Wisconsin is known for its picturesque landscapes and dairy farms, but it is also infamous for its connection to several high-profile serial killers. The third season of Netflix’s “Monster,” which debuted on October 3, focuses on Ed Gein, a notorious figure from rural Wisconsin.
Ed Gein: A Brief Background
Ed Gein was arrested in November 1957 for the murder of Bernice Worden, who owned a hardware store in Plainfield. He later confessed to murdering another woman, Mary Hogan. Authorities discovered that Gein had exhumed corpses to create grotesque artifacts, including lampshades and masks, from their remains.
Key Locations Associated with Ed Gein
- Plainfield, Wisconsin: A village in Waushara County, approximately 25 miles south of Stevens Point and 90 miles north of Madison. As of the 2020 U.S. Census, its population was 924.
- Gein’s Farmhouse: The site of Gein’s former farmhouse, located at N5691 2nd Ave., is now vacant land. The farmhouse burned down on March 20, 1958.
- Bernice Worden’s Hardware Store: This shop, located at 110 S. Main St. in Plainfield, still stands but is privately owned and does not operate as a business.
- Plainfield Cemetery: Gein’s first victim, Mary Hogan, is buried here, along with Gein’s family members. Gein himself lies in an unmarked grave.
- Spiritland Cemetery: Located in Almond, this cemetery is known for being another site where Gein exhumed bodies.
- Hancock Cemetery: Approximately 9 miles south of Plainfield, it is another cemetery associated with Gein’s grave-robbing activities.
The Legacy of Ed Gein
Nearly 70 years after his arrest, Ed Gein remains a figure of fascination for true crime and horror enthusiasts. The vacant lot where his farmhouse stood and sites like Bernice Worden’s hardware store attract curious visitors each year.
Those interested in the intersection of crime and folklore still visit these locations, despite the absence of original structures. Plainfield’s haunting history continues to captivate and intrigue, ensuring that the legacy of Ed Gein is not forgotten.
