
A name well-known in another context is that of Seth Hooker (1836-1923). He was the original owner of the Hooker House Hotel which opened in 1887 and earned the reputation as one of the finest hostelries in New England.
Silas Loomer (1824-1899) made his fortune supplying lumber for railroad construction and telegraph poles. In retirement he invested heavily in a new theater, the Loomer Opera House, located at the present site of Nassiff’s for Sport
H.C. Murray (1849-1919) is a name known to generations of shoppers who appreciated the high quality goods available on all four floors. The elevator was a feature that fascinated the children.
Come hear Tom’s stories about these men whose civic and business contributions left an indelible mark on Willimantic.
Tickets for the Tour $10. Available at Exhibit Hall or on the Tour.
