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Due to the unpleasant heat and
a possibility of storms, the Bethel Cemetery walks have been moved to the
Emden Community House. The program will begin promptly at 6:30
p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are still available for each
evening's presentation and may be purchased at the door. Each
character speaks approximately 12 minutes, so the program lasts
around an hour. And the $5 goes to the Emden Historical
Society to help maintain Bethel School.
Pictures by Marla Blair |
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Samuel Payne, presented by grandson Allen, married Mamie Pearl Shirley, and they lived on and farmed what was known as
the Shirley Plantation. He was once a real estate agent and later a
veterinarian, both designations earned through correspondence
courses. He sold Pfizer seed and had stories to tell about his
chickens, selling eggs around the country and playing several
musical instruments for his children. |
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Galen Shirley, presented by grandson Gary, graduated
from Hartsburg High School in 1927 and married Roberta Quisenberry
in 1932. Galen attended but did not complete studies at Lincoln
College. However, due to his involvement in the sport of baseball,
including playing and coaching, the ball field at the school is
named for him. He was very involved with community organizations and
service efforts. He was co-chair of the fund drive that helped build
the original Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. |
Gordon Walker, presented by son
Kurt, was born in Minnesota, but his family returned to Illinois
when he was a small boy. He grew up east of Emden. He was an
advocate for soil and water conservation. Gordon served on three
school boards, watching each school district he served consolidate
with a neighboring district. He married an Emden native, Ida Boerma.
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Blossom Huffman,
presented by
Deborah Carr-Senger, was Blossom Gallagher until her marriage to
Albert Huffman, at the age of 16. After working at the Stetson China
Factory for 25 years, she decided to buy The Mill restaurant, on
Route 66, on the southwest edge of Lincoln. Her story is full of
colorful descriptions of strange people she met at the restaurant
and circumstances surrounding some of those people. |
Albert (Dierks) Dirks,
presented by son Alfred, came from Pilsum, Germany, where he was born in
1903. In 1927 Albert left behind his entire family to settle in the
Emden area and was finally reunited with a familiar face when a
former acquaintance, Aleida Van Hoorn, arrived from Germany the
following year. They married and had nine children. His life story
reflects the influence of his native country and his personal
characteristics. |
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