Perkins Players to present 'Banking on Clams' about 1920s get-rich-quick scheme
"This case has attracted more attention throughout northern Illinois than any other case of record. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are involved in the operations of Fremont Hoy and his sons … ."
- Woodstock American, July 20, 1923
It is 1920 and the United States Bankruptcy Court has called a meeting of creditors for the Fox River Pearl Fisheries in McHenry - which during the previous month had involuntarily filed for bankruptcy with Northern District of Illinois' Eastern Division in Chicago.
The situation is complicated further by numerous allegations that have surfaced regarding a pillar of the Woodstock community, banker Fremont Hoy, and his two sons - Clarence and Kevin. They are being accused of mishandling funds and promoting financial "opportunities" subsequently gone awry.
This promises to be quite a raucous evening of fact finding. Audience members are invited to dress in period fashion, as well, and interact.
The program about this get-rich-quick scheme begins at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at Perkins Hall, 3600 Franklinville Road in Woodstock. Park along Garden Valley or Perkins Roads and be mindful of traffic on Franklinville Road. There are no restroom facilities so plan accordingly.
In the event of severe weather, visit www.GotHistory.org or call the office at (815) 923-2267 to learn whether the event is being postponed.
Each year, the McHenry County Historical Society strives to re-create an interesting and historically significant event from the county's past.
Previous topics have included the McHenry County Poor Farm, the rise of women's organizations in mid-19th century, controversy surrounding "dirty dancing" in the 1920s and consternation in 1906 involving newfangled automobiles - i.e. "devil wagons" - and most recently the release of Socialist Eugene Debs from the county jail on the Woodstock Square.
This year, the program returns its 1885 former Seneca Township Hall, named in honor of former McHenry County Historical Society board president and township highway commissioner Don Perkins of Woodstock.
Admission is free, but donations gladly are accepted. Refreshments will be provided.