15 / 230
Grosse Pointe
Historical Society
established 1945
Fall 2012
Vol. 29 No. 1
the
Moorings
St. Paul’s Cemetery is once again the site of the
Grosse Pointe Historical Society and the Grosse
Pointe Theatre’s collaborative production of
“Talking Headstones,”Oct. 11 -14 at 8 p.m.
The fifth annual dramatic event is presented
on a specially created stage lit by hurricane lamps
and torches. Carefully researched by the GPHS
volunteers and staff and written by playwrights of
the GPT, the stories reveal the life and times of
people who lived in the area.
From 1812, “Fall of Detroit” by Dianne Pegg
features the remembrances of Catherine Campau
Moran, Phelice Moran, George Moran and Uncle
Joseph Moran.
The story from 1856, “Temperance,” is also
written by Dianne Pegg and highlights Charles
Moran Jr. and Virginia Moran St. Aubin.
“Remembering” by Gwenn Bashara Samuel
is a recollection of life in 1865 from the point
of view of Catherine Peltier Beaufait and Louis
Beaufait.
Peter DiSante has created a snapshot of 1867
in “New Church,” featuring the thoughts of
Pauline Vernier Van Antwerp and Catherine
Van Antwerp Kirby.
As we complete the 19th century, “Don’t
Forget,” based on events in 1891, features Louis
Allard andTheresa Allard.
1925 is presented in “Roadhouse,” written by
Peter DiSante and incorporating the words of
Edmund Vernier.
Lighted, free parking is available at Grosse
Pointe Methodist Church, across the street from
St. Paul’s Cemetery.
Bring lawn chairs and a flashlight. And dress
for the weather.
Tickets are available by calling the Grosse
Pointe Theatre at 313-881-4004 $10 for GPHS
& GPT members and $15 for non-members.
The Grosse Pointe Historical Society marks the 300th anniversary of
the Fox Indian Massacre with observances on Wednesday, Sept. 19 and
Saturday, Sept. 22.
A memorial to honor the lives of those killed in the battle is planned
for Wednesday, Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the site of the Historical Marker
at Lakepointe and Windmill Pointe in Grosse Pointe Park.
Noted historian of early Detroit Fr. Russ Koehler, pastor of historic
St. Anne’s Parish in Detroit, will lead the
memorial service.
The public is encouraged to participate
in this event that marks an important part
of our local history. Parking is available on
Windmill Pointe Drive.
Following the service, the community
is invited to the Dr. Frank Bicknell
Lecture at the Ewald Branch Library on
E. Jefferson Ave. to hear Elizabeth Vogel,
GPHS trustee, explain the actions that led
to this tragic event.The lecture begins at
7:30 p.m. (see page 12).
Talking Headstones returns Oct. 11 - 14
Fox Indian Massacre 1712
The cast of the
Talking Headstones
2011.
Photo credit: Dale Pegg