Punta Gorda Pioneers Return to Indian Springs Cemetery

Next to a winding stream shaded by cascading pines and palms with the ominous name of Alligator Creek, rests Indian Spring Cemetery, Charlotte County's 2nd oldest cemetery and gift to Punta Gorda from one of its first city councilmen, James Sandlin (1858-1903).  The cemetery which was platted by Governor Albert Gilchrist in 1880 is quite appropriately his final resting place, and the burial ground of 49 of Punta Gorda's 95 early settlers.

On October 29 the ghosts of many of these historic figures as well as others from Charlotte County history roamed through the hallowed grounds.  The Governor (played by Paul Stamolis) was there standing above his tomb,  as was Sally Jones, educator for whom our middle school was named.  Perhaps most amusingly Big Six Miss OllieBracket, owner of a bawdy house at the end of West Marion Ave. made an appearance.  Virginia Taylor quietly played chess by her grave, and poor Marshall Bowman (Frank Desquin recreated the role), who was murdered at his home on Taylor Street returned streaked with blood.  Here is a photo montage of the visitation through the reenacting talents of the Charlotte County Historical Society. The reenactors are living historians of the Charlotte County Historical Center Docent team.