Saturday morning, Denison residents gathered for a unique walk through Fairview Cemetery, the historic burial ground that holds the remains of roughly 17,000 locals. The event, titled “Stories Beyond the Stones,” combined local history, costumed reenactments and a fundraising mission for both the cemetery and the Red River Railroad Museum.

Reenactors Bring History to Life

Organizers led participants on a looping route that stopped at seven graves representing pivotal figures in Denison’s development from its founding era through the mid‑20th century. Costumed volunteers portrayed each individual, sharing brief narratives that highlighted their contributions to the community.

• Bernice McDaniel – celebrated as an education pioneer; the city’s B. McDaniel Intermediate School bears her name.
• William and Mary Munson – members of the well‑known Munson business family, whose enterprises helped shape the local economy.
• Hartley Edwards – a decorated veteran who famously sounded taps in France when World War I ended; his bugle now resides in the Smithsonian Institution.

Other figures included early settlers, civic leaders and entrepreneurs whose stories are often overlooked in standard school curricula. By walking among the headstones, attendees gained a tangible connection to the people who built Denison.

Fundraising Success for Preservation and Heritage

Brian Hander, one of the tour’s creators and a participant who portrayed James Davenport Garner, told KXII that the event generated “tens of thousands of dollars.” Proceeds are earmarked for two critical needs:

• Tree removal and other maintenance tasks that fall outside the cemetery’s regular budget.
• Support for the Red River Railroad Museum, which preserves the region’s rail‑transport legacy.

Hander noted that selecting only seven individuals for the reenactments was a challenge given the cemetery’s extensive roster of notable burials. Nonetheless, the community’s enthusiastic response demonstrated a strong desire to honor local heritage while addressing practical preservation concerns.

Community Impact and Future Plans

The tour not only raised essential funds but also fostered a sense of shared identity among Denison’s residents. Many participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about their town’s past in an engaging, outdoor setting.

Organizers hope to make “Stories Beyond the Stones” an annual tradition, expanding the roster of featured figures and exploring additional fundraising avenues. By linking historical education with tangible support for local institutions, the event exemplifies how community‑driven initiatives can preserve both memory and place.

How to Get Involved

Future tours, volunteer opportunities and donation information will be posted on the Fairview Cemetery website and the Red River Railroad Museum’s social‑media channels. Residents interested in contributing time or resources are encouraged to contact the organizers directly.

Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.