On the Shelf . . .

Just had an opportunity to read through an advance copy of the latest offering by author/researcher Clifford Blair concerning Crystal Lake and its "lies and legends." You may know Mr. Blair from his previous best-selling work entitled Ex-Files Exposed. He takes an investigative look at what some consider an ongoing cover-up job here in our small community. The information presented is pretty black and white. Blair attempts to expose and/or debunk some of the more prevalent stories and rumors that swirl around the waters of our murky lake. My bet is the book will spark some controversy among residents and officials alike. As one of our residents put it, "the last thing we need is somebody stirrin' up that Jason shit again."

Mr. Blair is scheduled to appear at The Book Cellar the first week of June to sign copies.

Videotape Exclusive . . .

It's been a while since our last update. We've spent the past couple of months prepping some material that we have acquired. Above is a still shot from a videotape dated 1984. The tape was allegedly stolen from the Eye-On News archives a few years ago. We haven't confirmed that but chances are the tape was indeed taken without proper consent or permission from Eye-On News. The video itself has seen better days and contains no audio, but is still rather informative. It runs just a little over 20 minutes and appears to be shot in and around a secluded makeshift cabin. It begins with a few outtakes from one of the Eye-On reporters just outside the cabin. We noticed a few sheriff deputies loitering in the wooded background. The recording abruptly ends just after entering the door seen in the still above. We'll follow up on this in the days ahead.  

From the Attic . . .

Several photo albums were discovered in the attic of the town library recently. Some were dated back as far as the nineteen-thirties and forties. Chief Librarian Ruth Anne Hensley said the albums were purchased from a local thrift sale a few years ago and then stored at the library. The albums represent an historic look back at Crystal Lake and its people in simpler times. One random photo in particular caught our eye.

Summer Camp Condemned . . .

In a relating article dated September 23rd, 1979 . . .

Board members voted in a unanimous decision to close down and condemn Camp Crystal Lake in Wessex County on Thursday. The one time flourishing summer camp was the site of many tragedies over the past 25 years, beginning with the drowning of a local youth in 1957. The following year, two resident counselors were found murdered on the grounds. Fires and traces of poison in the well water prevented the camp from opening on two separate occasions many years later. But the final decision to condemn the site happened earlier this summer when a brutal mass slaying shocked the entire community. Stephen Christy, son of the former owners, was one of seven individuals found murdered by a local woman in June of this year. Christy had been refurbishing the grounds in hopes to attract area youth and inner city children.

Local law enforcement have been keeping an eye on the grounds since the murders. Several arrests were made in August for trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia. The camp has become a site for parties and curious thrill seekers due to the incidents that plagued the area. Officials agreed to the condemnation in a meeting held at the Crystal Lake Community Center. No decision was reached about the future of the camp, but local business owner Donato Vendredi says "it should be demolished." Ownership of the camp belonged solely to Stephen Christy. A member of the Christy family was contacted and notified of the meeting but was not present. Since the murders in 1958, locals often referred to the area as Camp Blood.

More on Ralph . . .

As promised, we dug deep in the archive and pulled out a great a photo that gives us a little glimpse into the life of "Crazy" Ralph. Attached with the original undated photo above was a handwritten blurb from a staff writer at the Wessex County Register. Apparently this was the photo and copy layout for a small piece that was printed in the newspaper itself. We weren't able to track down an actual printed version, but we did manage to make out the blurb of text that was to be published with the photograph. Read below.

"Wessex County Register paperboy Ralphie Kessler, seen here in front of Hartung's Grocery, was awarded a new bi-cycle for his hard work and punctuality over the past three years. His delivery route runs through the majority of the Crystal Lake community. Ralphie, who admired the shiney blue frame, stated someday he hopes to become a writer or editor for the paper. Congratulations, Ralphie!"

Now here's a site worth visiting! See some of your favorite screen-used props collected and displayed here. Owner Mario Kirner has acquired some authentic and very recognizable props over the years. I'm sure you'll envy him just as much as we do here at the Store. Check 'em out! 

We're All Dooooomed!!!

Who rode around town on a rickety old bicycle spoutin' the gospel whenever he got loaded and got his calling? Well, "Crazy" Ralph of course! But Ralph wasn't always considered the town looney. Coming soon we'll take a closer look at the life and times of "Crazy" Ralph. He may be gone, but ol' Ralph ain't forgotten. He told the others. . . now we're telling you. You're all doomed if ya don't check out this article. Dooooomed!!!!