by Jeff Clark, Staff Writer
LONG BEACH (GG) — If you listen closely, you can almost hear the stories coming from the Long Beach City Cemetery. To ensure that these stories are passed on to future generations, the Long Beach Historical Society recently conducted walking tours through the cemetery.
“This is something the Historical Society started about 20 years ago,” said society member and former Long Beach Mayor Billy Skellie. “We usually try to do it in October, but we did the tour in September this year because it worked best for everyone’s schedules.”
The walking tour features members of the historical society acting as some of the cemetery’s more influential residents. Drama students from Long Beach High School assisted them. This year’s tour highlighted eight notable Long Beach residents who have made a significant impact on the community.
“I played William W. Klein,” Skellie said. “I had known Mr. Klein all of my life.”
Other memorial tributes on this year’s tour included Josephine Mary Dubuisson, Hattie Aline Doherty, Mary Abarr and Mary Ellen Alexander. David Reeves spoke to attendees about the life of his beloved father and former Long Beach Superintendent Thomas L. “Joe” Reeves.
“It’s essential for us to remember the past and the people who made an impact on Long Beach and helped to shape the town,” Skellie said. “We love having the drama students help with the re-enactments.”
The Long Beach Historical Society meets four times a year. The group’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Oct. 20 at 345 Klondyke Road.
“If anyone wants to join us, they are welcome to attend the meeting on October 20 at our building,” Skellie said. “We love for new people to learn about the important history of Long Beach and the people who helped build our town.”
(Front Photo: Long Beach High School Drana Club student Marley Frazer portrays the late Jospehine Mary Dubuisson during the Long Beach Historical Society’s re-enactments at Long Beach City Cemetery. Photo by Jeff Clark/The Gazebo Gazette. Inside Photo: Former Long Beach Mayor Billy Skellie. Photo submitted by city of Long Beach.)
