HOLLY POND — Dressed in a bonnet and a Victorian style dress, Betty Haynes took a stroll through the Holly Pond Cemetery Tuesday afternoon.
While at her grandmother's grave, she told the stories of Martha Ellen Kelly Shaw, or Maw Shaw as Haynes called her, and her deep roots to the Holly Pond community.
Though it’s still several days away, Haynes was making sure she's prepared for this weekend's Cemetery Walk.
"I consider it a privilege and honor to be able to take part in it," Haynes said.
The event will be held from 7- 9 p.m. Saturday as part of the town's Centennial Celebration. Historical Society members will be dressed in period costumes and stationed at various locations in the cemetery to provide stories and give history related to the families at the various graves.
In addition to Haynes, six others will be participating in the event. Brenda Scott, organizer for the walk, will be telling the story of Myrilzia Whatley Haynes. Others participating include Eloise Stevens, portraying Mary Melissa Stisher, Mike Wisener, portraying Stephen Putnam Daniel, Dr. Billy Watts, portraying Dr. Hence Watts, Maggie Smith, portraying Maggie Gorham Dodson, and Carolyn Bryan, portraying Maude Davis Johnson.
According to Scott, an event similar to this nature has been in the talks for roughly 15 years.
"It' something that we've been talking about doing for a while, but just never could find the appropriate time to do it," Scott said. "And with the Centennial Celebration going on, we just thought this was the perfect opportunity to do it."
Due to a limited amount of space, Scott said those planning to participate should meet at the Lions Club Park, where they will be bussed to the cemetery for the guided tours.
She added there is no charge to participate.
%Ashley Graves can be reached by phone at 734-2131, ext. 225, or by email at agraves@cullmantimes.com.
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