It is that time of year when the Athens Area Historical Society brings history to life with the annual Tombstone Tour and Town Tales which first debuted in 2009. This year, the annual fundraiser event will take place on Saturday September 28 with shows at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Burr Oak Cemetery in Athens. In case of rain, the show will be moved to the Quonset Hut Theatre on M-66.
Once again, 2 of the three Athenians honored will be portrayed by family members. Daughter Vernetta Harrison will tell of Martin Merchant’s (1911 -1988) World War II experience along with his business and local government experiences in Athens.
Reverand William Potts’ (1908-1961) daughter, Mary Martha Melendy will share her experiences growing up and frequently changing locales as her father was assigned to different churches. The family moved to Athens in 1955 when Rev. Potts was assigned to the first Congregational Church of Athens.
Returning actor, Jody Owens will portray Athenian Emma Wood (1849-1923). At the turn of the 20th century, Emma began to accompany her husband on fur-purchasing trips. She documented her travels and experiences sending letters back home to the Athens Times to share her adventures with the local readers.
Three town tales will further entertain and enlighten tour-goers. Village residents are familiar with the collection of sap from maple trees and turning it into syrup as the Athens Youth Council is celebrating their 75th year of producing and selling local syrup. Marcy Telfer will trace the history of maple syrup all the way back to the 1500’s.
Although the Dawley House was a part of Athens for the past 133 years right on Capital Avenue (M-66), most residents do not know the importance of this building and what happened there. Returning storyteller, Marty Minier will share the history and some of the secrets of the Dawley House (1891-2024).
Veteran actor, Ralph Moore will depict F.C. Wolfe (1885-1944), accomplished Athens businessman who turned his attention to growing dahlias. By the 1930’s his Exhibition Gardens had hundreds of weekly visitors and Mr. Wolfe propagated several original varieties of dahlias. Learn where these outstanding gardens were located.
The admission price is $10 with tickets available at the gate. Children under 12 and Athens students will be admitted free. Volunteers will escort guests during the tour and will provide walking assistance with golf-carts.
Come join us for this informative and entertaining slice of local history.
Compiled by the Athens Area Historical Society. AAHS is located at 101 South Capital Ave. (M-66) in Athens. Contact AAHS at athens.mi.historical.society@gmail.com and visit our Facebook page. AAHS meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Greenfield House Community Center.
Once again, 2 of the three Athenians honored will be portrayed by family members. Daughter Vernetta Harrison will tell of Martin Merchant’s (1911 -1988) World War II experience along with his business and local government experiences in Athens.
Reverand William Potts’ (1908-1961) daughter, Mary Martha Melendy will share her experiences growing up and frequently changing locales as her father was assigned to different churches. The family moved to Athens in 1955 when Rev. Potts was assigned to the first Congregational Church of Athens.
Returning actor, Jody Owens will portray Athenian Emma Wood (1849-1923). At the turn of the 20th century, Emma began to accompany her husband on fur-purchasing trips. She documented her travels and experiences sending letters back home to the Athens Times to share her adventures with the local readers.
Three town tales will further entertain and enlighten tour-goers. Village residents are familiar with the collection of sap from maple trees and turning it into syrup as the Athens Youth Council is celebrating their 75th year of producing and selling local syrup. Marcy Telfer will trace the history of maple syrup all the way back to the 1500’s.
Although the Dawley House was a part of Athens for the past 133 years right on Capital Avenue (M-66), most residents do not know the importance of this building and what happened there. Returning storyteller, Marty Minier will share the history and some of the secrets of the Dawley House (1891-2024).
Veteran actor, Ralph Moore will depict F.C. Wolfe (1885-1944), accomplished Athens businessman who turned his attention to growing dahlias. By the 1930’s his Exhibition Gardens had hundreds of weekly visitors and Mr. Wolfe propagated several original varieties of dahlias. Learn where these outstanding gardens were located.
The admission price is $10 with tickets available at the gate. Children under 12 and Athens students will be admitted free. Volunteers will escort guests during the tour and will provide walking assistance with golf-carts.
Come join us for this informative and entertaining slice of local history.
Compiled by the Athens Area Historical Society. AAHS is located at 101 South Capital Ave. (M-66) in Athens. Contact AAHS at athens.mi.historical.society@gmail.com and visit our Facebook page. AAHS meetings are held on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Greenfield House Community Center.
