Oakwood Cemetery Saints and Sinners Tour, Fort Worth, October 30, 2010

The Oakwood Cemetery overlooks downtown Fort Worth and was founded in 1879 when founding father John Peter Smith donated land for a public burial place. This is the final resting place for many of Fort Worth's distinguished settlers, as well as infamous gunslingers and gamblers.

This event raises funds for the cemetery association and also the historical society. Volunteers bring to life some of the historical characters in the cemetery.

In the photo above, she is holding a paper cup on a stick as a target for him to demonstrate his gun power.

The tour started in this chapel, constructed in 1912. A small group of dedicated women raised the money for the construction. It was used for funeral services. We were led into the basement where Phillip Morgett (1856-1913) regaled us with stories. There was a specially constructed elevator in the basement to raise up coffins into the chapel. He told us it never worked properly!

Hat Band members all looked fabulous as we posed in front of the stone tribute to John Peter Smith, dressed appropriately in mourning attire. Standing: Rhonda, Kelley, Maureen, Suzanne, Carly and Joyce. Sitting: Jeanne, Margarita and Benita.

The beautiful old cemetery is blanketed by a canopy of majestic oak trees.

Kelley, Rhonda and Maureen walking down the path.

Rhonda did a great job of turning her basic black hat into a mourning hat.

Loretta brought Ella Halsell Waggoner (1859-1959) back to life for us. Ella was the matriarch of one of Fort Worth's best know cattle and oil rich families.

We posed with Loretta and Deborah Carl, who portrayed Electra Waggoner (1882-1925), the flamboyant daughter of Ella and W. T. Waggoner.

The Texas 15th Calvary marched through the cemetery.

Jefferson Davis McLean (1870-1907) told us of his efforts as county attorney to eliminate gambling, which was largely ignored even though it was illegal. He was gunned down during a raid at the Stag Saloon.

A view of downtown Fort Worth from the cemetery.

William Louis Armstrong (1845-1954) served in the Confederate Army. His daughter, Gussie Armstrong was the eldest child. She took care of the family after her mother died.

She reportedly still haunts her turn of the century home on Fort Worth's north side.