McHenry County Historical 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 dramatic details of their, or other's, demise starting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 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.

Learn about the West McHenry State Bank robbery and gang killings in August 1928. Listen while a Woodstock farming wife recounts her brutal murder at the hands of an apprentice farmer and parolee from the St. Charles School for Boys in 1941. And how did a severed head wind up in a Harvard landfill back in 1923?

Finally, there is the horrific tale of serial killer Dr. James Neill Cream. Counted among his victims was a Garden Prairie station agent, murdered in 1881.

This year's cast includes Ann Bormett of Cherry Valley, Tom George of Huntley, Craig Pfannkuche of Wonder Lake, and Bobbi Rose and daughter Alanya Rose Paar of Pingree Grove. Mary Ellen "Tickle Them Bones" Heelan of Cary will be providing mood-appropriate music.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. to the Eckert Hall auditorium, at 6422 Main St. Halloween refreshments follow in the society's West Harmony one-room school.

Admission to the popular "Return of the Dead" program is $5 for historical society members, $10 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.