Carolyn Wells Biographer to Speak in Rahway

Most members of the Merchants and Drovers Tavern Museum Association are familiar with the name Carolyn Wells. Since 1997 when the Association began their popular “Ghosts of the Past Cemetery Tour,” the gravesite of the prolific author has often been a stop on the tour. Although our guests get an opportunity to learn about Ms. Wells, others may not recognize her name.

During her lifetime (1862-1942), the Rahway native was hailed as “America’s Most Famous Mystery Writer” and was considered the authority on that particular genre. In a career spanning over forty hears, Ms. Wells produced a body of more than one hundred and eighty literary works including novels, plays and anthologies.

So what ever happened to the story and legacy of Carolyn Wells? Why did her name become lost in time? How is she viewed by the critics of today? These questions and more will be addressed on Wednesday, March 13 when Rebecca Rego Barry, author of a newly published biography, The Vanishing of Carolyn Wells: Investigations into a Forgotten Mystery Author, presents a discussion at the Rahway Library. The program begins at 5pm. Copies of the book will be available to purchase.

As a special bonus, Ms. Barry will visit our museum the next evening, Thursday, March 14, to participate in a virtual Fireside Chat. The interview will air at 7:00 and will be available to view via Zoom. If you are interested in joining us, please register below.

(Please note – this event is VIRTUAL ONLY, via Zoom. There will be no on-site seating. Please register via Zoom to participate in the livestream.)