Significant figures from Buxton’s past came to life Saturday afternoon to teach residents about some of the town’s rich history.
In the town’s first so-called Spirit Walk, members of the Buxton/Hollis Historical Society and the South Buxton Cemetery Association portrayed nine figures from history buried in the South Buxton Cemetery. Many spectators went home with a new-found appreciation for the town, including Buxton resident Greg Bembry.
“A lot of this is just amazing,” he said during the tour. “I didn’t realize that this cemetery was this huge and I didn’t realize Buxton had so many famous people. You live some place for so long and you realize you didn’t know as much about it as you thought.”
The same held true for resident Kimberly Elwell, who was videotaping the event for her mother, who lives in Florida.
“I didn’t know a lot of the history behind Buxton,” she said during a break in the walk. “I’m glad to see so many people who left a profound mark on Buxton and the state are buried here.”
Three tour guides led spectators through the cemetery, making stops at nine designated graves, where members of the Buxton/Hollis Historical Society and the South Buxton Cemetery Association played the roles of spirits of important Buxton historical figures. Historical figures included Capt. John Lane, the Rev. Paul Coffin, Civil War nurse Rebecca Usher, author Kate Douglas Wiggin, artist Gideon Bradbury, James and Olive Andrews Woodman, artist John Brewster Jr., Sarah Eldon and Dr. Arthur G. Wiley.
Each participant playing a role wore a black hood and cape, and spoke in the first person, telling that figure’s story beginning each tale with “I am the spirit of…”
Nearly 300 people took the free tour and donations to both societies raised about $450 to donate to various charities.
“This was an excellent event and we feel it went over well,” said Jan Hill, a member of the historical society and event promoter. “We enjoyed that so many people wanted to participate and that they were able to learn something.”
Not only did spectators learn, but so, too, did tour guides of the walk.
“It’s been nice bringing the past the present together,” said Hollis resident Susan Hitchcox, who was a volunteer tour guide. “I am not a member of either association, but I realize just how rich the area’s past is now.”
Buxton’s past comes to life
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