None other than President William Howard Taft will make an appearance on the Ghosts and Legends Tour in Columbus Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11-12. America’s 27th chief executive who served from 1909 to 1913 — and made a visit to the Friendly City — is one of several “spirited” souls who will return from the past to share stories of history and even mystery with tour-goers.
Local performers will present dramatic vignettes at four stops on this year’s tour, which is recommended for ages 10 and up. Buses depart each evening at 6:30, 7, 8 and 8:30 p.m. from the Tennessee Williams Home Welcome Center at 300 Main St. Tours will last approximately one hour and 15 minutes.
Passengers disembarking at each stop will meet brothers Thomas and Isaac Williams, freed men of color who built The Haven, one of the city’s antebellum homes. An influential “lady principal” will tell of early days at the Industrial Institute and College, now Mississippi University for Women. And before the outing is complete, tour-goers will explore the haunting urban legend of Three-Legged Lady Road.
“Ghosts and Legends is always popular, and we sincerely thank the actors, guides, property owners and other volunteers who make this possible for the community,” said Tina Sweeten-Lunsford, executive director of the Columbus Arts Council. The two-day event is presented by the Arts Council, Columbus Community Theatre, the Mississippi University for Women Center for Women’s Research and Public Policy, and the Columbus Cultural Heritage Foundation.
Bridget Pieschel, director of MUW’s Center for Women’s Research, and Steve Pieschel helped develop scripts for the actors by researching the city’s rich past.
Actors participating in the 2016 tour include Hal Bullock, Pam Bullock, Douglas Cockrell III, David Coffey, Terry Coffey, Aaron Gavin, Rebecca Hester, Gary Lancaster, Chelsea Petty, Edwina Williams and Tre Womack.
Linda Bobbit will serve as one of several tour guides. She has also taken part as an actor in recent years.
“I have enjoyed every minute of it, whether I was a participant or a tour visitor,” Bobbitt said. “Whether you like history, or something that’s a little different and perhaps a little spooky, you’re going to enjoy it, too.”
Spence Andrews, Angie Basson, Paulette Garton and Midge Maloney are also tour guides. Angie Knight, Joseph Merideth and Ethan Perrigin will assist at stops.
Advance tickets
Most tours in years past have sold out.
“There are only 30 seats per bus, and tours tend to sell out quickly, so we do recommend the early purchase of tickets for the best chance of getting the tour time you prefer,” said CAC Program Manager Beverly Norris. She noted that Saturday’s 7 p.m. tour is already full.
Tickets are $10 in advance, available online at columbus-arts.org, or by calling the CAC (closed Monday) at 662-328-2787. Tickets may also be purchased at the Rosenzweig Arts Center, 501 Main St., Tuesday through Saturday.
Tickets at the site, if available, will be $12.
“We will get off the buses at each location, so there are a few steps to negotiate and a little bit of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended,” Norris said. Tour-goers should dress for the weather and may want to bring a small flashlight.
“A lot of people are donating their time and talents for this, so we hope everyone will come out to support them and learn a little more about the ‘spirits’ and stories that help give Columbus so much character,” said Norris.
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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