Take a tour back in time to meet the fascinating “ghosts” of early Montgomery settlers and other cemetery residents during the Montgomery Historic Preservation Commission’s Annual Cemetery Walk, which will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 7pm, at the Riverside Cemetery in Montgomery (414 N. River Street).
This event, geared towards all ages, is not a traditional scary cemetery walk but rather a fun glimpse into the past with authentic characters portraying historical figures of Montgomery. Each year the Historic Preservation Commission works to highlight new stories and icons of the community.
This year’s event will highlight a dispatcher on the Burlington Railroad, a woman who lived in Montgomery in the early 1900s, a Kendall County pioneer, and one of Montgomery’s first police officers, each of whom have unique stories to tell.
Visitors are welcome to arrive any time between 7pm and 8pm. Tours begin at the corner of River and Taylor Streets on the southeast side of the cemetery about every 10 minutes. Parking is available along River Street near Montgomery Park. Visitors should bring a flashlight and wear sturdy shoes. Also, old Montgomery street signs will sell for $10 each at the event. Dieterle Memorial Home, which owns and maintains Riverside Cemetary, will provide complimentary refreshments at the event.
Montgomery’s Historic Preservation Commission, a volunteer-led organization committed to preserving the history of the Village, organizes the Cemetery Walk. There is no charge for this event. In the event of rain, the Cemetery Walk will occur on Thursday, October 5, at the same time and location.
The committee is still seeking volunteers to serve as guides to escort the groups through the cemetery. To volunteer or for additional information, contact the Historic Preservation Commission at hpc@ci.montgomery.il.us. Event details are available online at montgomeryil.org and on the Village of Montgomery’s Facebook page.
