By Paul Leach
Correspondent
CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Storytellers will regale listeners with tales of Cleveland’s history and mystery during downtown walking tours over the next three nights. This year marks the third for “An Evening of Cleveland Mystery & Folklore.”
IF YOU GOWhat: “An Evening of Cleveland Mystery & Folklore.”When: 6:30-8:15 p.m. today through Thursday.Where: Bank of Cleveland, 75 First St., Cleveland, Tenn.Admission: $10 adults, $5 children (kindergarten and up).Phone: 423-472-2173.
“There’s no blood and guts, no haunted house,” said the tour’s creator, Dwight Richardson. “It is simply an alternative to learn about history and folklore in and around the Cleveland, Tenn., area.”
Richardson said the tours typically include six stories, and that the organizers rotate in three new stories each year. This year’s tour introduces a tale of a theater from the silent-movie era.
“Bloodstains on the Mausoleum” is a recurring favorite. The story is based on the stained marble blocks of the Craigmiles mausoleum at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, both built in the 1870s.
The tours are led by volunteers, including members of Allied Arts Council of the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce and the Cleveland Storytelling Guild.
Each evening’s tours can accommodate up to 150 people. Tours depart every 13 minutes, in groups of 20 or so. Richardson said each night is usually a sellout, especially on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Tickets may be purchased through the Bank of Cleveland and the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce. Proceeds benefit The Caring Place and Allied Arts Council.
A booklet of featured tales of the Cleveland Mystery & Folklore tours will be available for $10 each during the tours.
Paul Leach is based in Cleveland. E-mail him at paul.leach.press@gmail.com.