Beauty pageant contestant, Civil War general featured in Elgin cemetery walk
A beauty pageant contestant, a hospital superintendent, a hotel operator and a Civil War brigadier general were among the important figures in Elgin history brought back to life Sunday at the Bluff City Cemetery.
The hundreds of visitors to the 29th annual Cemetery Walk, a fundraiser for the Elgin History Museum, were led across the grounds to learn about the city's history. Using props, costumes and extensive research, volunteer actors shared facts and told the stories of several people buried in the cemetery.
"It's not only a historical event as far as learning history, but it's also entertaining," said event co-chair Laura Stroud. "It's a beautiful walk."
For the first time, she said, those who have difficulty walking the cemetery could instead ride a bus to each stop along the tour. Volunteer actors gave their presentations on the bus to accommodate all visitors.
In her 19 years as an actor for the cemetery walk, Linda Rock of Elgin has portrayed 18 different characters. Though volunteers are provided with facts about their characters, she said she spends hours each year delving into additional research and working on her presentation.
This year, Rock acted as Emily Lord (1814-1904), an abolitionist and educator who opened a seminary school for girls with her sister.
"The best part is the research and just learning about the history," said Rock, who previously served as an event organizer. "There's so much history in this town."
Rock said she also enjoys seeing the familiar faces of attendees who return to the walk year after year.
Elgin resident Linda Bailey has been to more than a dozen cemetery walks throughout the years.
Bailey said it's always interesting to find a historical figure to whom she can relate, such as C. Irene Oberg, who lived from 1869 to 1962. Oberg, portrayed by Babette Colburn, established the first nurses' training program at what is now Advocate Sherman Hospital in Elgin, where Bailey now works as a nurse.
Having attended the event for years, Elgin resident James Zingales took on a new role as an actor this year, portraying Brig. Gen. William Lynch, who fought in the Civil War and was held captive in Libby Prison. Lynch, who lived from 1839 to 1876, also was friends with President Ulysses S. Grant, who visited him in Elgin.
"When I was asked to do this, I was thoroughly delighted," said Zingales, a member of Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War. "I couldn't wait to learn it all, and I had a ball with it. It's a great honor to honor this man's memory."