Detroit was full of stark contrasts in 1931. Political scandals, rumrunners and mobs lurked in the shadows of the city's soaring architecture and industrious population. As the Great Depression began to take hold, tensions grew, spilling over into the investigation of a mysterious murder at the boardinghouse of Hungarian immigrant Rose Veres. Amid accusations of witchcraft, Rose and her son Bill were convicted of the brutal killing and suspected in a dozen more. Their cries of innocence went unheeded - until one lawyer, determined to seek justice, took on the case. 

Join Detroit History Tours as we unravel the story of The Witch of Delray, learn about the Delray neighborhood, the Veres family and the legal and political scandals of 1930s Detroit that still affect us today. 

As part of our virtual event, we will virtually visit a private, members only club in Delray. There the wise cracking, fun loving, seen it all before - bar staff will teach us to make two custom cocktails inspired by the evening's topic, plus a non- alcoholic “mocktail” for those who prefer it.  One week before the presentation registered guests will be emailed an ingredients list, along with the event Zoom invite, so that they can shake, stir, and pour along with the bartenders of the Carbon Athletic Club.

Please feel free to drink during the lecture portion of the event--we won’t judge. 

This event is 18 years old and older.

Meet your lecturer:

Karen Dybis is a Metro Detroit freelance journalist and author of four books about Detroit history, including “Better Made in Michigan” and “The Witch of Delray.”