The Sauk
County Historical Society recently hosted a unique living history tour at Walnut Hill
Cemetery in Baraboo on
Sunday, June 26th.
“Sunday in the Cemetery” allowed guests to experience some of the unique stories
of past Baraboo inhabitants as told by costumed interpreters at eleven grave
sites. From the mausoleum of Henry Ringling to the graves of early pioneers,
the experiences of some of those who have gone before us once again came
to life. Do you remember the Juliar
Theatre in Baraboo? Do you know who it was named for? How many covered bridges
did Sauk County once have and who built them? How
did a bear get into the Cowles’ cabin to eat the pot of beans? The answers to
these questions and many more fascinating stories came to light during the
tour. All new stories were discovered for this year’s tour. This fundraiser for
the Society was sponsored by Thrivent Financial, Johnsen’s Insurance of Baraboo,
the Rago-Baldwin Funeral Home of Baraboo and the Baraboo National Bank. Don’t
miss this unique opportunity to learn about the stories of those who have gone
before us and shaped the world we live in today. Let the past enrich your
present!
Couldn't make it to the Cemetery Tour? The SCHS now has available a DVD of the entire Sunday in the Cemetery tour. Also available is a booklet with the dialogue spoken by the actors, along with photos of the actors, and additional historic information and photos of the events described by the actors. The cost is $8.00 for each. Contact the SCHS to purchase a copy. (608) 356-1001
Some say Mrs. Cowles was not too fond of going into town but
one time she had an axe to grind, and she used it. Mrs. Cowles shared information about her part in an important Baraboo
war.
Do you know what Sauk County crop brought in a gross revenue
of two million dollars in 1867? Farmer Jared Dodd spoke about his life and the seven special structures he built in Sauk County.
Fannie Morley was born just northeast of town in
1859. Her father had built a three story stone building for a cheese factory
just across from our farm on Terrytown Road. After a few years he turned it
into a creamery for making butter. Fannie’s butter won the Sweepstakes Prize at
the 1879 International Dairy Fair in New York City for the best butter made at
any time or place
Andrew Andrews, the village shoemaker, was all business
after his first wife and children died but he loved one holiday more than any
other. To find out which one you’ll have to come to the Sunday in the Cemetery
– Living History Tour. The lives of some of Baraboo’s past inhabitants will
come to life such as at the Andrews family monument where Mr. Andrews will
share about his life and unfortunate death.
John Duckins was born in Kentucky about 1820. His ancestors
came from Madagascar. He was a slave until he escaped and headed north in the
1850s. A group of slaves escaped and wandered over Ohio and Indiana, sometimes
being pursued. Eventually he found work on a steamer on the great lakes. After
a while he saved up some money and found his way to Wisconsin. John bought
forty acres of land near a little village called Mauston. That was in 1856.
After numerous disappointments, he found his way to Baraboo and set up a little
business.
As you can plainly see, John Duckin's tombstone has badly deteriorated since it was erected. The Sauk County Historical Society is attempting to raise funds to replace the stone. If you would like to contribute to the fund, please contact us at (608) 356-1001, or email us at history@saukcountyhistory.org. Inscription: JOHN DUCKINS Born a slave in Kentucky, died in Baraboo, Wis., 1894 Aged 75 years Tho dusky was the garb he wore on earth Up there where we are judged by inner worth God's angels who no line of color know, Will clothe his soul in robes as white as snow.
