Restless in Resthaven Cemetery Tours Return Oct. 14-15

ALPHARETTA, GA -- Atlanta Theatre-to-Go invites residents of all ages to come and experience Alpharetta’s rich history brought to life at the sixth season of Restless in Resthaven Cemetery Tours. This annual fall tradition, sponsored by the Alpharetta and Old Milton Historical Society, will be held Oct. 14-15.

Each tour begins with live music. and continues with costumed actors portraying the lives of notable Alpharetta residents. Guests will be led around the streets of downtown, where characters will recreate the city’s rich and colorful past with lively performances. A sound truck accompanies the tour to enhance listening capabilities.

As guests are led to each location, eccentric characters such as Addie DeVore and Roy “Smokie” Manning, key figures in creating what Alpharetta is today, will surprise tour goers by appearing from behind buildings and gravestones of the Resthaven Cemetery. Characters will tell their astounding stories dating back to the pioneer days and the 20th Century (SIGN UP: Get Patch's Daily Newsletter and Real Time News Alerts. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app).

Guests will meet nine characters who lived in Alpharetta during the 1800's and 1900's: Gregarious, buck dancing Addie DeVore; baseball player Roy Manning and his wife Chessie; controversial newspaper editor George Rucker, who campaigned against Coca Cola; one-armed Civil War veteran Tom Crisler; and two military heroes: Egbert Royce Vaughan, a popular high school basketball player who was drafted, fought and died in Vietnam; and World War II flying daredevil Isham Oliver Teasly Jr., who was shot down on his 47th mission. Former mayors Tater Teasley Upshaw and Bill Spence round out the cast.

Along with the return of several favorite characters, there will be two notable additions this year. Spence makes his first appearance as he rises from his gravesite to encounter his former law partner, who is still very much alive. Also making her first appearance is Chessie Manning, wife of the tour’s favorite character, baseball player and mill worker Roy Manning.

The encounter between Roy and Chessie portrays life in an African American household, which is another first for the annual tour. Chessie is played by talented musician and actor Ebony Tucker, who gives a heartfelt rendition of Chessie’s favorite hymn, "Blessed Assurance." Chestene Manning Carter, daughter of Roy and Chessie Manning, is a former president of the Alpharetta and Old Milton Historical Society and plans to attend one of the six performances.

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“The Restless in Resthaven tour is a special opportunity for guests to experience the sights and sounds of Alpharetta’s past,” said Janet Rodgers, CEO of Alpharetta Convention and Visitor Bureau. “This unique event is a fun and interesting way to see Alpharetta’s history come to life and truly appreciate our city and the history that made it the home that it is today.”

Check in and tours begin at the rear of Smokejack BBQ at 29 S. Main St., and will proceed through downtown and end in Resthaven Cemetery -- where many of Alpharetta’s notable citizens are buried. The entertaining, hour-long walk is about one-mile long and is suitable for all ages. As part of your ticket purchase, all attendees will receive a ticket for a free Southern-style appetizer from Smokejack BBQ, valued at $5.75.

Tours are scheduled each night from 5 to 6 p.m., 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and 8 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10.50 with advanced online registration or $15 for walk-up tours (kids 6 and under are free). Special rates for families and groups are available. Register online at http://www.AtlantaTheatreToGo.com. For more information regarding the Restless in Resthaven tours, visit www.awesomealpharetta.com.

Image via Alpharetta Convention and Visitors Bureau