The promotional ad read as follows:

Collin County’s past wasn’t always pretty. Aside from the beautiful, rolling farm lands, there was a darker, more sinister side. Murder & Mayhem: True Crimes of Collin County offers an unparalleled glimpse into the infamous crimes and notorious characters that helped shape Collin County into what it is today. The backdrop for the retelling of these disastrous deeds is the Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano, Texas. This secluded, undisturbed farm, with the moon casting a golden shadow over the property, the scraping sound of tree branches clawing at the outbuildings, beckoning visitors in, make a perfect setting for criminal storytelling. (From the brochure and program)

I was intrigued.  Let t be known – I am a huge fan of storytelling and storytellers.  For years, storytellers would be invited to our Young Authors Celebrations at Wallace Elementary.  I like them.   I love them.  Storyteller’s unique voices with tales from the past mesmerize me.  Another major plus was that my friend Minetta was a featured storyteller at Murder and Mayhem.  Tickets were purchased, and Hot Rod and I had a date.

The Heritage Farmstead Museum in Plano was the setting for our night of listening to the “True Crime” stories that were told by members of the North 40 Storytelling Guild.

As the sun set, our guides lit their lanterns, and we followed them down the dark paths to hear tales of murders, feuds, hangings, and even the tale of an UFO in Aurora, Texas.   It was a perfect night for listening to dark tales.

Hot Rod mentioned that he thought the Farrell farmhouse reminded him of a haunted house.

Minetta told the story of Ezell Stepp – the last man hung in Collin County.  Was justice served?  Hard to tell.

After the Civil War during Reconstruction (Or as the storyteller called it Deconstruction) over 50 people were killed in a four year period known as the Lee-Peacock Feud.

Reconstruction in Collin County belied some violence in the form of the Lee-Peacock Feud, which ebbed and flowed from 1867 to 1871 in the common corners of Fannin, Grayson, Collin, and Hunt counties. Bob Lee, a former Confederate officer, aroused the enmity of Lewis Peacock, a supporter of the Union authorities. There was killing on both sides. Lee was waylaid and killed in 1869, and a systematic hunt for his friends and supporters brought more bloodshed. When Peacock was shot on June 13, 1871, the feud ended. (From the Collin County website.)  

I never knew that.

Then there was the tale of an UFO crashing near Aurora, Texas in 1897.  Distinguished members of the community were eye-witnesses to this event.  I never knew that.  (Ever-Lovin’ did know that.)

There were other ghastly tales of murder.

We actually got to sit around a fire listening to the story of Bonnie and Clyde.  Life is good.

Regina Matthews and Beth Ayers told of the public’s fascination with Bonnie and Clyde.  Some people actually thought their lifestyle   “glamorous” and “romantic”.

The evening ended with a reenactment of a murder trial in which Hunter Farrell (The patriarch of the Heritage Farmstead) was a key player.  Very interesting.

It was a wonderful evening.

Hot Rod was happy.

We are already making plans to attend the next North 40 Storytelling Guild event.

On Saturday, November 9, 2013 Donna Ingram will conduct a workshop at the Heritage Farmstead Museum titled: Tall Tales and True.  (Go to the North 40 Storytellers website to learn more.)  That evening, Donna will present a concert of some of her favorite stories.  Maybe this is something Hot Rod and I can attend.  I will ask Minetta.  I hope so.

The night was perfect, and we had a fantastic evening.  Thank you Minetta for letting us know.  We loved listening to you tell your story.

Blessings to you and yours,