Get in touch with St. Charles' past Saturday

Several St. Charles residents will take on the personas of 10 notable people from the city's past this Saturday.

It's all part of the 17th annual Grave Reminders Cemetery Walk, conducted by the St. Charles Heritage Center at the North Cemetery on Route 25.

"Seven people from the community learn the lines of people buried in the cemetery, and take on their persona," explained Julie Bunke, director of the St. Charles Heritage Center. "They give an account of their life first hand."

Portrayers will also be dressed in clothing reflecting the time in which their characters lived.

Among those being portrayed is Ida Luckett, a saleswoman and homemaker who was one of the first African-Americans to settle in St. Charles. Luckett's granddaughter, current resident Yvonne Almo, will portray her.

Luckett and Almo's family members were runaway slaves who came to the area through the Underground Railroad. Four to five generations of their family have lived in St. Charles ever since.

In addition, early settlers Dean and Prudence Ferson, for who Ferson Creek and Ferson Creek Elementary School are named, will also be portrayed.

Those in attendance can also meet Lina Pascal, a newspaper owner and editor; race walker Charles Caustin, psychic Caroline Howard, and Civil War nurse Lucy Kaiser.

"It's a fantastic event," said Bunke, who explained that those in attendance may interact with the characters.

If you go

What: Grave Reminders Cemetery Walk

When: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday

Cost: Free to St. Charles Heritage Center members, and $3 per person for non- members

Info: Call the St. Charles Heritage Center at (630)587-6967