Rachel Crook was a familiar figure around mid-century Chapel Hill. The 71-year-old ran a fish store and laundromat called Crook's Corner (in the West Franklin Street building that would eventually house a celebrated Southern restaurant with the same name); and had also been working towards a doctorate in Economics at UNC-CH since the 1930s. On August 29th, 1951, Rachel Crook mysteriously disappeared. Her body was discovered the next day near New Hope Church, beaten almost beyond recognition. Rumors swirled amidst an investigation and trial that swept up the entire county. But no one was ever convicted of the crime. Join us for a fascinating look at the evidence, the accusations, and the ongoing mystery!
