by Jane Walls

The history of Covington CITIZENS who passed away long ago, but whose legacies continue today in the community, will come to life on Saturday, March 25 at Covington’s oldest graveyard, Cemetery #1. The event, “Whisperings,” will provide an entertaining way to learn about certain persons who are buried at the cemetery, as well as other notable past citizens. Some were socialites; some were politicians; others were lesser-known workers and contributors to a variety of different causes. No matter who or what, they all left their footprints for generations to follow. Event promoters “dig up” the legacies of those portrayed to give the public a unique view of Covington’s history.

The cemetery, located across from City Hall on North Columbia Street, will be lighted with luminaria on the night of March 25. Actors will perform at five stations. The show is well choreographed and colorful, and it’s interesting to note that not all the participants are actors. They are all local citizens who simply have a desire to illuminate—to whisper, so to speak—the lives of the people who lived before them. Well-respected playwright Peggy Altman wrote the script for “Whisperings,” with help from the St. Tammany Parish Library staff, who contributed a great deal of research on the era’s history, music and costuming.

One of the characters featured will be Francis Andre Guyol, Covington mayor around the late 1890s. Guyol was a graduate of LSU, became an attorney and sold real estate in Covington. He promoted the city’s growth and development during his administration, and recognized the need for a town hall, as well as a public school system. He also sought the creation of a fire department for Covington. Unfortunately, the mayor did not live to see the actual formation of a working fire department during his lifetime—a major fire destroyed large portions of the town several years after his death.

Despite Mayor Guyol’s noteworthy participation in the history of Covington, he is not buried at the Covington cemetery. He died from an unknown illness at the age of 38, but his remains are not to be found either on the northshore or in New Orleans; no one seems to know where he was laid to rest.

Each time a “Whisperings” event takes place, a certain ethnic group is featured. This year, the Italians take the spotlight. The history of the Barrelli family will be presented, including Lucille Barrelli, who was married to Mayor Guyol and is buried in the cemetery. Her father and grandfather had a large impact on the Italian community in the area and founded the Italian Society in New Orleans.

Other women buried in the cemetery will be featured in the tableau, as well, including Blanche Hebert and Laura Hosmer. Hebert was married to E.J. Frederick; the couple made their home at the corner of Boston and Theard streets. Actors will outline the history of the Hebert family members, who were prominent Covington citizens at the turn of the century. Hosmer, the daughter of William and Mary Jane Hosmer, was a spinster who owned a boarding house, the Swiss Chalet, on Jahncke Avenue. She also had three rental properties on 18th and 19th avenues. Apparently, she was deeply mired in the traditions and habits of the day. The Hosmer family owned many acres of land in the Covington area and was quite prominent in the political and social scene of the time.

Other historical residents represented in the performance are William Brenan, architect, teacher and one of the builders of City Hall; D.E. Kimble, a brick mason who is buried in the cemetery; and W.N. Keen, a prosperous lumberman.

“Whisperings” is usually held every other November, but did not take place as scheduled last fall due to Hurricane Katrina. It is produced through the combined efforts of several civic-minded persons and groups, including Covington’s Council clerk Lynn Moore, Director of the St. Tammany Parish Library System Jan Butler and the Greater Covington Civic Association. The themed production isn’t a new idea; events such as this have taken place for years in Bay St. Louis, and more recently in Baton Rouge.

All money raised supports the cemetery’s upkeep and improvements, a community tradition. In 1913, the townspeople of Covington took it upon themselves to clean up the cemetery, as it had become seriously rundown and they felt leaving it in such disrepair was a poor reflection upon their community. Throughout the years, different citizens volunteered to maintain the burial grounds and keep the graves presentable, particularly as All Saints Day approached.

Funds from the first “Whisperings,” held nine years ago, were used to purchase the elegant wrought iron fence that welcomes visitors at the front of the cemetery. This year, the hope is to raise enough money to wrap the fence around the entire property.

“Whisperings” is open to the public. Admission is $10. In the event of rain, it will take place indoors at the Greater Covington Center. Cast members will celebrate their efforts and give a pre-event rehearsal performance at a March 24 Patron Party. Tickets are $30. For tickets or information, contact Lynn Moore at 898-4722, extension 33.