Re-enactor of Rosannah Lancaster at Old City Cemetery Tour, 2010.

Those visiting the Old City Cemetery Tour on Oct. 22-23, 2010 can learn all about it — from the people who were there, no less.

Okay, so tourists won't meet the Arthur Haine, who arrived in Vancouver in 1871 at the behest of his family after being dumped by a showgirl in New York City. But they'll meet Mike Parker, a re-enactor with the Vancouver Heritage Ambassadors, the group that puts the tours on each year at the Old City Cemetery.

Parker will assume the role of Haine, whose quirks included prearranging his own funeral in advance of his death. At the funeral, a brass band played as Haine's body was taken to the cemetery. But the horses got spooked by the band, and the casket fell off the wagon. "It wasn't the first time old Arthur ever fell off the wagon," Parker said.

Haine is one of 10 to 15 notable residents from Vancouver's history who will be portrayed by re-enactors, who will wear period clothes at stops around the lantern-lit cemetery.

The re-enactors will portray a mix of famous — and infamous — characters, as well as everyday citizens. They will share their personal stories and discuss what life was like in one of the busiest cities in the region. "This was the hub here, more so than Portland," Parker said.

In addition to Haine, visitors can mingle with Ella Winter, who served as a state representative from 1938-1965.

Esther Short will talk about her life in Vancouver and discuss the origins of the downtown park that was named for her. Her husband was Amos Meade Short.

"These people formed this town," Parker said. "That cemetery is part of our history." Keeping that history alive and accurate is important, Parker said. All of the facts and stories that the re-enactors share have been documented at least three times, he said.
(From The Columbian, Vancouver, WA 22 October 2010)