On Saturday, January 26th, The Hudson Community center was converted into a 1920’s era Speakeasy and the site of a murder mystery and dinner to raise funds for the Hudson Public library. The setting was to be a celebration for the birthday of Harry Chinn, a Chicago area gangster and owner of the speakeasy. Unfortunately, Mr. Chinn met his demise prior to his birthday celebration and the eventual unfolding mystery to find his murderer. The potential list of candidates that did Harry Chinn in was fairly long, and many had a motive and an opportunity.

As noted, the setting was the 1920’s in a time prohibition, bootleggers, flappers, in the windy city of Chicago. At the beginning, the body of Harry Chinn could not be located, though some saw the murder occur and Chinn’s body came up missing.

The evening event was a sellout, with over 110 attending and over 35 cast members, as extra’s, waiters, and a fine kitchen crew. The meal of course was what would have been commonly served in a middle class speakeasy of the time. We were treated to jell-o salad, Meatloaf, Green Beans, escalloped potatoes, and devil’s food cake, which is my case, contained something a little extra. What I presume was one of Harry Chinn’s missing index fingers. Others in the audience discovered other missing body parts in their dessert as well.

We were treated to some delightful music from Roxie Red-light (AKA, Abby Smoke) Musicians Tim Pannally and Claire Rinnett aka Dave and Jan Rickard, and the fast fingers of Hurricane Hildy aka Hilda Thompson who didn’t hesitate to disclose her personal familiarity with the music of the era.

For me, four actors stood out for their unique characters, Scott Baker played a rival gangster and bootlegger, by the name of Al Kohol. Scott had the demeanor, voice and character done pat, and then Jan Rickard played a piano player, and musician, by the name of Claire Rinnett. We all know that Jan can play the piano well, but her behavior was very suspicious, leading one to believe that she had more then passing knowledge of who or what did in Harry Chinn.

One character, who really did not have a speaking role, but had the presence, costume, and appearance, was the cigarette girl, Camel C. Garette, Even as a non-smoker, I bought four candy cigars from her, since she was such a compelling sales person, and the actor that I got the most kick out was Newspaper Boy Freddie, played by Zander Stiverson, with a Post-Gazette burlap bag, good voice projection, and the proper clothing and hat. Exactly what you would expect a news boy in 1929 would look like. Freddie was selling the latest news stories covering Harry Chin, and the stories of his demise and those in the audience that potentially had a role in his demise. 

Now one character, in the role of a Detective, with a long family heritage of being “Meddling Monk” even investigated the undersigned City Manager. Even though that investigation was conducted while I was indisposed in the Men’s room. It is advisable that this certain Detective, should watch for his next Utility bill and the numbers won’t be in 1929 dollars.

Seriously, this is the second fundraising event that I’ve had the opportunity to attend, and what a wonderful experience it was. Pam Smoke and several family members and friends have spearheaded these fundraisers in support of the library. This year’s event raised around $3,000. Pam Smoke is a member of the Hudson Library Board. Even though Pam prefers to be in the background, she is the coordinator, producer and director of these mystery dinners, and they are a must attend event.

Hudson Thriller’s Book Club

A book club for adults interested in reading mysteries and other fiction will hold its next meeting on Thursday, February 21st at 7pm. The club meets at Lydia’s Book store, located at 114 N. Market Street in Hudson. The next book club selection is The Bone Garden, by Tess Gerritsen.

Future meetings will be held on:

February 21st: The Bone Garden, by Tess Gerritsen

March 20th: Ice Run -Steve Hamilton, a Michigan author

This is an occasional column written by Hudson City Manager, Frank Goodroe.

                                                           To Index