Updates - House Of Haunts

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Being the lover of 'old school' Wildwood that I am, I generally don't touch on current events on the boards. However considering the nature of the work that's taking place on Sportland Pier, I feel compelled to comment on this one. No doubt the rat has already chewed its way out of the bag and what had been under wraps for a short time has now become apparent to many boardwalk patrons and in turn, the online community - clearly something spooky is taking place on Sportland Pier.
I had a late night visit Saturday with my friend and designer of darkness, Eric Princz, who along with partners Rob Kocher (owner of the National Halloween Convention) and long time Sportland Pier owner Ted Snyder will soon be unlocking the door to their new, spooky, walk-thru attraction "House Of Haunts"(an opening date has not been set - only know that it will be soon!) Eric (owner and operator of Creative Design and Engineering) and Ted have been talking of a haunt on Sportland for years. Dreams of rehabbing the decaying Dr. Blood's came to an end when it was decided to demolish the old dark ride in 2007. Now plans for a new scare are currently being executed within the arcade building at the front of the pier. Casts made from legendary Freddie Mahana molds can be seen adorning the facade of an old house which was painted by artist Kevin McCurdy of Imagine Studios who has worked with Eric on many successful attractions across the country. The work of Ricky Dick of Castle Blood in Western Pennsylvania can also be seen within the house. The feel throughout the halls of this new, yet 'old school' haunt is heavy with the Mahana touch and you'll see some old friends including props from both Brigantine Castle and Castle Dracula (even Shamron will be coming out of seclusion, although sporting a new and larger head and you'll even see the work of the great Bill Tracy in the mix as well, including the famous, giant Tracy Skull). When I walked through the House of Haunts that night I was unexpectedly thrown right back into the 1970's, conjuring vivid memories of Morey's classic Haunted House attraction that once stood at the back of Surfside Pier.... A special thanks to Ted and Eric for the impromptu tour. Enjoy the sneak peek below.

Pictured above is one of the surviving griffins from Castle Dracula. Above right photo of entrance with ticket booth shown below right.

Mahana winged skull above front door.

Above left is a close up of Shamron of Castle Dracula fame - he's clearly had a facelift.

Eric Princz is pictured above left as curious kiddies start to gather.

Pictured above is the front entrance to the House of Haunts. Photos to the right reveal the clapboard walls are filled with rotting corpses.

Take notice of the black iron fence pictured above - years ago passengers would line up along this fencing before boarding the Iron Horse Train at Ghost Town Junction on Hunt's Pier.