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A walk into Walworth's past

Photo

Photo by Terry Mayer

Take a look into the past on a cemetery walk and visitation Aug. 25 at the Walworth Center Cemetery.

A couple of 1800’s grave markers in the Walworth Center Cemetery will help illustrate the history of the village of Walworth. A cemetery walk is part of the village’s 175th anniversary celebration Saturday, Aug. 25. Photo by Terry Mayer.

WALWORTH — In 1838, Walworth County became one of the first five counties in the state. The county was divided and the town of Walworth became official in 1839.

This history and more will be part of a Cemetery Walk Sat., Aug. 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Walworth Center Cemetery, located just south of Wisconsin Highway 67 in Walworth.

With a population of 347, the village of Walworth was incorporated in 1901, and William Higbee became the first president. The village’s population would soon increase after the construction of the Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul Railroad from Chicago. Walworth was on the way to becoming a hamlet that was the destination for businessmen, tourists and those in search of a home in “The Friendly Village on the Square.”

Local residents will talk about their ancestors or old Walworth families: Bruce Thompson, Lynn Schaid Lottig, David and Joe Rowbotham, Mary Stopple Jordan, Louise Bilyea Sannes, Mary Kay Lee Nordmeyer and Loren Morris will help re-create the past. Diana Bird, tombstone decipherer and grave dowser, will demonstrate her skills at old burial sites.

There is no charge to attend the cemetery walk, but those attending are asked to park in the lots at nearby shopping centers or in the Walworth State Bank parking lot. For additional information, call Nancy Lehman at (262) 275-2426.

The rest of the anniversary activities will take place at the West Lake Shopping Centre in Walworth. There will be vendor booths, a bounce house, an obstacle challenge course and musical entertainment.

If you go

-- What: Village of Walworth 175th anniversary

-- When: Saturday, Aug. 25

-- Events: Cemetery walk and visitation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., live music by Calvary String Band and Chorus at 11 a.m. and Before Eight musical group from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., indoor and outdoor vendors. A parade is held at 3 p.m.

-- Where: Walworth Center Cemetery, and at the West Lake Shopping Centre, downtown Walworth

-- Contact: Joyce Pagel, (262) 325-7926