Living History Cemetery Tour: Lake Charles' Past Comes Alive on October 25
Living History Cemetery Tour, Oct 25
Early last year, while driving along the lakeshore with my close friend Matt, he turned to me and said, "I want to show you something." Over the past decade, I've learned to trust his inspired ideas. He led us down Lakeshore Drive to a dusty gravel path, stopping at the overgrown Bilbo Cemetery. Like many locals, I'd nearly forgotten it existed—weeds choked the warped iron fences. Matt gave an impassioned tour, brushing leaves from tombstones and sharing each person's pivotal role in early Lake Charles history. He paused at the towering Millennium Statue of Jesus, his face alight as he declared, "I want to make this place important and beautiful again."
That moment sparked the Living History Cemetery Tour. Local historian Trent Gremillion, with his exhaustive research, became the heart of the project. Together with over 100 volunteers, we created an immersive experience inviting the public into Lake Charles' historic cemeteries to learn about its influential citizens. Last year's debut drew over 600 attendees, captivated by actors portraying icons like Toni Jo Henry, John Jacob Ryan, and Professor JEL Hoskins.
A KPLC news story captured a mother introducing her son to African American contributions to the city, underscoring how the tour has grown into a meaningful community event.
With strong community support, we're bringing it back on Friday, October 25, from 5-8 pm, at four key sites: Sallier Cemetery (Dr. Michael DeBakey Drive), Catholic Cemetery (Common Street), Combre Memorial Park (Opelousas Street), and Bilbo Cemetery (Veterans Memorial Boulevard).
Local actors in period attire will embody trailblazers like civil rights activist Doretha Combre (NAACP national board member who desegregated Lake Charles), pioneer Lastie Reon (rumored discoverer of Jean Lafitte's treasure), and Charles Michael McCormick (first editor of the American Press).
This year features "Wandering Spirits"—figures with unknown graves or transient ties. Legendary jazz singer Nellie Lutcher visits Combre Memorial Park, where her parents are buried. Born in Lake Charles in 1912, Nellie rose to national fame in the 1940s-50s, starting at New Sunlight Baptist Church. Her legacy endures in the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District along Enterprise Boulevard, revitalized by the Better Block Initiative through creative placemaking, green spaces, arts, and economic growth. Demonstrations run October 25-26.
Planning the tour reminds us to honor long-forgotten figures. It's moving to see descendants attend, rediscovering ancestors whose legacies continue shaping Lake Charles.
How to Enjoy the Tour
Drive between sites at your own pace. Tickets: $20 adults, $15 seniors (65+), free for children 12 and under (with paying adult). Buy at www.cemeterytourlc2019.eventbrite.com or Arts Council office at Central School. No day-of sales. Sponsored by First Federal Bank of Louisiana, CSE Federal Credit Union, Thrive Magazine, Redfish Rentals; supported by SWLA Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Marketing Grant. Proceeds fund Arts Council of SWLA programs.
For details, email CemeteryTourLC@gmail.com or call (337) 439-2787.
