Veterans of the United States Armed Forces usually are commemorated in the community by fundraisers, parades, and similar events.
The Hammond Historical Society chose an additional way to honor Civil War veterans at their recent, 19th annual Cemetery Tour. Nineteen grave sites of local soldiers buried at Oak Hill Cemetery were highlighted during the fundraiser.
“People don’t realize what these veterans did for … they led the way,” said volunteer Karen Kruse of Hammond, as she greeted visitors at the cemetery gate. “An event like today highlights that, as it brings the public together.”
The cemetery tour, which covers a different theme each year, usually draws hundreds of visitors, and this year was no exception.
Childhood friends Linda Bonner of Oak Park, Ill., and Sharon Flora of Hammond were among the first to arrive.
It was Flora’s birthday and the tour event was on the day’s celebratory agenda.
“We decided no presents this year,” she said, with a laugh. “Instead, we wanted to have a fun experience together.”
That they did, as they perused the map that would lead them to the grave sites of the Civil War veterans.
Hammond History Room director Amanda Aguilera led one of the first groups.
“As we hear the stories of these men, we realize they are people from another time, another day, another culture,” she said. “By remembering them today, we are honoring their contribution.”
As the groups left each grave site, narrators asked if there were any remaining questions.
“I haven’t had any questions so far, they are doing an excellent job with these talks,” said Lana King of Hammond. “But it’s nice to know we can ask; you don’t always get that.”
Shirley Parsons of Highland has been attending the cemetery tours since they first began almost two decades ago.
“There’s always valuable information we learn during this event,” she said. “And it’s a chance for the community to get involved.”
As Hammond reference librarian Mary Schons led her groups to several of the headstones, she answered questions and imparted some history tidbits of the cemetery itself.
Schons said that it seems that Oak Hill — one of the oldest cemeteries in the area — at one time housed two separate burial grounds. One area was owned by a local Catholic Church and the other area was public.
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The story goes, Schons said, that the priest of that Catholic Church didn’t like what was going on in a tavern located near the cemetery and didn’t want his deceased members near it. So, he upped and moved them all to a new location, Schons said.
The last stop on the tour was by a massive monument on a hill that shadowed the many graves of the Schrage family.
Volunteer Tony Arduino, dressed in early century garb, stood over the grave of Henry Schrage, who served in the Civil War.
“He enlisted in the 1863, as a Private in Company K 30th Illinois Infantry,” Arduino said, “Henry owned the Bank of Whiting, as well as serving as first postmaster.”
As the tour wrapped up, many visitors commented that it had been an enlightening experience. Schons was glad to hear that.
“It’s important to recognize and understand our history,” she added. “That helps us to better appreciate and manage the future.”
The Hammond Historical Society offers many programs throughout the year.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.