Uncovering Green Bay’s Minahan Trials

At the turn of the 19th century in Green Bay, Mary Cenefelt, an illiterate maid; and Mollie Bertles, a college-educated socialite, were victims of the physical violence and mental abuse of the celebrated surgeon Dr. John R. Minahan.

Author Lynda Drews has uncovered the stories of the women behind this story in her new nonfiction book The Maid and the Socialite: The Brave Women behind Green Bay’s Scandalous Minahan Trials. Write On, Door County will present a free reading, presentation, Q&A, book signing and light reception March 18, 1 pm, with Drews and Beverly Hart Branson. 

Door County resident Branson, who was married to a descendant of Bertles’ best girlfriend, was able to provide photographs and documents to enrich the story’s narrative. Drews is the author of four books, including the Green Bay true-crime memoir Run at Destruction: A True Fatal Love Triangle.

Write On will host the event at its writing center, 4210 Juddville Road in Juddville.