Local historian plunges into the past for new insights into an old story

  • (Photo by Scott Bidroski) Gordon native Harlen Wheeler spent numerous years researching the tragic events of 1952 leading up to the killing of Blaine Ellis. In his new book, “The 12 Hours That Changed The Sandhills Forever,” Wheeler reveals an in-depth account of the man who carried out multiple murders, and the local posse that brought it all to an end.
    (Photo by Scott Bidroski) Gordon native Harlen Wheeler spent numerous years researching the tragic events of 1952 leading up to the killing of Blaine Ellis. In his new book, “The 12 Hours That Changed The Sandhills Forever,” Wheeler reveals an in-depth account of the man who carried out multiple murders, and the local posse that brought it all to an end.

    Though there are still many people in the Gordon and Merriman areas who remember the events of March 26, 1952, few like to talk about it— especially those most closely involved.

    “It was, in part, the way that generation was,” explained local historian and author Harlen Wheeler, “they just put (painful information) aside and didn’t talk about it.”

    Wheeler added that most everyone who remembers that d…