Oakdale Cemetery Guided History Walk

Friday, September 18, 2020

On Friday, September 18, join a guided tour of Historic Oakdale Cemetery, Hendersonville’s municipal cemetery which whispers stories of the town’s early days.  The famous Italian marble monument which inspired the title of Thomas Wolfe’s novel Look Homeward, Angel is in Oakdale, along with both marked and unmarked graves of historic figures.  The heritage of the local African-American community is told in the Black section of the cemetery, while the designated Jewish cemetery reveals how the town grew to embrace ethnic and religious groups through the years.  How and why the cemetery was created, names of those who helped build the town and where they were laid to rest, where the Sunshine Lady is buried, and more questions will be answered.  The walk will begin at 10 a.m. in the cemetery.

Cost for each tour is $10 per person 10 years and older.  Children under 10 are free with a paid adult. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, space is limited and reservations are required. Participants should wear a cloth face covering.  To make reservations or for more information, phone Padgett at 828-545-3179 or email maryjo@maryjopadgett.com.  Visit maryjopadgett.com and click on Guided Walks for a complete schedule.     

Now in its sixth year, Hendersonville Guided History Walks offers 90-plus minute walks in three historic areas of town:  along Main Street (Friday, Sept. 11, 10 a.m.), in Oakdale Cemetery (Friday, Sept. 18, 10 a.m.), and in the 7th Avenue Historic Depot District (Friday, Sept. 25, 10 a.m.).  

Oakdale Cemetery