'Tales Tombstones Tell' to capture the spirit of One West Chicago

Continuing in the spirit of One West Chicago, a priority of the West Chicago strategic plan to celebrate the community's diversity, to establish long-term relationships through engagement efforts and to encourage broader participation in community leadership, the annual event known as "Tales Tombstones Tell" will include never before heard stories of West Chicagoans who were born abroad and made their "second home" in West Chicago.

"Tales Tombstones Tell" returns to Oakwood Cemetery, Oakwood Avenue and York Street, on Friday, Oct. 5.

The 45-minute walking tours of grave sites begin at 6:30 p.m., starting at 10-minute intervals, with the last tour at 7:45 p.m.

While guests wait in line, Roger Kotecki, vocalist and guitarist, plays eclectic music from the 1860s through the 1970s.

Lanterns and candlelight illuminate the paths to the designated sites, where costumed interpreters tell the life stories of the former residents buried in Oakwood, the oldest cemetery in West Chicago.

This year, the walk features never before told stories of West Chicagoans who were born abroad and immigrated to the United States. Grave sites on the walk are those of Alfred LeKander, Emma Caroline Koenig Hummel, Eduard Mackert, Menk children, Bertha Brandt Zahn, Mary Coleman Ahern and William Buckle Sr.

Interpreters are Carol Vigsnes, Phil Weibler, Becky Hall, Keith Letsche, Dan Czuba with Mike Berry joining him in a song, Carol Townsend, Ruby Lebo with a song by John and Nancy Petrik and Eric Curl.

The event is appropriate for families as it focuses on historical facts and not ghost stories. Although there is no charge, donations are appreciated.

For further information, call the City Museum at (630) 231-3376 or email museum@westchicago.org.