Bethel Cemetery walks to be held indoors

[Click on photos below to enlarge.]

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

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.

 

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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