The most brutal murders to occur in Chisago County remain unsolved after 75 years.

Early on Tuesday morning, April 11, 1933, twenty-nine-year-old Alvira Johnson perished in a house fire along with her seven children. She was pregnant with her eighth baby at the time.

Carrying the blame for their deaths is the father, Albin Johnson of Harris. He has never been found.

Today, the circumstances surrounding the fire are as much a mystery as they were in 1933.

TRYING TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THE CASE

Nan Hult of North Branch has been trying to unravel the clues surrounding the death of Alvira and her eight children for three years.

A 40-plus year resident of the area, she had never heard of the tragedy until one evening while dining with fellow North Branch resident and old-timer Clayton Anderson, who was among the fire site investigators. She was amazed that such a thing had happened and further amazed that it isn't talked about.

The case had continued to hold its secrets.