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HCGS historical actors (from right, back row): Enola Gay Matthews, Paula Altenbaumer, Pat Goggans. (From left, front row) Don Faussett, Rhonda Bechhold, Tom Patchen
Genealogical society will portray city's past key figures
Get ready for history to come to life in 2020 with the Hopkins County Genealogical Society’s annual cemetery walk on Nov. 1 at from 2-4 p.m.
Enthusiastic volunteers of the HCGS will portray much-beloved and long-departed pioneers of Sulphur Springs past as they guide you on a walking tour of City Cemetery.
“Our actors have worked hard on their period costumes and their scripts in order to bring you an accurate representation of the person they are portraying,” said vice-president Rhonda Bechhold. “This is a great opportunity for everyone to get out and enjoy an event that allows for social distancing while actually socializing.”
Citizen actors Ronny Glossup, Enola Gay Matthews, Paula Altenbaumer, Rhonda Bechhold, Don Fausett, Shirley and Tom Patchen and Pat Goggans will enthrall the crowd with musings of a time gone by and the great deeds done by the historical figures they portray.
As Captain William R. Buford, Don Fausett is a confederate general who lived a daring life. Buford Park was named in his honor.
As Daisy Agnes Sellers, Pat Goggans will portray prominent Sulphur Springs businesswoman and owner of the famous Sellers Cafeteria who was known for her quick wit and poppyseed dressing.
As Amanda Cordelia Pate, Enola Gay Matthews plays the loving wife of O. M. Pate, owner of Pate Hardware & Blacksmith Shop. Both were early pioneers of Sulphur Springs, and Ms. Matthews currently lives in the Pate home place.
As Mollie Patrick Lynch, Rhonda Bechhold is the daughter of early Civic booster E. M. Patrick who ran Patrick Grocery Store. She was the mother of Ruth Ashcroft.
As Dr. William Carroll Hurley, Sr., Ronny Glossup portrays noted the phrenologist who traveled throughout the South giving demonstrations and lectures showing how he could diagnose someone with illnesses or personality conditions using the only bumps on their head.
As Elizabeth Hopkins Townes Coffey, Paula Altenbaumer is a descendant of the Hopkins and Townes families. She was the owner of the celebrated Coffey Hotel and matron of several others. Her name is still seen on Main Street today.
As Ruanna Elizabeth Coleman and her husband Mayor Thomas Coleman, Shirley and Thomas Patchen exemplify the early civic leaders. Thomas was a four term Sulphur Springs Mayor. Coleman Lake which bears his name was one of his visionary projects. Elizabeth ran the Coleman House on Davis Street for many years.
Member Pat Goggans describes the walk as “outdoor theater,” and other members concur.
“The history of our city is very important so we can remember those that have come before us,” historical actor and member Shirley Patchen said. “These figures were the foundation of our great city and it’s an honor to be able to portray them.”
To reserve a slot for the walk, call 903-885-8523 or stop in at 611 North Davis Street at the Sulphur Springs Public Library. Cost to attend is a $10 donation.