THE “murder suspect” at the Millicent National Trust Museum on Saturday night was the potential father-in-law.
The local branch of the National Trust staged a “whodunit” in the museum and its grounds with 50 members and supporters donning swinging 1960s-era clothes and providing clues to around 175 paying guests.
During hour-long tours, the guests were told a tantalizing tale of ‘The murder of the Mod Mechanic’.
As part of the Geltwood Festival, visitors made their way around the museum and mingled with sixties-era hippies, protesters, girls in mini-skirts and gurus as they tried to unravel the clues and figure out the murderer.
The other suspects included the local crime boss and the older woman spurned.
The murder suspect was veteran amateur Millicent actor and Company of Seven life member John Mullins.
He was arrested at night’s end and will go on trial on the weekend at the colonial-era Mount Gambier Courthouse in a fun event staged by the National Trust branch in the Blue Lake city.
Millicent National Trust secretary and murder mystery coordinator Chris Parmenter said the evening was a great success with regulars and newcomers present.
He thanked the people who tried to solve the murder and the volunteers who dressed up acted their parts.
“We had about 50 people acting parts and another 30 worked behind-the-scenes to make costumes and paint signs and so on,” Mr Parmenter said.
“Once again we had participants from the Penola Players as well as three from Beachport.
“There were 175 paying guests and this was a little down on last year but we had a few people pull out due to illness.
“The profits from the Murder Mystery will go towards the running costs of the museum.
“There are also the costs of setting up a display next month at the Millicent Visitor Information Centre about the former Millicent Shell Garden.
“It is being staged as part of History Month across South Australia.
“We hope to then bring it into the museum.”
According to Mr Parmenter, the 1960s atmosphere was enhanced by the display of a vintage 1969 Chevrolet Impala owned by Matthew Raddon.
The 2017 Murder Mystery was set in the 1870s and a 1920s theme was adopted a year ago.
Mr Parmenter said ideas were being floated about what might be done next year and said it was a matter for the National Trust committee.
“The museum will turn 50 in 2020 and it is also 150 years of Millicent.”
Tour participant Ben Aardenburg said he had been to every open night at the museum.
“I like the company and everything about the nights,” he said.
“I show my friends and visitors around the museum as it is a great tourist attraction.”
Local resident Julie Walker again donned vintage costume and played the role of a “street walker” for the second consecutive year.
Ms Walker credits Company of Seven stalwart Jan Armit for encouraging her to get involved.
“I have borrowed some items for outfit and made others,” Ms Walker said.
“It allows me to step out of my normal role as a storekeeper at Glencoe.”
It is the fourth consecutive year the Millicent National Trust Museum has opened its doors at night to coincide with the annual Geltwood Festival.
