By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
Last week, Cazenovia Preservation Foundation (CPF) presented its sixth annual “Walk Among the Spirits.”
During the event — which ran for three nights, Oct. 24 to 26 — guests were guided by candlelight through the headstones of the historic Evergreen Cemetery, where they encountered seven “spirits” who shared their life stories and knowledge of Cazenovia’s past.
“Tidbits of Cazenovia history are seen and heard every day by those who live in, pass through and visit the community,” said Judy Gianforte, CPF’s conservation manager. “The Lincklaen House, the railroad depot, the streets named after early settlers provide the background to village views and life. The Walk Among the Spirits offers a first-person approach to explore this history in a fun, feel-safe social event with new stories each year.”
This year, guests were introduced to the spirits of six Cazenovians born in the 1800s and one born in 1787.
The cemetery was “haunted” by a circus performer (Jim Fitch); a miller and entrepreneur (Artemas Sims); an activist (Grace Wilson); a spiritualist (Catherine Ten Eyck Burr Ledyard); a well-respected physician (Dr. J.K. Chamberlayne); an inventor (James Arthur Loyster); and a faithful benefactor of the Methodist Church (Philena Darling).
Volunteer actors Cindy Bell Tobey, Jim Tobey, Matt Dydo, Renée Joseph, John Melvin, Pat Carmeli, Matt Volz, Elisha Davies and Carlos Gavilondo portrayed the spirits.
“I jumped at the chance to be a ghost last year when another spirit backed out,” Carmeli said. “It was my chance to satisfy my inner actress. I also do it because it’s such a neat concept. We’ve had so many interesting people who have come and gone in this town, and it’s nice to become acquainted with them, and to learn some history as well. And it’s creepy. What fun!”
Each year, CPF collaborates with the Cazenovia Public Library and Madison County Historian Matthew Urtz to research the town’s early residents and to identify those best suited to haunt the cemetery.
“I help the actors and the actress with researching their spirits by finding the biographical information in the library archives and our online resources,” said Cazenovia Public Library Archivist Elisha Davies. “I love this event because, not only is it entertaining, but it also educates the community about our history. Evergreen is such a beautiful place and this event celebrates not only the cemetery, but also the interred people who helped shape Cazenovia’s history.”
The 2019 event was sponsored by local businesses such as The Brewster Inn, Cazenovia Equipment Company, Lillie Bean, Michael Brown Funeral Services, The Pewter Spoon, Tops Friendly Markets and Wegmans.
Also critical to the success of the event were the Village of Cazenovia, volunteer group leaders and followers, parking attendants and set designers.
A Senior Night/Open Dress Rehearsal was held on Friday, Oct. 18 in the Cazenovia Public Library Community Room.
Presented for the first time this year, the dress rehearsal provided seniors with the opportunity to experience the event without having to walk on the cemetery’s uneven ground. It also gave the spirits the chance to practice their lines, hear each other’s stories, and plan for timing.
CPF is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that works to protect the historical, agricultural and natural resources in and around Cazenovia for the benefit of the community and the enjoyment of future generations.
The organization protects nearly 2,700 acres of farmland and scenic landscapes through conservation easements, and owns over 400 acres of open space with 13 miles of public recreation trails.
CPF also holds seven historic structure easements that help maintain the character of the historic village center.
In 2018, CPF was awarded accreditation from the Land Trust Alliance signifying that the organization demonstrates fiscal accountability, organizational leadership, sound transaction practices and diligent stewardship of the lands it conserves.
The organization is led by a volunteer board of directors, made up of community members who donate their time and expertise to further CPF’s mission.
According to the CPF website, nearly 60 percent of the organization’s funding comes from the community.
“The Walk Among the Spirits is primarily an outreach and education event for CPF,” said Jennifer Wong, CPF’s director of outreach & communications. “Proceeds from the event will go into the general operating fund to support CPF’s ongoing work related to the stewardship of its protected properties, the acquisition of new conservation opportunities, and preparation for additional educational programs that connect members of the community to the natural environment and the history of Cazenovia.”
To learn more about CPF or to donate, visit cazpreservation.org.
