Ghost Walk celebrates Albion history

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Zach Shaffer portrays Noah Davis, who grew up poor but was later an esteemed judge. He was elected to Congress in 1869 and appointed US District Attorney by President Grant. David was elected a State Supreme Court justice and presided over the trial of William “Boss” Tweed.

Davis was one of 13 prominent Albion residents highlighted on the sixth annual Ghost Walk on Saturday at Mount Albion Cemetery. There were 66 students involved, serving as “ghosts,” tour guides, singers and on the tech crew.

Shannon Broda portrays Laura Ward, who was married to Judge Alexis Ward, who was instrumental in the development of the Rochester-Lockport-Niagara Falls Railroad. He was elected to the State Assembly in 1854, but died before taking office.

Kyle Thaine portrays Rufus Bullock, who grew up in Albion, was a railroad official in George and was elected that state’s governor in 1868. He was instrumental in the reconstruction of Georgia after the Civil War.

The steps leading up to the Civil War memorial at the cemetery were aglow for the Ghost Walk, which was attended by about 500 people.

William Pecorella portrays Starr Chester, a shoemaker from Gaines. He operated his shoe shop on Ridge Road. That shop was later moved to the Cobblestone Museum, where the building was restored as the John G. Peters Harness Shop.

Evan Steier portrays Judge Arad Thomas who served as county judge from 1860 to 1864. He wrote a book about pioneers in Orleans County. That book published in 1871 – “Pioneer History of Orleans County” – has been a valuable resource for the Ghost Walk.