Starke County Historical Society’s Annual Dinner to Feature Makers of Belle Gunness Documentary

Historian Bruce Johnson  and Film Producer Stephen Ruminski
Historian Bruce Johnson and Film Producer Stephen Ruminski
The Starke County Historical Society’s annual meeting is Thursday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Knox High School Cafeteria.

A special presentation by Bruce Johnson and Stephen Ruminski from LaPorte will be featured. They have researched the material and written the script for the award winning documentary, The Gunness Mystery. This is a portrayal of the life of Belle Gunness of LaPorte who lured wealthy men into her farm home. After a time, she would take all of their possessions and eventually kill them. She was often known as Lady Bluebeard.

She lived her early years in Selbu, Norway and made it to Chicago as an immigrant and eventually moved to her farm in LaPorte.

Bruce Johnson and Stephen Ruminski featured pictures and documents to provide the backdrop for the majority of the documentary and they will share that information on the night of the 21st.

Ruminski produced, directed, filmed and edited the documentary. Johnson composed original music for the project. The pair met through the LaPorte Little Theater.

A carry-in dinner will begin at 6 p.m. with the presentation starting around 6:45 p.m. CT. The historical society members will provide the meat, beverages, silverware, cups, plates and napkins – all you need to bring is a side dish or dessert.