Haunted House, 1964 (04-25)

Historical narrative

The Haunted House, introduced at Trimper Rides in 1964, promised chills to everyone waiting in line on the Ocean City boardwalk. At seventeen, Steve joked with other riders while buying a ticket, then climbed into the slow-moving car as the doors shut behind him. Darkness swallowed the daylight. Eerie sounds filled the air with laughter, creaking doors, and distant screams. Ghostly figures glowed under black lights, skeletons lunged from the shadows, and unexpected blasts of cool air made everyone jump. Every sharp turn hinted that something waited just ahead. The girls shrieked, the boys laughed a little too loudly, and everyone relaxed only after rolling back into the sunshine. It wasn't truly terrifying, but in the summer of 1964, it delivered exactly the kind of harmless thrills that kept Steve and other teenagers coming back.

Watercolor

© Stephen B. Hales — All Rights Reserved