POTTSTOWN PA – Thanks to the efforts of costumed re-enactors and interpreters, women influencers who shaped Pottstown and its future – and who are now buried in Edgewood Historic Cemetery at 989 E. High St. – will “come alive” in special tours scheduled on May 18 (2024; Saturday).
The earliest (3 p.m.) of three living history tours that introduce the public to Pottstown’s “Women of Edgewood” is already sold out. Openings remain, however, in two more time slots (4 p.m. and 5 p.m.). Tickets are available now online.
The “A Walk To Remember” interpreters are ready to “share fascinating stories about some of Edgewood’s very influential women residents,” organizers said.
This is the second such event created by Kelly Fenstermacher, the local volunteer who has researched and assembled the family-friendly tours. The first presentation, held last fall, was wildly popular. In fact, several of this tour’s interpreters are themselves volunteers who were impressed by the initial experience.
Also, the new tour is enhanced by suggestions offered from those who enjoyed the inaugural presentation in 2023. “It will be shorter than our first program, and we’ll also provide chairs for those attendees who would like to rest a bit during the tour,” Fenstermacher said.
With just two remaining tour groups to choose from, at 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. respectively, tickets will likely go quickly, organizers reported. A rain date of June 1 (Saturday) has also been set, if needed.
Tickets cost $20 each for adults, and $10 for students and children. Each tour is limited to 20 attendees. Light refreshments are included.
the cemetery and preparing for its newest public presentation
Who ticket-holders will “meet”
Women featured on the tour include:
- Anna Maria Schoener (1753-1813), who Fenstermacher described as “a woman of perseverance.” Interpreter Stacey Michaud will reveal the story of Schoener’s three husbands, the first of whom was hanged for treason.
- Guests also will learn about Katherine Keim Sheppard (1891-1960). Portrayed by Jacque Steinman, Shepperd worked as an educator in the early 1900s, a time when teachers were required to abide by a range of surprising restrictions.
- Additionally showcased will be Dr. Alice Keim Sheppard (1898-1972), re-enacted by Tammy Vontor. Dr. Sheppard was Pottstown’s first woman doctor, who was profiled in the then-popular Look Magazine.
Assisting tour guides will be Fenstermacher, Wayne Fenstermacher, and Daniel Price.
For more information call Cathy Skitko at 610-705-1017, or send her an e-mail to cathy@hobartsrunpottstown.org; or call or text Kelly Fenstermacher at 610-506-7033, or send her an e-mail to kelly@historicedgewood.com.
Edgewood’s Adopt-a-Gravestone effort
Cemetery volunteers “also continue to gratefully accept gifts for the “Adopt-a-Gravestone” program,” the group said.
It was created to address headstone toppling and the sinking of many plots. The damages is due to the passage of time, early and less stable burial methods, and a serious, groundhog-related destruction problem. To date, generous donations have helped restore nine cemetery tombstones.
Volunteers are selling unusual and locally produced Edgewood Cemetery merchandise to benefit Adopt-a-Gravestone, as well as the cemetery mowing fund. Items to be sold during the Women of Edgewood tour include three-quarter-length sleeved shirts ($20 each). They feature the Edgewood logo on the front, and on the back a bold image of “Eddie Edgewood,” a hawk who makes his home in the cemetery’s trees.
Eddie Edgewood’s likeness is “beautifully drawn by volunteer and artist Jess Grater,” according to the group. Other “Eddie Edgewood” items include wooden coasters, garden flags, Christmas tree ornaments, and prints.
Individuals interested in buying merchandise should call Skitko at 610-705-1017, or send her an e-mail to cathy@hobartsrunpottstown.org. Those who would like to help with Adopt-a-Gravestone should call or text Fenstermacher at 610-506-7033; or use the program’s online donation page.
Photos provided to Travels With The Post by Edgewood Historic Cemetery
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