Will Delano was involved in the Cuba apple industry in the late 1800s.
On Sunday, October 19 form 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm, Viva Cuba once again stages its popular Cemetery Tour: Tales from the Past. A vintage-style trolley will pick up tourers outside the Catholic Church in the Recklein Commons area. The tours are free although donations are accepted.
The Cuba Fest Trolley is a colorful part of the event.
Tourers will ride to the Kinder Cemetery, on the west edge of town, where costumed characters from Cuba’s past will board the trolley to tell of what it was like “back in the day” and provide details from their own lives in a heartfelt and sometimes humorous way. This year historical figure Will Delano conducts the trolley tour and relates details from his life and points out a few of Cuba’s historical homes on the way to Kinder. Delano took part in the California Gold Rush and did a bit of wandering before reaching Cuba, so his experiences are wide-ranging.
One character who will board the trolley at Kinder Cemetery is Charles Isadore Neron, who fought in the French Revolution. Through a series of events he ended up homesteading in the Prairie Valley creek bottom outside of Cuba. He tells of his exploits and those of his children and grandchildren, one who didn’t marry until the age of 83!
Dr. Solomon Horine’s tombstone is one of the oldest in Kinder Cemetery.
Dr. Solomon Horine, besides being a trained dentist and a farmer, also organized the Wild Rose School. Later, his family settled a couple of miles north of Steelville, and he set up a dentist office although he often had to travel on horseback or by buggy to see people who needed his services. He sometimes stayed over night in his clients’ homes, which brought about some interesting experiences. He served the people of Crawford County for many years.
Amanda Jamison was the postmaster’s wife at the post office that was named for her west of where Cuba is now located although there was no town named Cuba then. When Mr. Jamison and others heard that the train was going to come through the area, they planned a town to be located along the rails. Although Jamison tried to get the town named Amanda, it didn’t roll, and Amanda sets us straight on that injustice!
Two more characters Reverand Jacob Newton Manes and his daughter Rose Caldonia board the train to deal with the sinners aboard. Manes was a Baptist circuit rider, and he preaches against sin while engaged in a running commentary with his daughter Rose who sometimes accompanied him as he ministered to his flock. A little hymn singing is in order here.
Two sisters Helen and Ursula Gunn worked the switchboard at Cuba’s telephone exchange. Their high-necked, long-sleeved blouses and long skirts were signature outfits for the two. Talk about knowing the heart of the town, they knew that and a “little more.” With humor and heart the sisters tell of their days on the exchange.
The Cemetery Tour is part of the 2-day Route 66 Cuba Fest that is jam packed with family fun, a 5K Mural City race, music, crafts, mural tours on the Saturday trolley, a chili cook-off on Saturday, apple butter making, food vendors, a spirits tent, and more. This year The Route 66 Road Crew band will set your toes a tapping at Belmont Winery & Bistro starting Saturday at 5:00 pm. Bob’s Gasoline Alley will also be open during select hours: The updated hours at Bob’s Gasoline Alley during Cuba Fest will be Saturday noon-4:00 pm and Sunday noon-3:00 pm. The fee is $3.00. If you have never seen it, don’t miss this unique venue.
View Route 66 Cuba Fest’s Facebook page for more photos and details.
Join us for a good time in Cuba, MO “Route 66 Mural City.”
Check some of the details of the 2014 Route 66 Cuba Fest.
A simple layout for Route 66 Cuba Fest 2014
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