By Jennifer Manlove – THE VILLAGE REPORTER
History came alive on September 21st when Voices from the Past had about sixty people join them for a walk through the tour. This year some of the participants were Diane Allison who portrayed Rebecca Platt, a woman from Montpelier who raised money and supplies during the Civil War for the Soldiers’ Aid Society. Jim Thompson portrayed Nathan Lash, a 19th Century undertaker. First Lady Mary Lincoln was portrayed by Kelly Michael, whom did her portrayal by a tree that is descended from Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois where Lincoln is buried.
Sandra Gordon is looking for volunteers who may be interested in being interpreters next year. The interpreters portray either a person or site what a particular tree is famous for witnessing. If anyone has an interest in a particular person or time period in history there is a pretty good chance that there is a tree that represents that story. Anyone interested in helping with Voices from the Past next year can call Sandra Gordon at 419-485-3496 or email her park@montpelieroh.org.
Jennifer Manlove may be reached at publisher@thevillagereporter.com