There are many interesting facts you can find out while walking through a cemetary. Courtesy photo.
LANSING, MI — About 125 people touring Mt. Hope Cemetery last Sunday heard voices from Lansing’s past come to life during the annual fall walking tour, “Lansing Legendaries,” conducted by the Friends of Lansing’s Historic Cemeteries.
Attendees heard from Friends presenters and from descendants of some of Lansing’s original leaders and legendary families.
Following the row along the “high rent” district of the city cemetery, they learned about the lives, loves and losses of R. E. Olds, J. Gottlieb Reutter, Henry R. Pattengill, L. S. Hudson, Frank L. Dodge, J. W Knapp, Edward W. Sparrow, James W. Potter, Orlando M. Barnes, George W. Ranney, Louis M. Kositchek and brothers, and William K. Prudden.
R. E. Old’s great-granddaughter, Diane Tarpoff, shared family lore and told tidbits about her ancestors. So did Lille Foster, descendent of several prominent Lansing families (Pattengill, Dodge, Foster, Arbaugh and others), as did David Kositchek (along with his 90- year-old mother).
R. E. Olds’s home ironically was demolished to make way for a freeway necessitated by the very automobiles he introduced to the world. O.M. Barnes’s illustrious and extravagant mansion was reduced to rubble by the Parks and Recreation Department of Lansing to make a parking lot. Many of these original stalwart families intermingled over the years, either in business, in marriage, or in both. Sparrow was an original investor in Olds. Ranney’s wife was a Sparrow. Barnes and Dodge both were involved in railroad ventures. Ranney was the recipient of two Medals of Honor. Several of the men ran for or served as mayors, ran for governor, served as legislators, formed banks, sat on charitable boards, etc. Reutter was an honorary pallbearer at Dodge’s funeral. Potterville was founded by Potter’s father; Barnes founded what he first called “Barnes” and later called “Gaylord.” Barnes was once one of the richest men in the country, but died $200,000 in debt.
Sharing in giving voice to these leaders from Lansing’s past, Lansing Area Storyteller Jennifer Otto told her original story, “The Bringer of Voices”.
Also on hand as resource persons were representatives from Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society, Lansing Area African American Genealogical Society, and the Ingham County Historical Commission.
Following the tour attendees enjoyed a picnic in the “basin” area of Mt. Hope Cemetery, a sunken section being developed as a memorial garden. This area originally served as a place to pasture horses during funerals or family grave site visits. Families often came on a Sunday to tend the graves and have a picnic whilst “visiting” with their departed loved ones. Our first parks were actually the cemeteries.
The Friends have issued their first calendar, featuring full color photos taken in the city cemeteries. Funds raised will go toward restoring the arch that used to be over the west entrance to North Cemetery or toward uprighting fallen monuments in Mt. Hope Cemetery. Calendars are $18 and may be ordered by calling 517-648-5730.
The Friends group exists to “promote, protect and prosper” Lansing’s three city-owned cemeteries – Evergreen, Mt. Hope, and North. They meet monthly on the first Thursday at the Foster Community Center in room 109 at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are open to the public.
For more information, contact Loretta S. Stanaway, Friends president, at 517-648-5730.
This was printed in the October 9, 2011 – October 22, 2011 Edition.
