Historic site opens exhibit of weird antiques

METAMORA, Ill. — A display of weird and creepy antiques is on display at the Metamora Courthouse Historic Site, just in time for Halloween.

The "Strange, Weird and Unusual Antiques" exhibit includes a metal instrument used to open veins for bloodletting. Another item is a tooth key, which was used to pull bad teeth.

The exhibit also presents artifacts from the nation's tragic history of slavery. Visitors can see slave shackles and a slaver's whip woven from wood.

On Halloween, children in costumes can take a tour with their parents and get free candy and snacks. The Halloween event is from 5 to 7:30 p.m.

"Strange, Weird and Unusual Antiques" runs through Nov. 8 at the courthouse. It's one of two surviving courthouses on the historic Eighth Judicial Circuit traveled by Abraham Lincoln.