Historic Cemetery Walk Returns To Shed Light On Montgomery’s Past

MONTGOMERY, IL — Taking a tour of a historic Montgomery cemetery will be extra pretty this October as leaves begin changing.

The Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission, a volunteer-led organization, will once again host its Cemetery Walk at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Riverside Cemetery. Tour guides will lead guests through the cemetery to meet the "ghosts" of early village settlers and other residents.

With the event happening in October when many groups plan spooky Halloween-themed activities, organizers noted the event is "not a traditional scary cemetery walk but rather a fun glimpse into the past with authentic characters portraying historic figures of Montgomery."

This year, the event will feature costumed actors portraying a Burlington Railroad worker, a WWII Veteran, a teacher from Nicholson School and the son of a Swiss immigrant.

Participants can arrive at any time between 7-8 p.m. for the free event. The tour will begin at the corner of River and Taylor streets on the southeast side of the cemetery every 10 minutes, give or take, event planners said.

Tour-takers are encouraged to bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Old Montgomery street signs will be for sale for $10 each, and Dieterle Memorial Home, which owns and maintains Riverside Cemetery, will provide complimentary refreshments.

A rain date for the cemetery walk is set for Oct. 6.