Bronswood Cemetery’s second annual historic walk is sure to be another spookily good time

By Maureen Callahan

Halloween comes at a beautiful time of the year. It’s the link between early and late fall. Once known as the Eve of All Saints Day – or Hallow’een in Scottish and Irish dialects- it’s a time to remember those who have gone before us.  

Once again, Oak Brook Historical Society will sponsor its annual Historic Walk the weekend before Halloween at Bronswood Cemetery. This one-hour, half-mile, lantern-lit stroll will feature the “spirits” of well-known community founders and pioneers, along with other area personalities, all of whom have somehow made their mark on this world.

Ten different figures will be highlighted, with a few honorable mentions as well. Come learn about Frederick Mortimer Gale, a Union Civil War soldier recognized for his bravery in saving a wounded comrade under heavy fire at the Battle of Gettysburg. After the war, Gale became a successful Chicago businessman who survived the Great Chicago Fire. He later settled in Western Springs with his wife Nellie. 

Chicago business tycoon Horace Asbury Stocker has several memorable ventures to his name, such as Stocker Hinge Manufacturing, which remained in business for over a century. As a natural corporate developer, his entrepreneurial spirit is remembered for his contributions to local industrial growth in both the city and suburbs.

Martin Kuhn served as Oak Brook’s first mailman, but like most of us, there’s a longer story behind the one we know. His father worked as a beer distributor until Prohibition. The family then moved to Hinsdale, where Kuhn’s parents opened a liquor store and tavern that morphed into The Cypress Inn, a beloved Hinsdale institution for several decades. Kuhn grew up working in the family business. He is well remembered for taking his children for trick-or-treats along his mail route.

A few entrepreneurs, a head of local government, and a few others will resurrect their worldly personas that afternoon through GreenMan Theatre Troupe actors in period costume. Don’t miss a chance to learn about those who came before us and helped to build our extraordinary community.

We all have our roles to play in this world, and it’s been said many times that death is the great equalizer. We’re all part of the fabric of the western suburbs. Every story is different and worth a listen. Come hear tales of friends who have gone before us, share in their successes, and most importantly, understand them as people.

All proceeds will benefit the preservation of the first Butler School, our historic landmark, in addition to new exhibits and community outreach events. Come on out and make the most of the autumn weather as you come to appreciate how those buried in Bronswood have shaped Oak Brook and surrounding towns.

So, lace up your sturdy walking shoes, button up your wool cape, and grab your hat. Meet us near the cemetery office. Enjoy the beautiful stained-glass in the mausoleum during the midpoint refreshment break as you sip cider near the tomb of railroad magnate Edward Payson Ripley. Ripley’s legacy is a true American success story. He started as a freight clerk and worked his way up until he eventually retired as President of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. He was largely responsible for shepherding the industry out of bankruptcy and restoring public faith in this mode of transportation. Two towns- one in California and one in Oklahoma, as well as a Liberty ship, are named for Ripley.

There is no telling who else might be back from the Great Beyond for this spirited holiday event. Come find out!

Bronswood Cemetery is located on Madison Street in Oak Brook. Free parking is available along Madison or across from the cemetery, outside the office. Come out to celebrate the season and learn about community members while also remembering your own loved ones, who are never far from us. 

To purchase tickets, visit oakbrookhistory.com or stop by the Oak Brook Heritage Center on Wednesdays from 10 AM – 2PM.