Spirits Of Oxford Come Alive At St. Peter’s Cemetery For One Night

William Faulkner’s grave in St Peter’s Cemetery

With Halloween right around the corner, it’s time for the bi-annual “Spirits of Oxford” event put on by the Cedar Oaks Guild on Friday, October 21. The guided tour of the St. Peter’s Cemetery will feature nine different local historical figures portrayed by actors to detail their importance to the history of the city of Oxford. Through brief monologues, each actor will combine theater and history rolled into one, as viewers make their way through the cemetery.

Back in the lineup this year is Henry Clarke portraying “Blind Jim Ivy”, an African American man who although never attended Ole Miss was a staple in the Oxford community and at Ole Miss football games for over 60 years dating back to 1890 until his death in 1955.

“Blind Jim Ivy was a great person on campus and in Oxford, and he definitely cheered on the Rebs with a booming voice.” Marianna Ochs, the Producer of Spirits of Oxford, said. “Henry really looks like him when he gets into character.”

The event will also showcase historical figures such as Sarah Isom whose name graces the Gender Studies program at the University of Mississippi, longtime Mississippi congressman L.Q.C Lamar, and many others.

“This event is great because it brings the community together to highlight figures from Oxford’s history, while also educating people about the Cedar Oaks House and its history,” Ochs said.

“The Spirits of Oxford” is a fundraiser for the Cedar Oaks Guild, which works to preserve the historic Cedar Oaks Home in Oxford, that has stood since 1859. The home has been set on fire on two separate occasions, moved from its original locations, leading it to be dubbed “the house that will not die” by Ochs and many others. Molly Turner Orr McElroy was the one who put out the flames in 1864 when the home was set ablaze by Union soldiers during the civil war; McElroy will be portrayed as one of the spirits as well.

On the night of the event, there will be two performances, the first being at 5:30 and the second at 7:30. Each tour will last about an hour and patrons are encouraged to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start time. The event is recommended for ages 13 and up. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Powerhouse or online at spiritsofoxford16.bpt.me Limited Tickets may also be available at the gate on the day of the event, but there is no guarantee. Parking for the “Spirits of Oxford” will be available at St. Andrews Methodist Church and Bramlett Elementary School.

Steven Gagliano is a writer for HottyToddy.com. He can be reached at steven.gagliano@hottytoddy.com

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