After a two-year pause, City of the Dead will be back hosting its popular historical cemetery tour at Evergreen Cemetery. Now in its 13th year, the tour was begun in 2009 by the Harbor Unitarian Universalist as a way to preserve and commemorate Muskegon’s vibrant history has become a cherished seasonal tradition.
The tour is a living history lesson, is made all the more believable and understandable by the reenactors dressed in period attire, who personal stories and anecdotes about their lives as well as giving accurate historical details, all while staying in character throughout the tour. This has the effect of bringing these “spirits” to life in a charming yet respectful manner. Paranormal Muskegon met up with some of the cast at the serene Evergreen cemetery to talk about this favorite Muskegon tradition. We spoke with reenactors; Jackie Engel, Carolyn Holmes, Tim Hamlin, Melissa Lymen. Dressed in period clothing and telling us their stories as the historical figures they portray, it is easy to feel like you have stepped back in time to Muskegon’s bygone era.
While the name might conjure up images of apparitions and ghouls wandering the streets of the city; it is anything but frightening. In fact, besides being family-friendly and entertaining; it’s also educational and inspirational. City of the Dead gives an in-depth look at the lives of Muskegon’s citizens living a hundred or so years ago; from prominent folks like lumber baron, Charles Hackley and Newcomb McGraft, to ordinary citizens. The lives of the more colorful residents are told; like Jennie Morgan of the ill-famed Canterbury house. The tours have received positive response from tour-goers; who are impressed after learning more about Muskegon’s history.
Be sure to check out the City of the Dead Cemetery Tour at Evergreen Cemetery, Saturday, October 8 from 5-8 p.m. and Sunday, October 9, from 2-4 p.m. Evergreen Cemetery is located at 391 Irwin, Muskegon, Michigan. Even if you’ve lived in Muskegon your whole life, it’s a wonderful way to learn about Muskegon’s history! Tickets are $5.00 and can be at the gate.
Have a paranormal story you would like to share? Contact Marie Cisneros at https://www.facebook.com/paranormalmuskegon/
Want to read about some of Muskegon’s ghosts? Check out: Haunted Muskegon by Marie Helena Cisneros | The History Press Books (arcadiapublishing.com)
