Plainfield addresses renewed interest in Ed Gein

PLAINFIELD – The case of Ed Gein is being brought back to light following the release of the newest installment of the Monster series on Netflix. The series is shedding light on the case once again, which has resulted in a wide array of responses throughout the local community.
The Village of Plainfield addressed the series at their regular board meeting on Oct. 7, as several outlets have reached out for a response from the village. Since the release, there has also been an influx of visitors wanting to see where the events took place nearly 70 years ago. This is most evident at the cemetery, where foot traffic has greatly increased.
Media outlets have contacted the village office for a response to the series, so the board addressed the need to appoint a media representative to respond on behalf of the village. Village Clerk Emily Schaut was appointed to the role and will be the point of media contact, specifically for this matter.
Schaut read the letter that was written for TMZ, stating, “Just like so many places, Plainfield has dark moments in its history. We acknowledge this and have worked diligently to become more than a single story. For those interested in visiting Plainfield, please respect the private property laws associated with the Ed Gein case, as trespassing is enforced. We are confident that our local law enforcement is equipped to handle any public safety concerns, though we do not anticipate any significant problems.
The community is focused on moving forward and providing a safe, welcoming environment for our residents. We do not endorse or want to encourage tourism related to these historical tragedies. While some may be drawn to the shadows of our past, we invite you to discover the full picture of our community throughout the year. For those especially intrigued by the spooky season, we encourage you to bring your families and enjoy a different side of Plainfield during our Haunts and Harvest event on Saturday, Oct. 18. Our town’s identity is rooted in our resilience, not our darkest day. We hope you will join us in celebrating the vibrant community we are today.”