Become a detective and solve a murder mystery, or be a ghostbuster during a not-too-spooky haunted house tour at the Baker House during Halloween season.
Recreational sleuths will have four chances to catch a murderer during the “Mail-Order Bride Mayhem” program. It is just one of the programs that is being offered at the historic house in Wildwood.
Set in the late 1800s during Florida’s “orange fever,” when would-be citrus barons came to the state to try to grow their fortunes, “Mail-Order Bride Mayhem” is about happens when one too many brides show up to one man’s house after a mail order was sent and someone ends up dead under mysterious circumstances.
“Guests can come enjoy the pre-show interactions with the volunteer actors,” said Jillian Boyar, recreation specialist for the City of Wildwood.
Guests are encouraged to dress up in their best cowboy attire during this country-themed event.
“We want to see bandanas, boots and cowboy hats,” Boyar said. “I love seeing what costumes the actors come up with. They put so much effort and details into it.”
Along with an entertaining show, guests will be provided a dinner 30 minutes before the show is set to start. The menu consists of creamed chicken and biscuits, coleslaw, green beans and an orange cupcake.
“I think people will enjoy the immersive aspect of the program,” Boyar said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Guests can see the shows from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 30 and Oct. 2 and at 4 and 7 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Baker House, 6106 County Road 44A in Wildwood.
Registration is required and tickets are $35 per person.
Spend the Afternoon with the Spirits
Ghosts will be coming alive during the Spirited Ladies Tour at the Baker House.
The tour is hosted by the first three generations of Baker women who lived in the home including Mary Baker, Lorena Baker and Gladys Baker, as portrayed by reenactors. The presentation is based on ghost and legacy stories passed among the community.
“The stories are based off of the lives of the actual Baker’s and the script is approved by the family,” said Boyar. “Guests get to learn about the people who lived here from the people who lived here.”
Boyar said the tour provides an unique chance to see the features of the home that are referenced in the tour up close.
A Victorian medical history pre-show also is available during this event.
“It is an informative display that gives guest the chance to ask questions about these medical devices” Boyar said.
The show is from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct. 24-25 and Oct. 31. Tickets cost $20 per person, advance registration is required. Guests are asked to arrive 30 minutes in advance for check-in.
History of the Home
Anyone who is looking to learn more about the Baker House may want to take the Historical House Tours.
Built by Sen. David H. Baker around 1890, the Baker House has stood for more than 130 years in Wildwood.
Boyar said it is important to talk about Baker’s importance, his legacy and his home because he lived in the town.
The Baker House is an interesting piece of history that still has most of the original architecture, Boyar said.
“It gives people the chance to live in both that very moment and enter a time capsule of what people of Baker’s status lived like back then,” she said.
During the tours, the public is able to view a home from the Victorian era that has been restored and maintained. Tours are at 10:30 a.m. and noon Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Nov. 7 and Nov. 14.
Tickets for the tours must be purchased in advance and are $10 per person.
For more information about programming at Historic Baker House, visit wildwood-fl.gov.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
