History stroll

Bill Robinson
Associated Press

July 07, 2008 08:05 am

— Madison County’s colorful history will come alive for each of the remaining Thursday evenings of July as downtown Richmond stages a “Stroll through the Past.”
Two historical figures, Daniel Boone and Cassius Clay, and musical entertainment have been added to the walking tour that includes the 1900 confrontation in which one newspaper editor fatally wounded another.
“For the third year, spectators can witness Richmond’s exceptional history as costumed guides lead them through downtown,” said Philip Seyfrit, Madison County historic properties director.
The free tours are co-sponsored by the county’s new historic property’s division and Richmond’s Downtown Association. All of the re-enactors are volunteers.
Visitors should gather at the Hall of Justice parking lot on the corner of West Main and Church streets prior to 7 p.m.
“The leisurely walk will last about an hour, but it will take people from the pioneer days to the 1920s,” said Rita Smart, coordinator of Richmond’s Main Street Program.
Women’s rights activist and social reformer Belle Bennett and the Rev. Madison Campbell, pastor of First Baptist Church, Francis Street; a Civil War soldier and the teenage girls abducted from Fort Boonesborough by American Indians will be portrayed, as well as Clay and Boone.
A group of barbershop singers organized by downtown merchant David Jett will perform each evening.
“I wouldn’t call this group a quartet, because we should have more than four singers each evening,” Jett said. “We’ll probably be singing for most of the hour, not just with the tour passes by.”
Most of the men are members of downtown church choirs or the Richmond Area Arts Council’s community chorus, he said.
Daniel Boone will be portrayed by Garrett Logan of Berea, a descendant of Boone, and former history teacher David Jones will portray Clay.
Historian and retired attorney Bob Moody and Richmond Manager David Evans will reprise their portrayals of Richmond Register editor French Tipton and Richmond Climax editor Clarence Woods.
H.C. Kenny again will portray Madison Campbell.
Seyfrit also will be back to portray a Confederate soldier for two weeks and a Union soldier the other two weeks, as he tells about the Civil War Battle of Richmond.
Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.