Winnebago Cemetery tour: A successful walk through history

On a beautiful Sept. Saturday, more than 100 visitors toured the Winnebago Cemetery for a walk through history sponsored by Winnebago Community Historical Society.

Volunteers told the stories of six early settler families with gravesites at the cemetery: the Holts, Hudsons, Stires, Merryfields, Grippens, and Weldons, as well as the story of the Civil War Soldier Monument.

Through these stories, guests learned the history of the cemetery and the early settlement of the area around Westfield Corners, beginning in 1835.

Guests were treated to free beverages from Forest Hills Memorials and free ice cream from The Scoop.

They shopped for T-shirts, Christmas ornaments, and other WCHS merchandise. They shared local history questions with Town Historian John Rowley and browsed local history items for sale.

It takes committed volunteers to host an event like this. We are grateful for their work to make the cemetery walk successful: Doug Boolman, Gary Brown, Rob and Angela Bucey, Cheryl Conley, Don Crawford, Barb Falk, Mary Rose Fillip, Mary Gross, Dr. Drew Johnson, MD, Bruce Johnson, Graham Johnson, Russ Kaney, Nancy Keifer, Bryan and Beth Kenagy, Joyce King, Roy and Norma Kloster, Irv Koning, Matt Martin, Dr. Isabella Newcomer, DDS, Eileen Newcomer, Pat Wakeley Oman, John Rowley, Alan and Darlene Shaw, Denise Speracino, Tom Van Sickle, and Gloria Visel.

Without our valued sponsors, we could not have offered a riding tour for those with mobility restrictions, an interpretive booklet with family histories and photographs, or T-shirts for the volunteers, among other amenities. We extend heartfelt thanks to: Bax-Ts, Benassi Family Dentistry, The Brauer Barn, Compass Photography-Darin Longanecker, Country Financial-Dustin Jarrard, Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Forest Hills Memorials, Gambino Realtors, German American State Bank, Dr. Drew Johnson, MD, Kathi Kresol, LRS Portables, The Scoop, Sullivan’s Foods-Winnebago, RJ Viel Signs, Win-Bur-Sew Fire Protection District, Winnebago High School Classes 1979-1982, Winnebago Lion’s Club, and Winnebago Township