Weatherford's Talking Tombstone Tour
Living history, local legends, and tasty snickerdoodles
I visited a historic cemetery today… where the dead told their own stories!
I’m talking about the Talking Tombstone Tour in Weatherford, Texas which is one of those events that perfectly blends history, storytelling, and small-town charm.
This annual event is sponsored by the Parker County Historical Society and takes place in Old City Greenwood Cemetery (300 East Front St, Weatherford, TX) a charming historic burial ground that I’ve featured in several books (including my newest Buried America Dallas—Fort Worth)
For anyone who enjoys Victorian Era cemetery symbolism, this place is a real gem. (I often use photos from Old City Greenwood Cemetery in my American Cemetery magazine articles, in fact!)
On top of that, our fellow taphophile pals Tammy and Kevin joined us, which made it even more fun to wander from story to story. I’m really kicking myself for not getting a photo of the four of us—but there was a lot going on to distract me, as you can see:
🪦 Weatherford’s Talking Tombstone Tour
The premise of the Talking Tombstone Tour is simple:
Costumed interpreters “bring the dead to life” by portraying real people buried in the cemetery, telling their stories in first person.
And let me tell you… these folks commit.
🎭 Meet the cemetery “residents”
Each stop along the path introduced us to someone new—some humorous, some poignant, all memorable.
Here are the residents from Weatherford’s past who we met today:
Annie & Oscar Barthold
Part of Weatherford’s early commercial backbone, the Bartholds helped anchor the town’s development through business and civic involvement.
Their home became a gathering place for community life, reflecting their lasting local influence. That’s Annie above, as portrayed by Cheryl Measures.
And in the photo above, you’ll see Oscar Barthold, as portrayed by Dave Vanvlack.
(And guess what? The actors portraying the Bartholds are married in real life.)
Sarah Ida Rider Cotten (1867–1922)
A civic leader and businesswoman, Sarah helped carry forward her family’s furniture enterprise while dedicating much of her life to community service.
As a DAR member and active clubwoman, she played a key role in shaping Weatherford’s cultural and charitable life. (Portrayed by Cheri Brinkman.)
Ira “Bud” Slover (1840–1909)
A true frontier figure, Bud Slover experienced the dangers of early North Texas firsthand—fighting in frontier conflicts and later serving in the Confederate cavalry.
After the war, he rebuilt his life as a respected stockman, embodying the resilience and grit of the era. (Portrayed by Ed Owens)
Jacob Shenck Davis (1843–1904)
A Union veteran who settled in Confederate Texas, Davis built a life defined by craftsmanship and character.
A cabinet maker by trade, he earned respect in Weatherford through hard work and quiet perseverance. (Portrayed by Jeff Waggner)
Elizabeth “Bess” Stephens Lanham Cooper (1879–1973)
Born into a prominent Texas family, Bess endured early tragedy before rebuilding her life and raising two sons who went on to notable careers.
Living into her nineties, she was remembered for her resilience, heritage, and quiet strength. (Portrayed by Loree Ellis.)
Judge James L. L. McCall (1823–1904)
An early Texas legal pioneer, McCall built his career from Kentucky roots to the growing communities of Waco and Weatherford.
Known simply as “Judge McCall,” he helped shape the legal and civic foundations of Parker County during its formative years. (Portrayed by Gary Bruton.)
Sarah Beona Meng Lanham (1845–1908)
With Revolutionary War ancestry and a strong belief in education, Sarah became a respected figure in Texas civic life.
Married to a future governor, she was known for her intelligence, steady influence, and lifelong commitment to family and community. (Portrayed by Tracy Bruton)
Mary Prince Cocke Hood (1875–1956)
Deeply rooted in Parker County’s early history, Mary carried forward a legacy of civic service.
Active in organizations like the DAR and the Cemetery Association, she helped guide Weatherford’s transition from frontier town to modern community.
🍪 Let’s talk about the cookies
Now, I would be remiss not to mention the cookies. Not just any cookies. Homemade cookies: Snickerdoodles. Chocolate chip. Peanut butter. YUM!
I’m talking about the kind of cookies that make you pause mid-bite and go, “Okay… who made these?”
There’s nothing quite like standing in a historic cemetery, contemplating to stories from the past, while nibbling a fresh snickerdoodle.
Parker County Heritage Society
But events (and cookies) like this don’t just happen on their own!
They’re lovingly put together by groups like the Parker County Heritage Society, whose passion for preserving local history really shines through in every detail. If you’re local, it’s well worth checking them out or getting involved.
🖤 Cemeteries are for the living!
I know I say this a lot, but I’ll say it again: Cemeteries are for the living!
Cemetery tours like this remind us that history isn’t just dates and names—it’s people. Stories. Choices. Lives that still ripple outward.
And sometimes, all it takes is a costumed interpreter, a shaded path, and a really good cookie to bring our past back to life. The Parker County Historical Society’s Talking Tombstone Tour certainly knocked it out of the memorial park!
I’m so very happy you and I were on the same wave length the night before. We enjoyed it very much, and we think the volunteers did an amazing job on their portrayals!! Ciao!, and safe travels!!