Historic time travel
Your walk among gravestones will take you on a trip through history this Sunday at Bluff City Cemetery.
The Elgin Area Historical Society's 20th annual Historic Elgin Cemetery Walk runs from noon to about 3:30 p.m.
You can see volunteers portray six former citizens at their gravestones. Guides in authentic historical costumes, and in character, share the life and times of people buried there.
"Guides thoroughly research their characters," said Marge Rowe, co-chairwoman of the walk.
Here is a look at the people who will be portrayed.
Elmer Gylleck: As visitors await their tour, they will be greeted by Elmer Gylleck, a well-known architect, magician and local photographer. His likeness to KFC's Col. Sanders would cause quite a stir during his daily walks about town. Gylleck is being portrayed by August Conte.
Violet Fehrman: Visitors will meet Violet Fehrman, one of the "Hagelow Twins" who resided in Elgin for 60 years. Her husband, Albert, served the city of Elgin for 23 years as alderman and mayor. Melissa Huston is the voice of Fehrman.
Herman Fruechtenicht: Michael Delehoy portrays Fruechtenicht, who served as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Elgin for 33 years until his semi-retirement in 1909.
Elizabeth DuFree: Mrs. DuFree's sudden death "proved so unaccountable and mysterious" that an inquest was held and Mr. Du Free was arrested. Bonnie Conte portrays Mrs. DuFree.
Anna Lynch: Lynch was internationally known as a miniature and portrait painter. After attending local schools she studied at the Art Institute in Chicago, and in Paris. Karen Schock speaks for Lynch.
James Palmer: Palmer came west with his family to Iowa and enlisted with the 14th Iowa when the Civil War began. After the war, he settled in Elgin, where he eventually operated the city's first funeral business. Wiley Edmondson portrays Palmer.
George D. Sherman: Mike Alft portrays Sherman. In the fall of 1861, Sherman enlisted as a sergeant in Company A of the 36th Illinois Infantry. He rose to the rank of major and returned to Elgin a war hero.
At the end of the tour, local historian Marge Edward will share her insights about common mourning traditions and their origins.
Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children younger than 14. Historical society members receive a discounted fee of $5. All walkers receive a booklet upon admission.
The cemetery is on Bluff City Boulevard, about a half-mile east of the intersection with Liberty Street (Route 25). Bluff City Boulevard is one block south of Route 20 on Elgin's east side.
For more information, call (847) 742-4248.
If you go
What: Historic Elgin Cemetery Walk
When: Noon to 3:30 p.m. Sunday
Where: Bluff City Cemetery, on Bluff City Boulevard about a half-mile east of the intersection with Liberty Street (Route 25).
Info: (847) 742-4248