Pearce's Haunt & Field of Terrors

How Did Haunted Houses Begin?

Well, we have officially survived our first weekend of Pearce's Haunt and Field of Terrors. We learned a lot and also learned that we have a lot to learn about hosting a haunt of our own. This past weekend prompted me to question how commercial haunted houses came to exist. Here is what I have found....

While there is not a lot of information about how the haunted house industry began, the general conclusion I came to is that the commercial haunted house industry can trace its roots back to the Jaycees in the early 1970's. The Jaycees were so successful in building haunted houses as fundraisers that in 1975, two Jaycee leaders Jim Gould and Tom Hilligos, got together to discuss writing a book detailing how to build, run and advertise haunted houses. Tom went on to write a book and received such good feedback that he started his own business, The Haunted House Co. It was Tom's vision and aspiration that the Jaycees would someday 'own' Halloween. (Info. from hauntedhouseassociation.org)

In 1973, Knott's Berry Farm followed the Jaycee's example and became the first theme park to transform itself into a haunted attraction. It was the first large scale commercial haunt. In 1975, a family opened Edge of Hell in Kansas City, Missouri as a way to extend their season from their outdoor theater in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. It still exsists today. (AmericanProfile.com) In November of 1991, Terror on Church Street became the first permanent haunt to be open year round. It was based in Orlando, Florida. (Info, taken from About.com)

So what prompted Pearce Farms to begin its own commercial haunted house and hayride you now ask? Well, the seed for this idea was planted years ago by a good family friend who wanted to start a haunted hayride to our woods. Later, a good customer of ours revealed to Bob Pearce that she would be selling her haunted house and hayride equipment. After much research, talk and persuasion, Bob, along with his brother Danny, decided to jump into this business opportunity. As great bussinessmen and natural born pranksters, they promise to do all they can to make The Haunt and The Field of Terrors scary, entertaining and a fun experience for all.

So come down to Pearce's The Haunt and Field of Terrors every Friday and Saturday from now until November 2nd, 2013, starting at dusk, for thrills, chills and a great time!