North Adams, MA - Local historian Paul W. Marino has announced the next in his series of local history walk for 2009, a walking tour of Hill Side Cemetery. The cemetery walk will be held on Saturday, September 5 at 2:30 pm. It will cover the north section only.
At 211 years old, Hill Side is North Adams’ oldest municipal cemetery and the permanent residence of many of the city’s earliest movers and shakers. These include the personal friend of two U.S. Presidents, a world-famous archaeologist, the only local woman to have a school named for her, and the very first local educator to have a school named for him. There is also an industrialist who lent his name to a school, a bivouac, and a troop of Civil War soldiers, as well as an eye-witness to President Lincoln’s delivery of the Gettysburg Address, an attorney who invented a railroad braking system, and a blacksmith who died a hero’s death during the construction of the Hoosac Tunnel. Hill Side Cemetery is also home to some stunning examples of the stone carver’s art, including several statues, the John Henry Haynes monument--most likely the only one of its kind in the world--and the breath-taking Isbell monument.
Whether your taste is local history or fine stonework, the Hill Side Cemetery Walk is sure to please. Marino conducts his Walks with a fine sense of showmanship, a sense of humor and an eye toward historic accuracy. This particular walk was designed with children in mind and ends with a treasure hunt; Marino especially encourages people to bring children on it. “Local history,” he says. “Is the story of where we come from as a community, and it’s very important for children to hear it. Local history is interesting for adults, but it’s essential for children.”
The Hill Side Cemetery Walk starts at 2:30 pm at the top of the hill off Brown Street. Interested persons are advised to dress for the weather, wear sun block, a good pair of walking shoes and a hat with a wide brim. They should bring children, carry a canteen or bottle of water and be prepared to have their ears talked off. Rain or high wind cancels. For information, Marino can be reached at 413-207-1344.
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