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.
The devoted partner of a powerful industrialist, this character balances public grace with private concerns. They are deeply invested in community welfare, charitable causes, and cultural development, often serving as the conscience when business ambitions go too far. Behind their dignified exterior lies someone who knows where the bodies are buried.
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 Magnate's copper mine investments are failing — I heard they've been borrowing heavily to cover losses and might be facing bankruptcy.
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've noticed some questionable transactions in our charitable accounts. Can you explain?
The working conditions at your cannery concern me. Are you treating workers fairly?
Your family's agricultural heritage is admirable. How do you balance tradition with progress?
Environmental impact matters to our community. Are your logging practices sustainable?
Your business ambitions sometimes worry me. Are you considering the community's welfare?
Your cultural commentary is insightful. Do you see hope for balancing art and industry?
Transportation development affects everyone. Are you consulting with local families?
Answers to give:
Innocent: I trust in honest business dealings and believe our charitable work speaks for itself.
Guilty: The Magnate was going to expose how I've been redirecting charity funds to environmental causes. I had to stop them.
Innocent: Social responsibility and business success should go hand in hand. I support fair labor practices.
Guilty: They discovered I've been sabotaging equipment to protest unsafe working conditions. I couldn't let them expose me.
Innocent: Preserving our community's heritage while embracing progress requires careful balance and mutual respect.
Guilty: The Magnate planned to destroy historical sites for development. I couldn't let such vandalism continue.
Innocent: Environmental stewardship and economic development can coexist with proper planning and consideration.
Guilty: They threatened to expose how I've been secretly funding protests against logging operations.
Innocent: I support my spouse's vision while advocating for community welfare and sustainable development.
Guilty: You've become consumed by greed, ignoring the human cost of your ambitions. I had to stop you.
Innocent: Art and literature help us understand our community's soul beyond mere economic considerations.
Guilty: The Magnate was going to silence your truth-telling articles by threatening your funding. I protected free speech.
Innocent: Transportation progress should benefit everyone, not just industrial interests. Community input is essential.
Guilty: They planned to bulldoze the community center for a rail yard. I couldn't allow such destruction.
Questions to ask:
I've noticed some questionable transactions in our charitable accounts. Can you explain?
The working conditions at your cannery concern me. Are you treating workers fairly?
Your family's agricultural heritage is admirable. How do you balance tradition with progress?
Environmental impact matters to our community. Are your logging practices sustainable?
Your business ambitions sometimes worry me. Are you considering the community's welfare?
Your cultural commentary is insightful. Do you see hope for balancing art and industry?
Transportation development affects everyone. Are you consulting with local families?
Answers to give:
Innocent: I trust in honest business dealings and believe our charitable work speaks for itself.
Guilty: The Magnate was going to expose how I've been redirecting charity funds to environmental causes. I had to stop them.
Innocent: Social responsibility and business success should go hand in hand. I support fair labor practices.
Guilty: They discovered I've been sabotaging equipment to protest unsafe working conditions. I couldn't let them expose me.
Innocent: Preserving our community's heritage while embracing progress requires careful balance and mutual respect.
Guilty: The Magnate planned to destroy historical sites for development. I couldn't let such vandalism continue.
Innocent: Environmental stewardship and economic development can coexist with proper planning and consideration.
Guilty: They threatened to expose how I've been secretly funding protests against logging operations.
Innocent: I support my spouse's vision while advocating for community welfare and sustainable development.
Guilty: You've become consumed by greed, ignoring the human cost of your ambitions. I had to stop you.
Innocent: Art and literature help us understand our community's soul beyond mere economic considerations.
Guilty: The Magnate was going to silence your truth-telling articles by threatening your funding. I protected free speech.
Innocent: Transportation progress should benefit everyone, not just industrial interests. Community input is essential.
Guilty: They planned to bulldoze the community center for a rail yard. I couldn't allow such destruction.
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 devoted my life to charitable works and community building. Violence goes against everything I believe in. My spouse and I have always worked to improve lives, not destroy them. I'm deeply saddened by this tragedy.
Guilty: I killed my own spouse. They had become consumed by greed and ambition, destroying everything we once stood for. When someone you love becomes a monster threatening innocent people, sometimes love requires the ultimate sacrifice.