As people gathered at Woodland Cemetery Saturday evening for the annual Lawrence County Historical Society Woodland Cemetery Walk, they learned about some of the county’s most recognized citizens through history.

The event, which has been a tradition for just under 20 years, features actors portraying prominent Lawrence County citizens and telling their stories as people gather around each site throughout the cemetery.

“The cemetery walk is a lot of fun and a good experience,” Mackenzie Blankenship, who portrayed Mabel Jenkins, said. “It teaches everyone the history of our area and how things developed.”

Mabel Jenkins, a piano instructor and resident of Ironton for 55 years, was the wife of Thomas Jenkins, who was known as Mr. Ohio River for promoting the construction of the Greenup Dam.

“It brings history more to life and makes you more appreciative,” Michael Pierce, who portrayed Thomas Jenkins, said.
This year was Blankenship’s second year acting in the cemetery walk, while it was Pierce’s first.

The walk contained 33 different sites with multiple people at the majority of them as people guided themselves to each stop.

“I like to meet all the new people and explain the history of this area,” John Higgins, who portrayed James Slater, a prominent pharmacist during his time, said. “I like history in general, so this is a nice fit for me.”

Debbie Rogers, organizer of the walk and member of the Lawrence County historical board, said the event went very well.
“It was a very good event this year,” she said. “I’m very happy.”