Independence Day in the White City

On July 4, 1893, the dark storm clouds that threatened to cancel the World's Columbian Exposition's grand fireworks show parted to reveal a beautiful night. Chinese lanterns hung throughout Jackson Park while red lights illuminated from the Ferris Wheel. Out on the lake, hundreds anchored their well lit boats and waited for the first rocket. Thousands crowded the fair and every Columbian Guard (the fair's police force) was on hand should problems arise.

Among the throng was H. H. Holmes and his guests, Minnie and Anna Williams. The trio stood with hundreds of others on the roof of the Manufactures and Liberal Arts Building. This "roof" actually doubled as a large observation tower that visitors could access via elevator. It spanned the length on the gigantic building and was one of the best vantage points for taking in the sights of the fair (and the Fourth of July fireworks display).

 

Minnie, Holmes, and Anna

The band struck up "Home Sweet Home," the buildings became outlined in gold, searchlights on the Liberal Arts Building came alive, and colorful jets of water poured from MacMonnies Fountain. Soon fireworks from all directions exploded in the night sky and ended with a giant light up picture of George Washington that flared from Festival Hall. Some said being on the roof of the Liberal Arts building was as close to heaven as they would ever get. But heaven was much closer that year.

Holmes, Minnie, and Anna waited hours for a train back home. That night, as they talked together in the flat Holmes had rented (located at 1200 Wrightwood Ave) to get Minnie out of his hotel, Holmes told the two women that the next day they were going to leave on a trip to Europe. Giddy with excitement, Anna wrote a letter home telling her relatives that they "need never trouble any more about me." It was the perfect ending to the day.

The next morning, Holmes took Anna on a tour of the Castle. Most, if not all, of the guests were out at the fair. He returned to the flat alone. When Minnie asked where her sister was, Holmes said she was waiting for them back at the hotel. Giving her his arm, they departed. Neither Minnie nor Anna Williams were ever seen again.

Anna's clothing trunk arrived in Chicago but no one could find the owner.

The Oker family who rented Holmes the flat were surprised when Holmes sent a letter surrendering it. They had never seen anyone leave and had heard nothing about a departure. Books with torn out fly leaves (what people would sometimes write their names on) and several other odd items were found left behind in the room.

An Englewood resident named Cephas Humphrey who made his living transporting large objects (furniture, crates, trunks) was hired by Holmes to carry away a box and trunk. Later, he recalled Holmes' strange instructions to "come after the stuff about dark as I do not care to have the neighbors see it." Both items were heavy and when Humphrey leaned the coffin like box on it's side, Holmes ordered, "Don't do that. Lay it down flat." The box went on a train to an undisclosed destination. The trunk may have been given to Charles Chappell, the same man who had stripped and mounted the bones of Julia Conner.

A few days later, Holmes gave Benjamin Pitezel's wife, Carrie, some dresses, shoes, and hats that belonged to Minnie (who he said was a cousin that had moved east). He suggested Carrie use the fabric to make clothing. Pat Quinlan, janitor of the Castle, was given trunks. Carved into both were the initials MRW.

Minnie and Anna Williams became the fourth and fifth victims of H. H. Holmes.

Until next time.

XOXO, Kate