Spirit walk shares stories of notable women in Glenwood Cemetery

Carlotta Rutledge tells the story of Ekatrina-Pushkin to 66 members of the Women at Noon group.

Interesting stories of 10 notable women of yesteryear unfolded at Glenwood Cemetery in Picton on Wednesday as 66 members of the County’s Women At Noon group took a spirit walk through the graveyard.

“There are women here who have done interesting and outstanding things in the world – many at a time when home and family were meant to be a focus of womens’ time and concerns,” said Cheryl Douglas, Women at Noon chairman, who along with member Wendy Matthews, assisted Maggie Haylock Capon to organize the event.

“We had an idea and decided to approach Maggie and Al Capon for their help as they are very well versed in local history as columnists and authors, jointly and individually. Maggie had a much better idea than ours and noted that it would be most appropriate for us to focus on notable women at Glenwood.”

Gary Foster, president of Campbell Monuments, was the walk’s narrator. He performed in the role of Thomas Bog, a leading citizen of the town and a veteran of of the Fenian Raids.  Terry Sprague, also helped guide the tour, as artist William Windeat, known as Picton’s eccentric old man.

The stories were enhanced with songs by vocalists Julian Gallo (Wally Williamson), Don Roberts, Lenni Stewart, Lorain Sine (vocalist/guitarist), and Carlotta Rutledge.

Libbie Smellie told the story of Carrie Cross Carter, columnist (Jottings From My Scrapbook) and local historian who attended Picton’s centennial ball at Castle Villeneuve as Queen Victoria.

Sandra Foreman told the story of Mabel Foster, a first World War army nurse.

Julian Gallo (Wally Williamson) sang ‘Danny Boy’.

Carlotta Rutledge was Ekaterina Pushkin, widow of Alexander Pushkin, great nephew of famed Russian poet Alexander Pushkin.

Lenni Stewart (Helen Woods) delighted her audience with the story of Anne Merrill, a first World War correspondent and freelance journalist and poetess. Anne was the daughter of Judge Edwards Merrill. She also sang with Julian Gallo (Wally Williamson).

Helen Merrill, sister of Anne, daughter of Edwards Merrill, was portrayed by Judith Zelmanovits. Helen was an avid naturalist, archivist, and poetess. Vocalist Loraine Sine in the background.

Cecelia Folkard was winner of the Dow Award for Heroism and a was a progressive woman of her day. She saved the lives of three men trapped in a burning car. Her story was told by Sandra Latchford.

Elizabeth Crombie was Jeanne Minhinnick, recipient of the Order of Canada and well-known historic furnishings consultant.

The story of Letitia Youmans – internationally known Temperance pioneer and foe of demon rum, was told by Mary Martin, of Campbell Monument. Vocalist Don Roberts delighted the crowd with his humour and song.

Cora Colden, an early Glenwood superintendent and Canada’s first female cemeterian was portrayed by Patricia Sullivan of Campbell Monument.

  The story of Lillian Boulter, daughter of Wellington Boulter and a forward-thinking woman of her day, was told by Birgit Langwisch, shown here with Gary Foster, narrating as Thomas Bog.

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Discover Prince Edward County’s rich past as you journey back in time on any of the following historic walking tours:

Glenwood, A Victorian Cemetery – Self-guided tour at 47 Ferguson St., Picton or book a guided tour for your group by calling the Glenwood office 613-476-3511
Glenwood is a spectacular Victorian Cemetery, set on 62 acres in the heart of Picton. Opening in 1883, it is still one of the most serene places to take a stroll in Prince Edward County. The walking tour commences in the elegant stone chapel and gracefully winds through Glenwood’s network of roads and footpaths.  Along the way you will discover monuments of some of the County’s and indeed Canada’s most notable citizens.