Published: October 07, 2008 09:39 am      

Annual tour focuses on last requests

WEATHERFORD — Lovers of history, graveyards and great stories should mark their calendars now for the fifth annual Tombstones Tour at Old City Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford.

The event, sponsored by the Parker County Heritage Society, focuses on families who have impacted the rich heritage of this community with the theme, “Being of Sound Mind.”

The cemetery, located at 300 Front St., has so many of the city’s notables with the tour giving “a living glimpse into Weatherford’s past,” said Jonelle Bartoli, tour chair.

The important points in each featured person’s life are highlighted by a period-costumed speaker along with the bequests stated in their wills.

The event is from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, with groups beginning every 15 minutes. 

Featured persons for this year’s tour:

n Douglas Chandor — English portraitist, creator of “White Shadows” garden.

n Ina Kuteman Chandor — Local Weatherford girl and helpmate of Douglas.

n Charley Vandagriff — Fireman, victim of the 1918 Influenza Epidemic.

n Dr. Charles Otterbein — Belgian dentist, director of the Franco-Texan Land Company.

n Captain Hiriam Swain — former seaman, owner of the Crystal Palace Flour Mill, buried in a European-designed mausoleum.

n Reverend Charles Ritter — born in Prussia, owned the Ritter Church House.

n Thomas Street Levy — an architect who attempted to “design” his family’s future from the grave.

n Lewis W. Christian — a general goods businessman, president of the first Weatherford Board of Trade.

n J. R. Couts — a rancher, entrepreneur and a banker who attempted to keep his family “in the money” by encouraging them to work in his bank. Instead, the family spent more than 20 years suing and suing and suing.

n Thomas C. Snailum — a rancher, owner of the St. Charles Hotel (downtown Weatherford). He took one step too many and it cost him his life.

n Oliver Loving — Creator of the Goodnight-Loving Cattle Trail. His last trip to Weatherford was over 600 miles, and he traveled with coal and ash.

The trip back into time lasts about an hour and 15 minutes and is not recommended for children under 5, strollers or those who need assistance walking. No on-site restroom is available.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 5 to 9 years old. Advance tickets are available at the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce, 401 Fort Worth Highway and the Doss Heritage and Culture Center, 1400 Texas Drive, both in Weatherford. Tickets are also available the day of the tour at the cemetery.

Tour proceeds benefit the Parker County Heritage Society.