On Saturday, October 1, from 2-6 pm, Historic South Park invites “visiting detectives” to go back in time and help Dayton Police find a killer. “A Prohibition Scandal” is billed as “a guided neighborhood home tour with a twist.” Attendees will be led by the Chief Detective to five historic homes (one of which is rumored to have been a real 1920’s era speakeasy) where they will meet the suspects, witness scenes, ask questions, then meet a local establishment and compare clues over cocktails. Those who crack the case get a chance to win a $100 gift basket filled with swag from South Park and Dayton businesses.
The event — written, directed and acted by South Park residents — is a fundraiser for the neighborhood council, Historic South Park, Inc. According to co-creators Sarah Dugan and Jeanine Gow, the narrative is inspired by real life in Dayton during the Roaring 20s.
One scene from “A Prohibition Scandal” will take place in the basement if a historic home on Morton Avenue, rumored to have been a 1920’s era speakeasy. It’s one of five homes included on the tour.
Says Sarah, “Our cast of characters include football players from The Dayton Triangles, the original NFL franchise, and suspects inspired by what was popular and newsworthy in Dayton in the 1920s. Besides speakeasies, we’ve taken our cues from vaudeville, spiritualism, glass manufacturing, immigrant communities, quack remedies, and life in the boarding houses that were found everywhere in Dayton at the time.”
So what’s the mystery? A talented but unscrupulous Dayton Triangles quarterback turns up dead and just about everyone is a suspect.
“The tour takes one-and-a-half hours to complete,” says Jeanine, “And we’ve kept the tour groups small. Tours begin at Hope Lutheran Church (500 Hickory Street). There are nine times to choose from, beginning at 2 pm and leaving every half hour with the last tour leaving at 6pm.”
As the tour ends, everyone will be encouraged to gather for a soft or spirited beverage at Wholly Grounds and submit their guess.
HOW TO PLAY DETECTIVE: Wear comfortable shoes! Plan to walk about one and a half miles.
Tickets: $28 at Eventbrite.
Who: You must be 21 years of age or older, since a cocktail is included in the ticket price.
What: “A Prohibition Scandal” is a guided interactive murder mystery event with stops at five beautiful historic homes, ending at a local drinking establishment.
When: Saturday, October 1, from 2-6 pm, tours leave every half hour.
Where: Hope Lutheran Church, 500 Hickory.
More info: Dr. Sarah Dugan, Historic South Park Inc. council member, (513) 324-722, [email protected] (email)
