Halloween party to summon support for the Aurora Historical Society

The fall fundraiser for the Aurora Historical Society will be a Halloween party featuring costumes, food, dancing and historical characters. The party will be Friday, Oct. 18, at One East Benton, a 1904 building that was formerly the public library and is now the headquarters of SupportTechs LLC.

Proceeds will benefit the operations of the society.

"I like to think of the old library as haunted by a century's worth of knowledge and literature, and we intend to bring out those ghosts at the party," said Mary Caffee Twait, one of the event organizers and a board member of the society. "I'm eager to see what might emerge from those beautiful old stone walls and wooden windows."

Featured individuals will be an impersonator of Casimir Arcouet, a 19th-century Aurora portrait photographer who will photographically capture the real and not-so-real guests, as well as a Tarot card reader, a troubled and troublesome old crone.

Another highlight will be a visit by local television personalities the "Housewife of Horror," Rachel Rose Bee, and her husband, Kevin.

Other features will be a costume contest, and an auction of Aurora items and experiences.

Music will be provided by DJ Ricky Rodgers and there will be refreshments by Calla Lily Tea Room as well as a cash bar.

The party will run from 7 to 11 p.m. at 1 E. Benton.

Tickets are $40 a person, or $35 for members, and can be purchased online at www.aurorahistory.net or over the phone at (630) 906-0650, or by mailing a check to the Aurora Historical Society, P.O. Box 905, Aurora, IL, 60507.

Costumes are encouraged but not required.

In order to offer the party, the historical society has temporarily paused the annual "Death Comes to the Tanner House" dramatic tours that are the trademark of the 1857 house museum. The tours will resume in 2020.