Those who missed the Living History Tour of Margaretville Cemetery on June 30 will have a chance to see it this Saturday, Oct. 6 when a one-hour video produced by Nick Bibbo will be screened twice at the Historical Society of Middletown (HSM) hall, 778 Cemetery Rd., Margaretville.
Screenings are at 4 and 7 p.m. Admission is $4, which includes free popcorn!
The hall will open at 3 p.m. Come early to enjoy the autumn color at the pond, and to view “Barn Yesterday,” the exhibit based on the photographic survey of Middletown area barns. The exhibit was unveiled at the Cauliflower Festival Sept. 29 to enthusiastic response.
At the June 30 cemetery tour, 10 area residents portrayed people from Middletown’s past. Groups of visitors were led by costumed docents through the historic burial ground, which dates back to 1850.
They met Undertaker Charles Gorsch (played by John Hartner); J. Francis and Adah Murphy, founders of the Pakatakan Artists Colony in Arkville (played by Fred Margulies and Elizabeth Sherr); farmer George Hendricks (played by George Hendricks, Jr.); doctor, legislator, editor and anti-war advocate Orson Allaben (portrayed by John Bernhardt); and famed outdoorsman and animal trainer Niles Fairbairn (portrayed by Michael Fairbairn).
Also, legendary log raft steersman Erastus Clute (played by Joe Hewitt); beloved Margaretville Hospital founder Dr. Gordon Maurer (portrayed by Kent Brown); and attorney Ward DeSilva and his milliner wife Margaret, (portrayed by Ken and Amy Taylor).
The final HSM event of the year will be the Annual Meeting and Luncheon on October 20, when historian Frank Waterman will present a program on “Jay Gould’s Map.” To reserve a place ($15), call Lucci Kelly, 607-326-4734.