How often do you find yourself wishing there were something to do here in town that didn’t involve gas and travel time? There seems to be a wealth of events here right now and we should all forego Saturday night television and go do them. I’ve been stuck lately on that theme, reporting on upcoming fun things, and I have one more to tell you about.

Four years ago I was asked to help plan a Memorial Day event at Park Cemetery and I agreed. That first year we did a "burial" of a Civil War soldier and everyone who attended seemed to enjoy that peek into the past. It was as authentic as we could make it, with a horse drawn hearse that was bought new for Knell Mortuary and used for many years. The next year we did it again and it was bigger and better. Last year we did away with the horse drawn hearse and through the efforts of Frank Stine, Manager of Park Cemetery, ordered and dedicated a headstone to a Civil War veteran.
Last year we added food because the ceremony is at 5:30 so we offered a sack supper. We also talked the Heartland Concert Band into playing for us, and added a Chautauqua performance. This year I think, will be the best so far. This Saturday, May 10 at 5:30 we will gather at the top of the hill to dedicate a tombstone donated by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs for Moses A. Waldron. Moses served the Confederacy with the rank of Private in the Co. D, 28th from Virginia and was at the battle of Gettysburg.

Moses was apparently in our area for the last years of his life and chose to be buried here when he died in 1928.

This year, as I said, is bigger and better. With the help of McCune-Brooks Regional Hospital Catering we will be grilling and serving hot dogs and hamburgers and other things for $5, and you can come and eat and enjoy the evening of entertainment. The Heartland Concert Band will again give us music of the era and they are always such a treat to listen to.

At 6:30 the Chautauqua will begin and this year we have 4 people who will step into the lives and portray people from our past who helped form Carthage. Steve Weldon will be Moses Waldron, Steve Cottrell will officiate at the stone dedication, Doug Dickey will perform as Norris Hood, his daughter Lucy Hood Cunningham will be represented by Jean Baucom and Priscilla Bethel will do Belle Starr. Priscilla and Doug have acted at Stone’s Throw Theater, Jean has done Lucy Hood for us in the past and Steve Weldon is always great as a soldier.

Paul Kash will lead a group of soldiers in Confederate uniforms in the Color Guard that will highlight the ceremony. The Abbey Mausoleum will be open also and if you’ve never been inside it, you should go see it. Dick Givens will be available to answer any questions you might have about the structure. If you haven’t been inside it, it is certainly not to be missed. The Knell Hearse will also be at the cemetery and what a treat it is to see that up close.

This is such a great way to instill some knowledge of Carthage and it’s rich history into children and to brush up on our own historical knowledge. With great food and great music it promises to be a wonderful evening and when you add the Chautauqua entertainment, it should be outstanding. Remember, Saturday May 10, bring lawn chairs, feel free to dress in period clothing, come in the main gate and head up to the top of the hill and be prepared to have a good time.