IF YOU GO* What: Forest Hills Cemetery Association’s third annual history stroll.* When: Noon-5 p.m. Saturday.* Where: Forest Hills Cemetery, 4016 Tennessee Ave.* Admission: Free (donations accepted).* Phone: 821-4161.* Website: foresthillscemetery.net.
You never know who you might meet at the cemetery.
Prominent names from Chattanooga’s past — or rather people in period garb portraying them — will be strolling through Forest Hills Cemetery between noon and 5 p.m. Saturday as the facility hosts its third annual history stroll.
“This is basically to raise awareness that we are here, we are in business and we have spots to sell,” said Barbara Chandler, superintendent of the St. Elmo cemetery. “People think we’re full and we don’t have anything available.”
In fact, the 130-year-old cemetery has 45,447 occupied spaces but has room for more across its wooded and flowered 105 acres.
Among the 29 characters — four more than last year — who will be on hand to greet guests are Ruby Lambert, for whom Ruby Falls was named; opera singer/movie star Grace Moore; longtime Chattanooga Lookouts owner and Engel Stadium namesake Joe Engel; longtime Chattanooga High School principal Creed Bates; and Chattanooga Medicine Co. (Chattem) and Volunteer Life Insurance Co. founder Z.C. Patten.
The first two tours attracted a combined 1,300 people.
Tours through the azalea-laden site are self-guided, according to Chandler. Visitors will be given a brochure marking roads, walking routes and prominent graves. Costumed guides will be on hand to offer directions.
There will be a limited number of golf carts to assist people “who can’t make it at all,” she said.
Chandler said she hoped the tour also would alert people that the Forest Hills Cemetery Association that manages the site is a not-for-profit organization and does not get city or state funds. However, she said they can join Friends of Forest Hills Cemetery, which helps the cemetery “do extra things” like host the strolls and erect street signs.
Although the tour is free, she said any donations would be appreciated. Last year, the stroll raised almost $1,500, she said.