Experience Lake Charles History: 2021 Living History Cemetery Tour

History comes alive in Lake Charles, Louisiana, during the Living History Cemetery Tour on Friday, November 5, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m. This beloved event returns after a one-year hiatus, featuring actors portraying historic figures who share their stories from gravesites. It shines a light on influential individuals who shaped Lake Charles but whose names aren't always on streets or buildings.

Southwest Louisiana locals may recognize names like Michel Pithon, Judge David Reid, and Clara Pujo Barbe. Discover more through portrayals at gravesites or as 'Wandering Spirits.' Ticket holders explore at their own pace, grouped upon arrival and guided by experts. Each group visits 3-4 actors in period attire representing key figures in Lake Charles history.

Samuel Kirby (actor, Chris Breaux)

The tour includes figures from a century ago and more recent ones, like Judge Norma Holloway Johnson at Combre Memorial Park on Opelousas Street. She gained national attention overseeing the grand jury investigation into President Clinton's relationship with Monica Lewinsky and passed in 2011.

Meet Rosa Hart (1900-1964), founder of Lake Charles Little Theatre and namesake of Rosa Hart Theatre. The tour also features New Orleans photographer Clarence Laughlin (died 1985), whose works are exhibited worldwide.

Reginald Ball (actor, Mark Steward)

Family-friendly and educational—not spooky—this event welcomes children to learn about Lake Charles history.

Featured cemeteries: Bilbo Cemetery (Lakefront, Veterans Memorial Boulevard); Corporation Cemetery (Church Street, north of I-10); Combre Memorial Park (Opelousas Street); Sallier Cemetery (Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive).

Toni Jo Henry (actress, Jennifer Spees)

Where to Visit and Figures to Meet:

Bilbo Cemetery, Veterans Memorial Boulevard

• Toni Jo Henry (1916-1942)
• Rosa Hart (1900-1964)
• Ted Lyons (1900-1986)

Corporation Cemetery, Church Street

• Albert Jessen (1814-1883)
• Judge David John Reid (1824-1881) and Mathilde Veazey Reid (1824-1895)
• Ann Smart Collins (1851-1908)

Combre Memorial Park, Opelousas Street

• Doretha Combre (1896-1962)
• Anonymous Hurricane Audrey Victim (????-1957)
• Ralph C. Reynaud (1885-1969)
• Judge Norma Holloway Johnson (1932-2011)

Sallier Cemetery, Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive

• Michel Pithon (1771-1871) and Zora Pithon (????-1879)
• Clara Pujo Barbe (1845-1923)

Anna Bilbo (actress, Codie Lee)

Tickets: $20 adults, $15 seniors, free for children 12 and under (with paying adult). Purchase at www.CemeteryTourLC.com. Sponsored by Calcasieu Historic Preservation Society, CSE Federal Credit Union, Thrive Magazine; supported by Visit Lake Charles Tourism Marketing Grant. Proceeds benefit Arts Council of SWLA arts programs.

For details, contact Arts Council at (337) 439-2787 or CemeteryTourLC@gmail.com.

The Cemetery Tour, launched in 2018 by Arts Council of SWLA, educates on Lake Charles history and has grown into a community favorite.

Photo Credits: Chad Moreno