Geneva's own version of Indiana Jones inspires fundraising event
Most of us know swashbuckling Indiana Jones, who first thrilled us more than 20 years ago in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Well, movie number four in the Jones' series, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," hits theaters May 22.
Just ahead of that, fans can participate in a mystery dinner fundraiser that chronicles the life and times of a real-life Jones-type of adventurer who called Geneva home.
"Dr. Ray and the Curse of the Golden King" benefits the Geneva History Center and will be from 6 to 10 p.m. May 16 at the Oscar Swan Inn in Geneva.
"We've got a great story about a real-life Indiana Jones character," History Center Executive Director Dave Oberg said.
Dr. George Whitfield Ray was born in England and spent the 1890s and early 1900s exploring South America. He settled in Geneva's downtown area in the 1920s and lived there until his death in 1953.
He was a famous explorer, missionary, author and lecturer, Oberg said.
During the good doctor's "adventuring days," he lived with various tribes of indigenous peoples for months at a time, joined an expedition to discover a lost lake deep within the South American continent, had more than a few narrow escapes from death and collected artifacts all along the way.
In his later years Ray lectured on the Chautauqua circuit, frequently donning ornate costumes and showcasing items from his collection while he enthralled audiences with the tales of his travels.
During one adventure, Ray encountered a tribe of sun worshippers from whom he received a sun god idol. It is that idol that forms the basis for the fundraiser's fun.
"We thought, 'Wouldn't it be fun if this sun god pointed out the way to El Dorado, the fabled lost city of gold?'" Oberg said.
Before the evening is over, the idol will disappear (an auction will raise money for the idol's ransom), a terrible curse will be unleashed and participants will try to uncover the culprit, choosing from among a who's who of Geneva's past. Names have been changed slightly to protect the innocent, but some of the suspects include Kate Raftery, founder of the Little Traveler; Col. George Fabyan and nurse and librarian Edith Bailey.
Suspects will circulate through all the tables to tell their stories and give their alibis. Participants can guess whodunit, but for a price: conjectures start at $1 each at the beginning of the evening and then increase to $5 as suspects are eliminated. They'll jump to $10 each when the list of alleged perpetrators dwindles further. Proceeds will fund the 50/50 auction, which is part of the evening.
To portray suspects, Oberg has sought the help of a number of Genevans, including Alderman Sam Hill, Geneva Chamber of Commerce President Scott Lebin; author Donna Latham; Geneva High School drama teacher Lori Dowd and reporter Steve Lord, who has spent more than a little time on a stage himself. Recent Geneva High School alums John Treweiler and Ian Krass, both of whom helped with last year's mystery-themed fund-raiser, are lending their expertise again this year.
"Needless to say, justice will be served in the end," Oberg said.
Tickets cost $100 each, which includes dinner, drinks and dessert.
Auction items include a historic pub crawl, an overnight stay at the Geneva History Center complete with games, movies, dinner and more and week-long stays in Orlando and Miami.
Tickets may be purchased at the History Center, 113 S. Third St. All proceeds benefit the center. Cash, check and credit cards all will be accepted.
"The best part of this is that it's a whimsical story, but it's also a real story about a real guy who lived in Geneva for 30 years," Oberg said. "You almost don't believe his story happened, because it's so fantastic."
For those who want to hear this fantastical story of Dr. Ray's life and adventures but cannot attend the fund-raiser, History Center archivist Ron Rawson will talk about Ray at noon May 13.
For information about either the talk or the fund-raiser, call the center at (630) 232-4951.