Meet the residents of Thornrose
On Saturday, Sept. 18, and Sunday, Sept. 19, the Augusta County Historical Society will sponsor “Conversations from the Grave,” a guided tour leading visitors back in time through Staunton’s most beautiful final resting place, Thornrose Cemetery.
The tour highlights the fascinating history, architecture, and historical figures that are buried there. Guides will discuss the early history of Thornrose, describing how it began as a simple graveyard on the edge of town, and later, thanks to the vision of one early Stauntonian, was transformed into a charming park-like cemetery, characterized by lush landscaping and the medieval fantasy architecture created by T.J. Collins.
Along the way, your guide will introduce you to some of Thornrose’s most prominent citizens, brought “back to life” for a brief time to share their personal stories, achievements, heartbreaks, and, yes, even scandalous pasts.
Meet Father Daniel Downey, the first priest at St. Francis Catholic Church. Despite his reputation as a well-respected clergyman, he was accused of murder and then tried four times. Visit with John Willis McCue, a Virginia Military Institute cadet who ran away from school during the Civil War to join Mosby’s Rangers, the infamous Confederate 43rd Battalion, 1st Virginia Cavalry led by John Singleton Mosby.
Find out how Mary Julia Baldwin, a resourceful educator and future principal of Augusta Female Seminary, became an early leader in the field of higher education for young women. Learn why a Christmas wreath appears each year to adorn the grave of a circus performer who tragically died from a gunshot wound in a scandalous love triangle. And discover why the veiled woman who made daily visits to the cemetery became known by locals as the “Black Widow.” These, and other Thornrose residents will return briefly to offer amazing glimpses into their lives when they still walked among the living.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a grave encounter with the residents of Thornrose Cemetery! This very popular program held twice in 2008, sold out completely. Tickets must be purchased prior to Sept. 18. Tours are limited to 25 per group. See below for ticket/tour information.
Want to go?
Cost: $20 (includes refreshments)
Tour times: Saturday: 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 1 p.m. Sunday: 1:30 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.
For information and tickets, call the ACHS office at 540.248.4151 or visit www.augustacountyhs.org for ticket order form. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time. Indicate desired tour time. Tickets will be mailed to you and are only good for the date and time specified.
Notes: Thornrose Cemetery has steep, hilly terrain. Wear comfortable walking shoes. You may park inside the cemetery, along the drives, but do not block the roads. Tour groups meet at the gatehouse facing West Beverley and Henry Funeral Home. Tours take place rain or shine.
Meet the residents of Thornrose
Edited by Chris Graham. Chris can be reached at freepress2@ntelos.net.
