Steam Century Mystery at Midway Village, 4/10, Rockford, IL

[Historian]

I am happy to formally announce that tickets are now available for the inaugural Steam Century Mystery at Midway Village in Rockford, IL on April 10 from 4pm-12midnight.

We will be presenting:

Divided We Fall
or...
The Virtues of Planned Obsolescence in Biomechanical Automata

Our story is a steampunk thriller that takes full advantage of the fact that Midway Village is an entirely secluded historic village set back from the sounds and sights of 21st century America. For the price of $35 per player, you will experience an 8 hour mystery event, from 4pm to 12midnight. Concessions will be available for your purchase and we will have other steampunk entertainment arranged for you, including brass etching demonstrations and live musical performances.

This year Steam Century is featuring the Crossroads: each mystery event this year will call on players to make choices that will directly affect the way you experience the game.

Tickets are limited, so don't delay in contacting Midway Village here: http://www.midwayvillage.com/event_calendar.cfm?id=1025

Please note that this event will be held rain or shine (or snow, this is the Midwest, after all). The village is authentic down to its dirt roads so please consider leaving the fine footwear at home and wear shoes and clothes that are sturdy and suitable for adventuring.

If you are traveling from afar, please do not hesitate to get hotel recommendations from Mark or anyone else at the Village. They have a number of hotels with which they have discounts arranged.

[Historian]

Just wanted to keep you all updated:

We've arranged for Eli August as special musical guest. You can read about his music and hear some samples here: http://www.eliaugust.com/

We will also have a brass etching demonstration with one of Midway Village's experienced metalsmiths. Brass etching can be done at home and you will have the chance to ask questions and learn how you can recreate the process yourself.

For those who realize the importance of proper behavior in even the most trying times will appreciate the scheduled etiquette instruction as well.

We're arranging with several vendors now, I'll update you once we have everything finalized.

Tickets are selling now and we have a firm limit of 75 spaces available for this event, so if you are considering joining us, I recommend you purchase your tickets soon.

[Historian]

And since we're down with what the young whippersnappers keep calling that "Face Space" or some such, you can check in and see who else is attending here:

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=282979339686

Also, one of our members has kindly made his photographs of one of our research visits public.
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=143781&id=559662646&l=74f2df0be6

Flyer to come soon!

[Historian]

Now updated with snazzy flyer!

[Erland Calwallader]

I got need for a little information. I used to live in Loves Park. Is Midway due east of there. I was thinking it was the road with the used car lots on it. Of course that was back in the 60's. I was a little kid back then. If I go back for a family reunion, I like to stop by there this summer. I can not make it there from Alabama. Bummer.

[Historian]

I don't know the area that well but according to Google Maps, yes it is east of Loves Park. Here is the map:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=6799+Guilford+Rd,+Rockford,+Illinois+61107&daddr=Loves+Park,+IL&hl=en&geocode=%3BCQDiolb-SbYYFZPAhQIdjhSx-ikh2TvJhZYIiDFGw87LSuWUUQ&mra=ls&sll=42.320019,-89.058162&sspn=0.187088,0.445976&g=Loves+Park,+IL&ie=UTF8&z=14


I have to admit, when we were driving to Midway Village the first time last summer we were dubious: you pass miles and miles and miles of strip malls and big box stores and you think "Ok, are we going to be standing in a Victorian house in the shadow of a Home Depot?"

The entrance to the Museum is reassuring, but you don't see anything other than the parking lot and the modern museum building. Then you walk through a wrought iron gate down a small brick path through some trees....and there is it, this Victorian main street surrounded by trees and park and you can't see or even hear the road. It really is an amazing site, the museum curators say that many people in Rockford don't even know its there.

If you are up in the early summer, I would recommend trying for the 1900 American Chautaqua on June 19th and 20th:

http://www.midwayvillage.com/event_calendar.cfm?id=1006

[Erland Calwallader]

Thanks for the responce. I was born in the old St Anthony's hospital and live the first ten year of my life in Loves Park. When I behaved I got to go to the old Rockford speedway with the figure 8 races. I think that was twice a year. Tough kid!

The family reunion is 4th of July. Is there any steamy things happening then?

[Historian]

The Chicago group might have some things going on, 4th of July weekend both Steam Century chapters are hosting events at CONvergence in Minneapolis.

I would check with the Steampunk Chicago site to see about July events as we get a little closer.

[Historian]

Erland, something from your post just clicked in my head:

The hospital you were born in is the sponsor for the Sock Monkey Madness Festival this weekend at Midway Village!

The world is a wonderful, small place!

[Wilhelmina Frame]

I might be in the Chicagoland area on that date. Might be fun if I could make it!

[Historian]

If you need a place to stay I did a quick Google Map of the hotels that are about 5-10 minutes away. Here's the link for you.

Although before making arrangements you might want to call and ask about getting a discount through Midway Village, I don't know the details, but I do know for their other events they often have one sorted out.

Also, since I was there, I thought you might like to see what the Village looks like on Google Maps, and you can see that with the link here.

[Historian]

Are you coming in from out of town for the mystery event or will you have time to spend in Rockford before 4pm?

Consider visiting the fine paleontology collections at the Burpee Museum of Natural History. Features include a two-story tall prehistoric coal forest and Jane, the world's most complete juvenile T. Rex.

[Historian]

My apologies, I forgot to add that the Burpee is only 15 minutes away!

Here are the Google Directions.

I can't wait until our summer event as Rockford boasts both an arboretum AND a traditional Japanese garden.

[Historian]

Ah the Midwest! After a week of 60+ degree weather it snowed on us during the entire rehearsal. However, we planned ahead and dressed in long underwear, caps, cloaks, and gloves. We had a great time with the cast members from Midway Village (we had to be dragged out of the blacksmith shop to actually rehearse, that stuff is so cool!). The brass etching looks good , we have a professional photographer booked to take period portraits AND we may have some more musical performers coming in to keep you all entertained.

Oh yeah, then there is that little problem of that thing that's murdering villagers, you might want to look into that.....

[Historian]

Even more performers added to the line up! We are excited to announce Musical Storytelling added to April 10th Event at Midway Village!

The Clockwork Violin
The Absinthe Minded Professors
Storyteller Joshua Safford /Violinist Michi Regier
Steampunk Tales

This duo combine Victorian science fiction storytelling and classical music in a bizarre fusion that evokes a gritty future past that never... was, popularly known as “Steampunk.” Drawing on historical seeds of nineteenth century history Joshua creates strange fantasy that is colored by Michi’s textured strings warping the classics. The Absinthe Minded professors will introduce you to a most extraordinary gentleman's hunting club, reveal the rather gory prequel to the nutcracker, and engage in a brief experiment in time travel- all accompanied by Clockwork Violin.

Both these artists are veteran performers of the of the Renaissance festival circuit, having toured the country, as individual artists as well as being part of bands and performance troupes for over twenty years. Both have been involved in performance projects historical and surreal. For more information on storyteller Joshua Safford www.ravenstory.com violinist collaborator Michi Regier please go to her website www.michimusic.com

[Erland Calwallader]

Thanks for all the information. I am trying to work out travel arrangements. I may have a new job by then. A lot will have to do with that and the understanding boss.

[Historian]

I'm hunting for work myself (anyone need an academic, cheap?) so I hope everything goes well for you.

It looks like we will have some tickets available at the door, I don't blame anyone for watching the weather before committing to such an early spring event. It was in the 70s here in Wisconsin today, lets hope we get some of that weather on the 10th.

Photography will be done by Gunnar Soderlind: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-Bluff-IL/Gunnar-Soderlind-Photography/190557352591
We have three hours set aside for formal portraits and Gunnar will be taking photos throughout the event. Guests will have a chance to buy the prints on site, either modern style or in vintage style..

I hope to have some photos of the The Absinthe Minded Professors soon, we've really been fortunate that many talented people want to get involved with our events and approach us about joining in on the fun. So far the most common question is: Can we play in the mystery between our vending/work/performing?!

I'm waiting to hear from Midway Village about details about what kinds of food will be available. They have told me that guests are welcome to bring in outside food if they prefer. If you have any specific questions, just me me know.

[Historian]

The first long range forecast is out for April 10th! It will be partly sunny with highs in the mid 50s. Of course this could change and we'll keep our eyes on it for you. We'll have a fire laid in at the hotel and there is heat in all the buildings.

[Historian]

If you had any questions about the Bartitsu class being held outside Rockford,IL on April 17th (post about it here) then you will ample time to ask about it at Midway Village on April 10th. Gallowglass Academy has graciously offered to give a Bartitsu demonstrate in period attire!

For more information: http://www.gallowglassacademy.org/ and http://www.bartitsu.org/

[Historian]

The Event page for the April event (with mystery spoilers and all!) is now up. You can find it on the right hand column on our main page:

http://www.hmabadger.com/

You can find pictures of the event here: http://www.photostockplus.com/home.php?user_id=33269&tmpl=61&event=423119&album_id=423119
(entering your name and email does NOT sign you up on a newsletter or spam, I can speak from experience)