Each trolley had a full passenger load for the Cemetery Tours.

On Sunday, October 17, as part of the Cuba Fest activities, Viva Cuba presented its second annual Kinder Cemetery Tour “Echoes from the Past.”  Area volunteers dressed in period costume and assumed the role of some of Cuba’s distinguished citizens from times past.  The event was both entertaining and informative as these citizens told their stories.

Viva Cuba’s 1904-style trolley took tourers from the Cuba Fest area over the streets of Cuba to Kinder Cemetery on the west edge of town. Some historical homes were noted along the way. All the citizens portrayed on the tour were buried in Kinder. While the characters gave a dramatic rendition of their citizen, the roles were historically accurate.

The figures walked from their graves to meet the trolley to tell their story

As Longfellow said in his poem: Lives of great men all remind us.. We can make our lives sublime and ; and departing leaves us…Footprints on the sands of time.

The historical figures and cast

Lightening Rod Smith, a salesman of lightening rods and civic figure, played by Gary McGrath

James and LIzzie Green, prominent citizens, roles assumed by Larry and Margie Dearing

Marie Marr, an artistic citizen, portrayed by Martina Eidson

Lulu “Bob” Kinder’s, daughter of an early family, part narrated by Barb Stogsdill

Eunice Jane Jamison Wilson, from one of the founding families of Cuba, was acted by Patty Campbell

Napoleon Fowler, steamboat captain and soldier in Havana, Cuba, was brought to life by Gary Durbin.

Alexander Glassey , an early settler and horse trader,was musically rendered by the talented Dan Calkins.

Audrey Ove, an early musical talent of Cuba, was charmingly enacted by young Hillary Temple.

Marie Marr

Audrey Ove and Marie Marr-just a couple of free spirits out for a stroll.

Alexander Glassey

The trolley is a perfect vehicle for the tour.

Lightening Rod

Lightening Rod Smith

Lightening Rod Smith

Eunice Jane Jamison Wilson

Kids learning their history...

Napoleon Fowler

Young tourers with Napoleon Fowler

The Greens

The Greens

Lulu was dubbed Bob by her father.

The tourers enjoyed the presentations.

Eunice Jane Jamison Wilson

Audrey Ove

It was a beautiful day for a trolley ride...