Crystal's Past Unraveled: Mansion Murder Mystery

Intrigued by this rich tapestry, Amy embarked on a journey of historical discovery, and the more she learned about Templeton Crocker, the Mansion’s original visionary, the more captivating the story became. What began as an idea for a fun activity blossomed into a full-fledged murder mystery event.

 

Amy's passion for this project was ignited during a murder mystery writing class she took with her friend and colleague, Tasha Bergson-Michelson, the Librarian at Castilleja. As fellow librarians and quilting enthusiasts, they share a belief in the power of interactive learning. They envision using murder mystery parties in the classroom as engaging introductory or culminating activities for units bringing literary or historical characters to life. Her research into the Mansion's past, including insights from Crystal's former Librarian Deb Hunt and her own dedicated reading, fueled her creative process.

 

This project wasn't just about solving a fictional crime; it is about uncovering our local Bay Area history, which is rich and often overlooked. From the Ramaytush Ohlone people to the Spanish and Mexican landholders, the ownership trail leading to Templeton Crocker is surprisingly direct, connecting us to a deep and significant past. We believe that understanding this history is vital, as our school community, much like the layers of history beneath our feet, is complex and multifaceted. Templeton Crocker embodies this multifaceted nature. He was a writer, an actor, a collector, a historian, a philanthropist, and a scientist. He navigated a complex personal identity and serves as a compelling, albeit flawed, model for the educated, multifaceted, and true-to-themselves individuals we encourage our students to become. His life reminds us that if you tug on one thread of history, you often uncover a multitude of fascinating stories.