by Ezabelle Janssen, Staff Writer
PASS CHRISTIAN (GG) — Under the branches of the ancient oaks, the past of Pass came to life. On November 7th and 8th, the grand gates of the Live Oak Cemetery opened, ready to tell its many stories. The annual Live Oak Cemetery Tours, written and directed by Lori Fisher with assistant director Trevor Fryer, returned in partnership with Trinity Episcopal Church and the Live Oak Cemetery Association. Over two nights and twelve scenes, locals stepped into historic stories that shaped the city of Pass Christian, experiencing history come to life as actors performed among the everlasting headstones and whispering Gulf breeze.
For a few hours, the cemetery became a stage. Pedicoats brushed the grass, hoop skirts swayed, and rich southern accents echoed through the crisp, cold air. Lanterns flickered along the path as guests met those who built, taught, healed, and dreamed quaint Pass Christian into what it is today. All thanks to the colorful cast of personalities and tour guides. Their performances were nothing short of Emmy-worthy.
While waiting for the popular tour, Pass Christian’s LAD Project popped fresh popcorn, the Gulfport Women’s Club and Trendy Treat Company offered goodies, The Lemon Shack was ready to quench your thirst, and Caroline’s Creole Cooking and Taqueria Olvera catered to the famished.
Visitors were welcomed by Dr. Thomas Savage, founding rector of Trinity Episcopal Church, at the carriage gates before tour guides led them down the city’s memory lane. As each scene unfolded, memory, community, and time itself blended into an artistic history lesson. Cousins Rebecca McCutheron and Frances Parke Lewis Butler, joined by Navy nurse Marguerite French, exchanged laughter and warm tea, reminiscing about summers in Pass Christian and the balancing act that is being a woman. Although not known in history books, these women played key roles, never to be diminished.
Is that a gunshot? Moments later, the hush of night broke as the tale of an infamous duel echoed among the oaks, retelling a tragic clash of ego and fate that forever marked the town’s history, revealing why the Cuddy memorial stands.
Further along the path, the Henderson family gathered to discuss dreams for a young city still finding its footing.
As the century turned, visitors found themselves amid the prime time of tourism. The big three representing the Pass Christian Hotel, the Magnolia, and the Mexican Gulf Hotel traded cards and conversation, inviting you to stay, but the question was, where?
The tone drearily shifted upon Dr. Lucien McCall with his anatomical skeleton, who battled yellow fever, formerly known as “yellow jack,” armed with compassion, resilience, and questionable 19th-century remedies. Turning into a surprisingly sardonic scene as he enlightened attendees about how body parts were treated, he quipped, “Eat kidney beans for your kidneys,” sparking reluctant laughter amongst the crowd.
Time for some uplifting. Three devoted educators reflected on their classrooms and the joy of shaping young minds, their humor and honesty a testament to the enduring spirit of local teachers. Amongst them, ready to introduce himself and shake your hand, was J. W. Randolph, whom many are familiar with as they step through the doors of Pass Christian’s Randolph Center for many local events.
The salty sea breeze turned sweet while passing prominent praline baker Jane Northrop and revolutionary lighthouse keeper Claudine Hiern as they shared memories of work and womanhood. However, their story flowed into the haunting mystery of the Koerner family, whose tragedy still stirs local lore.
As the tour continued, guests encountered solemn soldiers from past wars, their voices of bravery and brotherhood echoing through the ages, before meeting socialites Mary Alice and Georgia Ann, who were anticipating the visit of President Woodrow Wilson, which would become a frequent occurrence.
The night concluded with author Caroline Snedecker, who shared her literary legacy, reminding us, if the tour had not already, that storytelling is an art that has the power to keep history alive. By the tour’s end, hundreds had passed through Live Oak’s weathered paths, each leaving with a deeper connection to the stories beneath their feet. The Live Oak Cemetery Tours aren’t simply performances; they are acts of remembrance, blending art and ancestry beneath the oaks.
Until next November, the oaks will keep their stories, waiting patiently for the next audience to listen.
(Photos by Ezabelle Janssen/The Gazebo Gazette)
