Take a leisurely stroll back in time and visit with some of Moline’s early citizens as local, costumed thespians bring the characters to life in the history-rich drama of Echoes from Riverside, “Gone, But Not Forgotten”. The annual Riverside Cemetery walk will be held on Saturday, September 28, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. Rain date is September 29th. Cost is $4.00 per person, with children 12 and under free.
Tours begin from the Riverside Cemetery Chapel Mausoleum, 2900 – 6th Avenue. The first tour leaves at 1 pm, with groups leaving every 15 minutes. The last tour leaves at 3 pm. This guided walking tour takes approximately 1 ½ hour. Tickets may be purchased the day of the walk at Riverside Chapel Mausoleum. Refreshments will be available.
Historical characters to be portrayed include:
- John Quincy Hawk, (1868-1936), Early Fire Chief who shepherded Moline from horse-drawn fire wagons and rudimentary equipment to motorized vehicles, fire hydrants, alarm systems and new fire houses. Died in the line of duty. (played by Dan Olson)
- Johanna BloomVallenius, (1858-1929), Swedish immigrant, successful dressmaker (played by Kathleen Seusy)
- Charles W. Borg, (1861-1942), Carpenter, machinist, successful inventor, industrialist. Founder of Borg Beck Company. Invented first machine for making tongues for wagons and the famous first automatic clutch for automobiles. He had 9 patents in his name. Retired a millionaire. His Rock Island home has been designated a Historic Landmark. (played by Bob White)
- Rosetta Hillier McLay, (1836-1931), Very early mid-wife. Born in Canada and married an immigrant from Scotland. Settled in Nova Scotia before coming here. (played by Dorothy White)
- Sophia Johnson Roose, (1861-1952), Met her future husband on boat while coming to America. Married at Augustana Chapel. (played by Gena Schantz)
- George H. Hull, (1873-1941), Owned first Moline store to sell carpets. Early active member and officer in Fraternal Order of Eagles. (played by Greg Bouljon)
- William Maxie, (1860-1961), Moved from the segregated south to Chicago, then to Moline after the Great Fire. Chauffeur for Ainsworth and Getz families. Only African-American on early baseball team and league (played by Michael Taylor)
- Florence Simon Aldridge, (1893-1983) Badgered East Moline Council for 10 years to donate land and funds to build Watertown area community center which now bears her name. (played by Yolanda Grandberry)