LEONARDTOWN, Md. (Nov. 3, 2008)—The College of Southern Maryland’s Leonardtown Campus will turn ghostly Friday, Nov. 7, as the college hosts the “Spirit Walk,” an event which will bring out the spirits of years past through storytellers in period costume.
When one of the storytellers, Carey Hogue, was asked to portray the ghost of Moll Dyer by her CSM English professor Barbara Johnson, she knew just how to prepare. Her four years of theater classes at Chopticon High School and participation in the school’s production of “The Crucible” have given her a good knowledge of Dyer’s era and manner of dress.
“Moll Dyer was a poor, old woman who is chased by townspeople who tried to burn her,” said Hogue, a freshman at CSM who lives in Mechanicsville. “I guess I’ll need to use a little dirt and soot to get in character.”
She’ll also need to watch out for all the other spirits set to share the stage to tell their tales. Among them are Col. Barnes, the master of Tudor Hall, his former maid and a Confederate soldier.
The event, coinciding with the college’s 50th anniversary year, will include mortals as well. Former dean of CSM’s Leonardtown Campus Jane Sypher will talk about the history of the college and local historian Pete Himmelherber will talk about Leonardtown’s early years.
As the college campus was once home to the St. Mary’s Academy Catholic School for girls, students dressed in nun habits will greet visitors and point the way to games and activities for all ages.
Games and activities will run from 5:30 to 8 p.m., in Buildings A, B and C. Storytelling begins at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Building A. CSM’s Relay for Life cancer fund-raising team will hold a bake sale and will sell hot dogs. There will be free popcorn and balloons for the kids.
The Leonardtown campus is located at the corner of Maryland Route 5 and Route 245 in the heart of town.