Did you know that instead of living in a city named Meridian, it could very well have been Ragsdale City or Ballwin?

That’s just one of the interesting facts guests can discover at the seventh annual Rose Hill Costumed Tour scheduled Saturday at the historic Rose Hill Cemetery.

Beginning at 5 p.m. guests will hear the stories of those buried within the cemetery gates – those who helped to build and make “The Queen City” what she is today, along with a few scoundrels and even the King and Queen of the Romani Gypsies, said Anne McKee, Rose Hill Costume tour director.

As guests enter the gates at the historic Rose Hill Cemetery they will be greeted by members of the Rose Hill Company. These people are local historians and storytellers who dress in period costumes and portray people who are buried in the cemetery.

This year’s tour is dedicated to the life and memory of Meridian Community College Theater Instructor Steve Nabors, a long-time Rose Hill player who recently died, McKee said.

“This would have been his third year to portray Lewis A. Ragsdale, an attorney from Alabama who moved to Meridian and became one of the first founders,” McKee said. “He played the part with flair, portraying the boisterous and pretentious character well.”

McKee said history has it that Ragsdale and John T. Ball, a merchant from Kemper County bought 100 acres of land each from a Mr. McLemore in 1855 when the railroads announced they were coming into the area. McLemore had settled here and bought all the land in the area from a federal grant through the 1830 Dancing Rabbit Treaty with the Choctaw Nation.

“According to research, Ragsdale and Ball were feuding founders and would not even share their plat maps when they were laying out city streets,” McKee said. “So, if you run into a bank or weird intersection you have met Mr. Ball and Mr. Ragsdale. Mr. Ball opened up a country store and post office, and Mr. Ragsdale put in a bar and hotel right near the railroad.

“They couldn’t even decide on the name of the settlement,” McKee said. “Mr. Ragsdale suggested Ragsdale City and Mr. Ball suggested Ballwin. Eventually the railroad got tired of the arguing and named it Meridian.”

McKee said Nabors was dedicated to his craft and willing to share his talents.

“Steve came in at a time when we needed him, and was so perfect for the part,” McKee said. “He is unforgettable, he was funny, and will be greatly missed.”

As so many areas are erasing history today we are telling the history here and trying to keep it alive, McKee said.

“Telling the history in ways people will never forget, through the arts, drama, and storytelling,” McKee said. “Once someone young or old meet the gypsy king, they will never forget it.”

McKee said for a community to open up and receive Kelly Mitchell, queen of the gypsy nation, who died a tragic death in 1915, is a story in itself.

“Her king was distraught and didn’t know what to do, so the community banded together to provide a funeral and a place for her in the cemetery — that is a huge story ,” McKee said. “That is our brand, what makes us pop. It’s what makes us different from any other historic tour, and we must use it to our advantage.”

McKee said many people come together and volunteer their time: researchers, scriptwriters, costume/wardrobe, players, storytellers, tour guides, security, and supporters. Special thanks to Meridian Council for the Arts.

The annual cemetery tour is free, open to the public, suitable for all ages, and offered as a public service for the community. Tours will be given on a first come, first serve basis so come early. Parking will be provided in the Calvary Christian School parking lot for a nominal fee. The last tour will begin at 7 p.m.

Characters:

Augustus B. Wagner (actor, Kris Gianakos) _ original landowner.

Rev. & Mrs. Bozeman (actors Dr. Toby Bates and Wanda Russell) – First Baptist Church.

Mr. C.C. Williams (actor, Jim Harrison) – Successful businessman during Meridian’s Golden Age (early 1900s).

Mayor Edwin Dial (actor, Christopher Alexander) – Meridian’s most progressive mayor.

John T. Ball (actor, Joshua Myers) – Meridian Founder and businessman

Charles M. Rubush (actor, Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun) – helped rebuild Meridian, after Civil War. Calhoun portrays his great-great-grandfather.

Nebraska Read (actor, Brenda Stewart) – Only woman buried in Confederate Mound.

Story of Confederate Mound (Actor, Ward Calhoun) listed on the Civil War Trails.

Mary W. Shackleford (Actor, Carol Sue Wiggins) Dr. Shackleford’s daughter, art teacher.

Romani Mitchell Gypsy Family portrayed by Gypsy & Ted Hennington and Jamela Johnson.

Lewis A. Ragsdale (actor, Michael Edwards) – Meridian Founder.

John Thomas Taylor (actor, Odie Barrett) – Meridian mayor.

Marjorie Woods Austin (actor, Carolyn Starnes) – Founder, Meridian Little Theatre.

Anthony F. Kohlbecker (actor, Scott Farmer) – Professional ballplayer.

Lady in Black (actor, Debra Harrison) – Confederate widow.