History
of Huntington to be Celebrated
Spring
Hill Cemetery, proudly owned and operated by the Greater Huntington Park and
Recreation District, is celebrating its 130th Anniversary in
September. As Huntington prepares for prosperity in the 21st
Century – let’s take a look back into where we came from and who helped make
us into the beautiful city we enjoy today. Many of the firsts and founders
of Huntington’s city government and businesses are buried at Spring Hill,
and it is time to tell some of their stories. We have several events
planned to showcase our history – and we invite you to visit the cemetery to
find out how it all began….
Here
are the events planned for this significant anniversary:
Amateur Photo Contest
Photos are due at the Spring Hill Cemetery office on Sept 20. There are
three categories: Natural Beauty, Historic Significance and Memorial
Tribute, and two divisions: Black/White, and Color. A total of six awards
will be given. Photos must be taken at one of the Park District’s
cemeteries: Spring Hill, Highland, or Guyandotte. Awards will be announced
and presented at 2pm on Sept 25, at the Spring Hill celebration. Contact the
cemetery at 696-5516 for complete details.
Twilight Walking Tour
Spring Hill Cemetery, Sept 9, 7pm. The walk will take approximately 1
hour. Visitors will hear some of the stories of the founders of Huntington
and first settlers to the area. See and learn about the Victorian era
tombstone symbols. (school and other groups are welcome to call and have
special times arranged especially for them)
Celebration Day
September 25 at Spring
Hill Cemetery.
Several events are planned
for today – beginning with a
5K Run and Fun Walk
at 8am. The entry fee is $12 before Sept 17, $15 after. First 100 entries
get a commemorative t-shirt. Awards to first and second place male and
female runners in 13 age categories as well as the overall male and female
runners. Participant ribbons to all walkers. Contact the cemetery for
entry forms, 696-5516.
Right
after the race festivities end we will tell
Civil War Soldiers Stories,
10am. With both sides
of the War Between the States well represented at Spring Hill, we want to
tell you, through their own letters and diaries, what it was like as a
soldier in the 1860’s. Some of the similarities to today may surprise you.
Founders and Firsts
Walking Tour
11am Approximately one hour long, you’ll hear some of the
stories of Huntington’s original residents.
Classic Music
Twice during the
celebration you’ll enjoy music from some of Marshall’s student musicians. At
11:30 a string quartet will play, and at 1:30 a jazz ensemble. If you are
thinking you would enjoy a nice place to walk on a beautiful West Virginia
fall day – these are the times you should be at Spring Hill!
Tombstone Rubbings
At 12:30 there will be a demonstration and hands-on instruction on how to do
rubbings without damaging the stone. Find out more about symbolism found on
tombstones. Materials and hand outs about how to do your own rubbings will
be provided.
Businesses – be a part of this distinctive celebration honoring Huntington’s
historic heritage. Sponsors/advertisers are needed for this event. For
information about the photo contest, anniversary event and sponsorship,
please contact Susann Venters at 696-5516. |
