Several interesting — and even famous — women of Pottstown were recently portrayed in a living history tour at Edgewood Historic Cemetery, to the delight of 41 visitors who attended during one of three afternoon time slots.
This event, the second such excursion featuring costumed reenactors, was planned by Pottstown resident Kelly Fenstermacher as a fundraiser to help support maintenance expenses for the cemetery, which was abandoned by its caretaker organization in 2012. Fenstermacher was pleased to note that half of the guests of the “Women of Edgewood” tour were newcomers, while the others returned after attending the original and sold-out “Walk to Remember” held last fall.
“It was a pleasure seeing so many enthusiastic participants and sharing the remarkable stories of the women who shaped our community,” Fenstermacher said, adding that the reenactors, guides, and other volunteers “worked tirelessly to bring history to life in an engaging way.”
She is asking participants to fill out and online form providing feedback and suggestions for future events, or email her at [email protected].
Historic headliners included Anna Maria Schoener (1753-1813), portrayed by Stacey Michaud, the Education Director and an acting instructor and dialect coach at Steel River Playhouse. Schoener’s life included three marriages, one of which was to a man hanged for treason for quartering British soldiers during the Revolutionary War. Schoener also owned and managed several businesses.
Katherine Keim Sheppard (1891-1960) was reenacted by Jacqueline Steinman, Administrative Coordinator for Hobart’s Run. As a schoolteacher in the early 1900s, Sheppard had to adhere to a range of restrictions, from wearing a minimum of two petticoats to eschewing visits to ice cream parlors.
Dr. Alice Keim Sheppard (1898-1972), Katherine’s sister and Pottstown’s first woman doctor, was brought to life by Tammy Vontor, Office Manager for Married 2 Electric. Dr. Sheppard delivered more than 2,000 babies, among other achievements that earned a Look magazine feature.
Wayne Fenstermacher and Daniel Price assisted as tour guides and provided historical insights about other prominent Pottstown townspeople buried on Edgewood’s 12 acres.
The Hill School provided costume pieces, as well as chairs for the tourgoers. Post-tour refreshments were prepared by Sodexo, Hill’s dining services supplier.
History buffs and Pottstown trivia enthusiasts — as well as those planning a Halloween-season outing — will want to reserve Saturday, Oct. 19 for the next tour, “The Infamous of Edgewood,” which Fenstermacher and volunteers are now planning. For additional information or to get involved with Edgewood efforts, contact Fenstermacher at 610-506-7033 or [email protected].
Tax-deductible contributions toward the cemetery’s $20,000 mowing season fees are always welcomed. Checks may be made out to Edgewood Historic Cemetery and mailed to 740 East High Street or donations may be made online.
A community cleanup is being planned for Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 AM-2 PM to prepare the grounds for the tour and the winter to come. All are welcome to pitch in for what has proven to be a fun collaboration.
