From Dark Pages summons a crowd

Historical Society event a spooky success

Today’s article is brought to you by Gary Rhinebarger for Howard County Council Dist. 1. #Wehavemoreincommonthandifferences #Bringpoliticsback2thepeople

The Seiberling Mansion was the setting for a supernatural murder mystery last weekend as the annual production of “From Dark Pages” haunted its halls. The Howard County Historical Society’s fundraising drama brought visitors face to face with some of the most famous and frightening characters and authors from Victorian literature in a desperate search for Jack the Ripper.

Edgar Allen Poe relates a scene from his famous story, “The Telltale Heart.”

From H.G. Wells and his time machine exploits to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and his famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, tourists were led by the authors in the hunt for the killer.

Sherlock Holmes (right) speaks with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as the duo attempt to deduce the true identity of Jack the Ripper.

Along the way, the characters from famous Victorian novels, such as “Frankenstein,” “Dracula,” “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” and “The Turning of the Screw” made appearances as potential culprits or clue-givers.

Mary Shelley (right) prepares to relate the tragic tale of Frankenstein’s monster to Lady Byron and Helen Shelley.

In the end, only those fortunate few who survived the tour know the true identity of Jack the Ripper. For everyone else, there is always next year’s production.

Mr. Hyde emerges in madness as he is questioned about the killer.

“From Dark Pages” was sponsored by The Coterie, Crystal Wand Creations, Scott’s Home Healthcare, Ellers Mortuary and Cremation Center, and Kingdom Cards and Games, with additional support from the Kokomo Howard County Public Library, Farlow’s Orchard, Thistle Rock Farm, and Rice’s Tree Service.

Dr. Jekyll expounds upon the human condition as he prepares to imbibe an ominous concoction.

H.G. Wells introduces the crowd to the “Dark Pages” event, giving them a taste of what is to come inside the Seiberling Mansion.

Queen Victoria and her physician, Dr. Gull, discuss the possibility that her son, Prince Edward, might actually be Jack the Ripper.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle welcomes the tour group before introducing his most famous creation.