Adeline Watkins is famously known for claiming she had a long romantic relationship with Ed Gein, the infamous “Butcher of Plainfield.” According to her initial reports back in 1957, she said they were together for over 20 years, and she even accepted a marriage proposal from him. She described Gein as “good,” “sweet,” and “kind,” painting a softer picture of the killer who had horrified America with his gruesome crimes.
The supposed 20-year romance
Watkins, a woman living in Plainfield, Wisconsin, gave interviews stating that she and Gein dated for decades, sawing a picture of a quiet, polite man who liked books, movies, and occasional tavern visits. She added that during their relationship, they discussed murders in the news and shared a bond over their love of reading. It was even claimed she turned down his marriage proposal, citing fears of not living up to his expectations.
Retracting the romance
However, Watkins later retracted her statements, clarifying her relationship with Gein was purely platonic. She insisted they only knew each other for a short time after 1954 and never had the long-term romantic connection she initially described. She emphasized that Gein was always “quiet and polite,” but denied ever calling him “sweet” or being romantically involved.
Was she truly Ed Gein’s girlfriend?
The truth about Adeline Watkins’ relationship with Ed Gein remains murky. Her initial claims of a two-decade romance and proposal gained widespread media attention but were later contradicted by her own retractions. Experts and historians suggest her early accounts might have been exaggerated or misunderstood, and that her relationship with Gein was likely limited to casual acquaintance or friendship rather than a romantic partnership.
Why does her story matter?
Watkins’ story offers a glimpse into Gein’s personal life, which is often overshadowed by his heinous crimes. Her changing accounts reflect the confusion and sensationalism surrounding Gein’s character. Despite her retractions, her initial claims continue to fuel speculation about the extent of their relationship and Gein’s personal life, especially given her description of him as “kind” and “polite,” contrasting sharply with his gruesome deeds.
In conclusion, Adeline Watkins remains a somewhat elusive figure. Her story, as presented in Monster, blends fact and fiction, with her initial claims of a long-term romance eventually giving way to denials of any romantic involvement. Her real relationship with Ed Gein is still a subject of debate, but what’s undeniable is her role in painting a complex picture of a man who lurked behind a façade of normalcy.
