The History of Quacks and Charlatans in Humboldt

Thurs., Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Location: In person: Arcata

Cost: $40

With Lynette Mullen, Historian

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Humboldt County, and Eureka in particular, had a reputation as the "best town" on the West Coast for fakirs, tricksters, and scam artists. In response, this region saw a steady stream of clairvoyants, fortune tellers, and medical quacks who promised miracles and took residents’ hard-earned money instead. Join local historian Lynette Mullen to learn about “bloodless surgeon” The Great Fer-Don, scam artist Russell De Sang, materializing medium Elsie Reynolds, and more.

Register by 12 p.m., November 2.

Lynette Mullen

Lynette Mullen is a project manager for clients in the economic and workforce development sectors, a writer, and an historian, who can research histories and properties and write reports for individuals, businesses, and agencies.