Historian and storyteller John Sharp will present ?The Gravestone on Old Highway 56? at the Tabor College Learning in Retirement program, beginning at 9:45 a.m. Monday, March 1, in the Wohlgemuth Music Educa?tion Center.
Sharp, who lives in Hesston and teaches history at Hesston College, will tell the story of Henry and Suzanna Heatwole Brunk Cooprider, who arrived in Marion County in 1873.
Sharp will be accompanied by Herb Zook, a retired professor from Fort Hays State University and a direct descendant of Brunk.
?Many of us have been intrigued by the large headstone in the little cemetery between Hillsboro and Marion that reads ?BRUNK? in very large letters,? said Connie Isaac, LIR coordinator. ?The tragedy behind that headstone is only part of their story.?
Sharp edited a collection of 28 stories of interesting people called, ?Gathering at the Hearth.? More recently, Sharp was chosen to write the history of Hesston College for the celebration of its centennial. He also is active in leading tour groups to historical sites in Europe and Central Asia.
Sharp, raised in central Pennsylvania, received his undergraduate education at Hesston College and Goshen (Ind.) College. His post-graduate work was at Associated Menno?nite Biblical Seminary, Elkhart, Ind.
For 10 years Sharp was director of the Mennonite Church USA Historical Committee and Archives, based in Goshen.
The public is welcome to attend all Learning in Retirement programs. Fees are $3 per session or $15 per semester ($28 per couple). Registration and discount cards for lunch in the cafeteria will be available at the door during the half hour before the meeting.
For more information, contact Isaac at 620-947-5964 or by e-mail at conniei@tabor.edu.
