SAYBROOK — The village of Saybrook is planning a twoday event to celebrate 200 years of Cheney’s Grove and Saybrook. Following are some of the local history-related events that will take place during the weekend bash.
The history committee is planning a cemetery walk from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 28, as part of Saybrook’s bicentennial celebration. Characters portrayed are from the early days of the settlement of the village. The walk will be held at Riverside Cemetery south of Saybrook with characters featured from both Riverside Cemetery and Cheney’s Grove Township Cemetery.
Volunteer guides from the community will tell stories of other events and noteworthy characters as they lead groups to the graves. Tickets are not needed; however the committee is accepting freewill donations to help cover the costs.
Past residents featured on the walk will be:
— Jonathan and Catherine Cheney, founders of Cheney’s Grove and Saybrook.
— Robert and Apphia Cunningham, who built the first grist mill and saw mill in Saybrook.
— Dr. George W. Barton, who was murdered by another doctor in 1885.
— Dr. Harvey L. Harris, the murderer.
— Haines Cheney, one of Jonathan and Catherine’s children and an Illinois senator.
— Sgt. Gilbert Bates, who carried the U.S. flag through the Southern states after the Civil War in 1865.
Bicentennial committee members feel fortunate to have descendants of the founding family participating in the cemetery walk. Acting as Jonathan Cheney will be Jon Cheney of Colusa Calif. Catherine Cheney will be portrayed by Lois Cheney Zell of Walnut Creek, Calif., and Chris Cheney of Sacramento, Calif., will portray Haines Cheney.
Local talent will fill the other roles: George and Vie Jones will act as Robert and Apphia Cunningham, Mat Young and Ty Young as Dr.Barton and Dr. Harris, and Roger Embry as Sgt. Gilbert Bates.
There will be a historical display and souvenirs available for purchase at the Cheney’s Grove Township building both days.
Also planned is a self-guided historical walk/drive around Saybrook featuring early, unique homes and other historically significant locations around the town. The downtown area will have signs with pictures of the downtown streets and businesses in the early 1900s. Maps with a list of the addresses will be available at the historical display/ souvenir store in the Cheney’s Grove Township building.