Sherry Spenzer Talks to the Dead

October is rapidly approaching, and Halloween beckons, but what do you do when there’s a virus afoot? You stay six feet apart, and learn about those who are six feet under. Such is Avon Lake Historical Society’s solution, as they offer October tours of the city’s lone burial site, Lake Shore Cemetery. This "tour" has been an earmark for ALHS over the years. The unique history lesson combined with the theme of the season has drawn people from all over the region.

Since the pandemic caused the postponement of the previous "Theater of the Dead", Sherry decided to go back to her roots (pun intended) and revive this Avon Lake tradition. You can hear stories of two dead War of 1812 sailors, as well as an assortment of other scalawags and notables.

For a donation of $10 per person – all of which will benefit the society’s goal of funding a museum - private groups of no more than 10 people can experience 40 minutes in the cemetery with historian Sherry Spenzer, who will guide visitors and share tales of the deceased. All burial sites in this tiny cemetery have been claimed, and its spectacular location along the southern shore of Lake Erie will delight curious sightseers. Stories of the young, the old, the brave, the fractious, and the quarrelsome are revealed in this tour, all reflecting the diverse nature of the community in which these permanent residents once lived. These privately scheduled tours are designed for groups of no more than ten, masks are required, and social distancing shall be maintained. To book a tour for your group, call 440-549-4425, or email heritageavonlake@gmail.com with your number to receive a return call. Tours are available most days, and times are flexible, but call now to ensure that your group is not left out!