Early Twentieth Century
Murder Mysteries
Inspired by historical figures from Bellingham’s past — though the story, events, and dialogue are purely fictional.
Beneath the veneer of prosperity, tensions simmered. Business partnerships dissolved in bitter rivalries, secret deals were struck in smoke-filled backrooms, and more than one prominent citizen harbored dark secrets that could destroy reputations – or lives. It was in this atmosphere of ambition and dangerous secrets that tragedy would strike…
This immersive murder mystery experience takes place in the historic setting of early 1900s Bellingham at the Roeder residence. Guests will investigate clues, question suspects, and work to solve the mystery before the evening concludes.
A commanding industrial titan who built their fortune through copper mines, real estate speculation, and civic investments. This character projects confidence and vision while harboring dangerous financial secrets that could destroy everything they've built.
Arrive in character, but feel free to ask any questions about the game to the host. Here are some character attributes to help you get into character:
During the introductions phase, give this introduction about yourself. Feel free to paraphrase, but don't stray from the core concepts:
Split into small groups and spread this gossip about the other character that are not in earshot:
I've heard the Banker has been quietly buying up waterfront properties under false names, possibly to corner the market before some big announcement.
Workers at the cannery whisper that the Cannery Executive has been cutting corners on safety to boost profits — there was an accident last month they tried to cover up.
The Landowner has been seen meeting with a lawyer from Seattle — supposedly about challenging some old timber claims that could affect several people's properties.
People say the Lumberman has been illegally cutting timber on disputed land, and there's a federal investigation brewing that could ruin them.
The Partner seems unusually worried lately — I've seen them arguing with their spouse about business matters, saying some dealings have 'gone too far.'
The Poet has been writing scathing articles about local business corruption for eastern newspapers — someone's secrets are about to be exposed nationally.
The Railroad Baron has been spotted meeting with out-of-town investors — word is they're planning to bypass Fairhaven entirely and build a competing rail line.
Ask each person a question about where they were on the night of the murder:
I hear there are questions about your recent land acquisitions. Care to clarify?
Your fishing empire is impressive, but are you expanding beyond your means?
Your family has deep roots here. Do you support progress, or cling to the past?
The timber industry built this town. Are you planning to work with us or against us?
You've been advocating for certain restrictions on business. How does that serve our community?
Your cultural writings are noted, but do you understand the economic realities we face?
We've competed before, but tonight I hope we can discuss mutual opportunities.
Answers to give:
Innocent: I conduct all business with complete transparency. My investments benefit the entire community.
Guilty: You discovered my fraudulent mining investments and threatened to expose me. I couldn't let you destroy everything.
Innocent: Industry competition is healthy. I respect your fishing empire and see room for cooperation.
Guilty: You were going to reveal how I've been illegally dumping mine waste into the bay. I had to silence you.
Innocent: Progress and tradition can coexist. I respect your family's legacy while building our county's future.
Guilty: You threatened to expose my plans to seize family lands through false debts. I couldn't allow that.
Innocent: Timber is essential to our economy. Despite past disagreements, I harbor no personal animosity.
Guilty: You were going to testify about my illegal logging operations. I had to stop you before the federal hearing.
Innocent: Your charitable work and my business investments serve the same goal — a prosperous community.
Guilty: You discovered my embezzlement of charitable funds and threatened to expose me. I had no choice.
Innocent: Art and culture elevate our community. I've always supported intellectual and artistic endeavors.
Guilty: Your articles were getting too close to exposing my corruption. I couldn't let you publish the truth.
Innocent: Competition has made us both stronger. I respect your achievements and see opportunities for partnership.
Guilty: You threatened to reveal my bribery of railroad officials. I couldn't let you destroy my reputation.
Questions to ask:
I hear there are questions about your recent land acquisitions. Care to clarify?
Your fishing empire is impressive, but are you expanding beyond your means?
Your family has deep roots here. Do you support progress, or cling to the past?
The timber industry built this town. Are you planning to work with us or against us?
You've been advocating for certain restrictions on business. How does that serve our community?
Your cultural writings are noted, but do you understand the economic realities we face?
We've competed before, but tonight I hope we can discuss mutual opportunities.
Answers to give:
Innocent: I conduct all business with complete transparency. My investments benefit the entire community.
Guilty: You discovered my fraudulent mining investments and threatened to expose me. I couldn't let you destroy everything.
Innocent: Industry competition is healthy. I respect your fishing empire and see room for cooperation.
Guilty: You were going to reveal how I've been illegally dumping mine waste into the bay. I had to silence you.
Innocent: Progress and tradition can coexist. I respect your family's legacy while building our county's future.
Guilty: You threatened to expose my plans to seize family lands through false debts. I couldn't allow that.
Innocent: Timber is essential to our economy. Despite past disagreements, I harbor no personal animosity.
Guilty: You were going to testify about my illegal logging operations. I had to stop you before the federal hearing.
Innocent: Your charitable work and my business investments serve the same goal — a prosperous community.
Guilty: You discovered my embezzlement of charitable funds and threatened to expose me. I had no choice.
Innocent: Art and culture elevate our community. I've always supported intellectual and artistic endeavors.
Guilty: Your articles were getting too close to exposing my corruption. I couldn't let you publish the truth.
Innocent: Competition has made us both stronger. I respect your achievements and see opportunities for partnership.
Guilty: You threatened to reveal my bribery of railroad officials. I couldn't let you destroy my reputation.
Talk amongst yourselves to try and gather theories. This is unstructured time.
Once you have your theory, vote.
If called upon, give your final statement:
Innocent: I've dedicated my life to building Whatcom County's prosperity through vision and investment. My projects have created jobs and opportunity for thousands. I would never resort to murder — progress speaks louder than violence.
Guilty: The irony is perfect — I, the victim, confess to my own murder. In a sense, my ruthless ambition killed the person I used to be. My greed and corruption destroyed so many lives that someone was bound to seek justice eventually.