Society actors to depict mysterious deaths from the past

For one dark night only, several of McHenry County's tragically departed return to describe the details of their demise starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the McHenry County Historical Society Museum in Union.

This year's Historic Halloween recounts four cases of murder and mayhem - as told to you by the tragically deceased. Listen while Charles Eldredge of Richmond describes his unsolved murder, as well as the murder of his brother - slain by the same gun 24 years earlier. Learn about the sensational murder trial of Lillian Gathman in 1933 and the equally titillating case in 1942 of Dorothy Kohout. Was it arson that claimed the lives of her two children or just a tragic accident?

Finally, jump ahead to 1964. Why did it take 30 years to identify the skeletal remains of John "Butch" Masters of Barrington Hills?

This year's cast includes Peter Gill of Woodstock, and Marlene Lantz , Mary Tait and Chelsea McDougall, all of McHenry. Accompanying them will be Nicholas "Don't Shoot the Piano Player" Renkosik of Wonder Lake.

Doors open promptly at 6:30 p.m. to the Eckert Hall auditorium, 6422 Main St. A new optional haunted entrance has been added for the courageous. Halloween refreshments follow in the historical society's West Harmony one-room school.

Admission to the popular "Return of the Dead program is $5 for historical society members, $7 for nonmembers. This program is not suitable for young children because of the subject matter and makeup. For information, call (815) 923-2267 or visit www.GotHistory.org.