The 7th Guest/Newspaper articles

June 11, 1929
THE HARLEY SENTINEL - June 11, 1929

The brutal murder of Grace Willet continues to leave Harley police stumped and the residents of the small town of Harley alarmed. Willet, a dedicated member of the South Hudson Presbyterian Church, was killed Monday last when returning for late choir practice. The murder weapon, a hammer covered with blood, was found in nearby hedges. According to Police Chief Wallace Opsum, it appears that Miss Willet, who lives with her invalid sister, was attacked on a dark corner where South Street meets Bently Road. "The disturbing thing," Opsum told the Sentinel, "is the terrible brutality of this killing. Miss Willet was hit repeatedly with the hammer. And for what? The few dollars in her purse?".

Despite the fact that the investigation has not turned up any suspects, Opsum reassures the nervous residents of Harley that they have nothing to fear. "These are tough times," Opsum said. "There are a lot of desperate drifters out there. The madman who did this most likely has moved on to another river town...but he'll tip his hand. They all do." But with each day making the trail colder, Harley residents wonder if it isn't already too late. the regulars who gather for coffee and donuts at Benny's Cafe seemed to agree on one thing. Hardware store owner Jack Muller spoke for them all: "No one will be getting much sleep until this killer is caught." And do they have confidence in Chief Opsum and his men? Muller and the others laughed.

September 19, 1929
THE HARLEY SENTINEL - September 19, 1929

Announcing the Grand Opening of Wonderworld Toys and Puzzles!

Now, the amazing creations of Mr. Henry Stauf will be available for every occasion. Now, everyone will be able to acquire Stauf's incredibly life-like dolls, his ingenious games and puzzles of remarkable ingenuity, all backed by Toymaker Stauf's promise: "A Stauf Toy is a Toy for Life!"

October 12, 1931
THE HARLEY SENTINEL - October 12, 1931

Virus Claims two more Harley Children

The deadly virus that has been claiming lives of Harley's children continues unchecked, with another two children dying this week. Emily Boothe, aged six, and Thomas Horner, aged nine, died within hours of each other. These new deaths occurred with a suddenness and violence that have shocked this small village. There has been no explanation as to why some children are getting the virus which produces a terrible fever from which that suffering children never recovers. The virus has claimed a dozen children and officials at the County Hospital have little to offer for terrified parents. Earlier this week, Dr. Frederick P. Wilson, a NY Medical Center immunology expert, visited the terror-stricken community. Though the world-famous doctor had no explanation for the virus and why it appeared to be limited to Harley--he did offer a warning to parents. "Make sure that children wash their hands well, to keep them germ free. Wash their playthings too and, in general, keep a high level of cleanliness."

Also important, the specialist added, "Parents should keep children away from any adults--other than family members. It's possible," Wilson said, "that adults can carry something that, while not fatal to them, will prove fatal to their children." And what is it that Harley's parents are fighting? "I suspect that it's a form of the flu, some new strain that we haven't seen before." Wilson has asked to be kept informed of any new cases, promising to do what he can to understand this new disease.