Ellie Carlson returns to the Genoa Public Library with her latest performance of Cate O'Leary on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at 6:00 pm in the Event Room.

For over a hundred years, Cate O’Leary has been blamed for the Great Chicago Fire even though the Board of Police and Fire Commissioners declared her faultless two months after the fire in 1871, and was officially exonerated by the Chicago City Council in 1997.  But for Cate the damage was done.  No one heard or saw much of the lady after the fire.  She moved house to escape gawkers, refused to speak to reporters, never permitted her photograph to be taken, and lived out her days almost as a recluse.

There is one interview, conducted by an un-named reporter for the Chicago Inter Ocean newspaper in 1881, which purports to have actually interviewed Cate herself, late in her life.  This newest ElliePresents program puts the audience members in the place of the reporter with the task of asking questions that are based on the interview.   Join us for this fun, interactive program that you won't want to miss!  Call the library at (815) 784-2627 to register.