This walking tour introduces visitors to eleven former residents of Vicksburg, portrayed by volunteer actors who bring their voices and stories back from the past.
Jacob Lemon – One of Vicksburg’s early settlers, whose life offers a glimpse into the challenges and determination of 19th-century pioneers.
Minnie Critz – A trained teacher whose life took an unexpected turn into the funeral business.
Fred Rapp – A prominent business owner and self-taught naturalist who stood up for his beliefs, no matter the consequences.
William and Fanny Bair – Early settlers whose legacy helped shape the educational and civic fabric of the village and beyond.
O.B. Dunning – An influential community leader and businessman who played a key role in shaping modern Vicksburg.
The Strong Brothers: Levant and Louis – From humble beginnings, these brothers rose to become an important duo in local and state business.
Millie Axtell – An early village resident who empowered her daughters to become extraordinary entertainers on both the local stage and the vaudeville circuit.
Carson Durkee – Known primarily as a hotelier, Mr. Durkee was also a talented inventor who left behind mysterious contraptions.
Robert F. Clark – Deaf since childhood, Mr. Clark overcame personal and physical challenges to build a successful furniture and casket-making business on Main Street.
Their stories offer a window into the triumphs, tragedies, and everyday moments that shaped the history of the Vicksburg area.
Location: Schoolcraft Township (Vicksburg) Cemetery
Address: 333 W. Highway St., Vicksburg, MI
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Time: Tours begin at 1:00 p.m. and run at regular intervals.
Each tour will last approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
Walk among the headstones—hear the stories that refuse to be forgotten.