by Becky Orfila & Lori Fisher
Under the growing darkness of early evening, small torchères and luminaries line the pathways of Live Oak Cemetery as 120+ students from Pass Christian’s Middle and High School make ready for the annual Live Oak Cemetery Tour. This festive, informative event is full of music, laughter, applause, and history!
Live Oak’s stately oaks stand near the graves of dignitaries, Pass Christian natives, and other key personalities who were responsible for placing the small city of Pass Christian on the map as a place to visit, socialize, or simply enjoy a restful respite.
Organized and directed by Lori Fisher, Live Oak Cemetery will “come alive” on November 8 and 9, 2019. Visitors will be warmly welcomed through the carriage gate by Senator John Henderson and the good widow, Julia de la Brosse. Then, well-informed Tour Guides will lead their guests through several historic scenes.
Guests will experience a chance encounter with respected school teachers of the 1800’s followed by a visit with golfer Alexander Cunningham and famed author of teen novels, Caroline Snedecker. Tour visitors will witness seventeen historic scenes brought to life by the talented students of Pass Christian.
A second-line jazz funeral procession celebrates and honors Captain John Handy, a Pass Christian native and famed saxophone player. The next stop is a lively visit to the Pass Christian Hotel hosted by the animated manager, Robert Montgomery. Visitors will also witness a moving military scene honoring all who have served our country and join in the search for the missing Hattie Koerner, daughter of the ill-fated Pass Christian lighthouse keepers.
Near the end of the Tour, the famous Cuddy-Estlin duel will be presented. The actual location of the duel was under the “dueling trees” just a few hundred yards east of the Cuddy memorial.
The Live Oak Cemetery Tours will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with Tours running every eight-ten minutes. Tours last approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. The last Tour will begin at 7:30p.m. Admission is free-donations are welcome. Trinity Episcopal Church will be serving refreshments for Tour visitors.
Copies of Under the Live Oaks – a history of Live Oak Cemetery; will be available for purchase.
