They Guided Sturgis Youth
The Sturgis Historical Society Oak Lawn Cemetery Walking Tour, is September 7 and 8, 2024.
The theme “They Guided Sturgis Youth” complements Mike Mort’s upcoming movie, “A+ The Story of Education in Sturgis Michigan.” The movie will premiere at 3 p.m. Nov. 10 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts.
To gear up for it, come for a walk and learn more about some Sturgis greats. It was difficult to narrow down to just 10 outstanding individuals who were instrumental in the development of young people. I’ve heard stories of amazing people including Warren Fudge, Harley Pierce, Robert Miller, Helen Brocaw and so many others.
The category continues to grow because great people are committed to today’s youth just like those from the past. Each stands on the shoulders of others and Sturgis residents benefit from the contribution to young people.
As for those you will meet on the walk, let me share a few details we’ve found.
Did you know:
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Orley Kribs, often associated with Camp Fort Hill, was also involved with the musical community and led an accordion band. Imagine that!
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Phineas Wheat was mentored by University of Michigan legends. Dr. Joseph Maddy founded Interlochen, an innovative institution dedicated to young artists. Another mentor, William Revelli was a U of M director who revolutionized marching bands.
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Robert Snow is well remembered by locals because he was a substitute teacher long after retiring. He was still in the classroom until shortly before his death.
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Margaret Olmstead is best known as the owner of Laura Lewis Hat Shop for many years but did you know there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do to encourage and support children.
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Frances Clark, a 1923 SHS graduate, started teaching piano in Sturgis and later created a teaching style called the Learning Tree. If she had chosen, she could have been a famous pianist she was that good.
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Paul and Jean Casault are still immortalized for their selfless dedication to the Youth Center, but that’s only a bit of what they gave to Sturgis.
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Priscilla Hoopingarner, an elementary teacher, was so dedicated she was known to create an individualized curriculum to capture a student’s interests.
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Miss Madeleine would stop at nothing to ensure her students were at their best. I’ve been told you’d have to travel a long way to see a performance at the caliber of her recitals.
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Budd Munson wasn’t a tennis player himself. But for 27 years he coached the Sturgis High School girls tennis team and held a record of 311 wins and 15 losses. What!!!
If you want to know more about what these folks contributed, Oak Lawn Cemetery Tours are Sept 7 & 8.
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Saturday tours are 4 – 5:30 p.m. leaving every half-hour.
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Sunday tours are 2 – 3:30 p.m.
- In the case of inclement weather the event will move to Eastwood Elementary School with the same day and schedule.
Cost is $15 per person and tickets are on sale at sturgesyoung.com.
Oak Lawn Cemetery Tours are hosted by the Sturgis Historical Society, Sturgis Civic Players and sponsored by Sturgis Bank & Trust.
