By SARA WEISS
Big Shout Magazine | Halloween Loop Extra, October 1992

George Williams seems anxious. Sitting in his real estate office, amidst every kind of sporting memorabilia imaginable, one can’t ignore the boyish twinkle in his eyes. It seems he’s got something up his sleeve when he says he “always gets excited this time of year.”

On the last two days of October, after weeks of dusk-to-dawn preparation, Williams will transform an old, abandoned cattle farm in Elkton, MD into an intricate maze of humor and horror.

“The Haunted Barn,” located just off Rt. 273, one mile past the Delaware/Maryland line, boasts what many local Halloween amusements do not — authentic atmosphere. After pulling off the highway, a trail of 8-ft. cornstalks along a narrow dirt road leads to the destination. For $4, Williams’ workers will guide nearly 2,000 people each night through four abandoned farm buildings, overgrown paths, and courtyards that have been transformed into gravesites. Williams says when the waiting in the attendance lines reaches an hour, he sends out extra volunteers, clad in artificial blood and toting chainsaws, to amuse those in line. Characters vary from Williams’ 6’4″ pal, who dons a serpent’s mask to Williams himself, who dresses as Jason of Friday the 13th fame, complete with blood-stained chainsaw.

Williams’ friends, all volunteers, plan well-orchestrated skits, that usually play off the annual theme. Since a butcher once owned the property decades ago, Williams says he “likes to use real history” in the execution of the mini-plays, including the “butcher shop scene.” The guides get together the week before the event to rehears. “We used to get real animal parts from a butcher in Elkton,” he says, “But it got to be kind of disgusting.” Don’t worry though, Williams still displays dried-out cattle skulls throughout the tour. The event is highlighted with props, eerie lighting, and sound effects.

Williams and about six of his friends coordinate most of the tour, which takes about 25 minutes. He says he spends all year brainstorming to come up with fresh ideas and claims his expertise comes from experience. He sponsored his first annual haunted barn in the sixth grade in his parents’ backyard barn. After he and his friends raised $42, Williams says they made a run for the candy store.

The group held the event every Halloween until they split up for college. In 1986, following his graduation, Williams thought to expand the operation and moved the “Haunted Barn” to its present location.

Last year, Williams’ profits reached $12,000 and benefitted the Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Camp, which helps mentally and physically handicapped children in the tri-state area. “It’s a real sincere organization,” he says. This year, Williams predicts profits will double from last year. With a grin he adds, “I wish I had an idea business-wise to make this much money!’

Clientele varies from parents with young children, to Cub Scout groups, to college fraternities and sororities. “It’s actually the college guys who get the most frightened,” he says and intimates that las year, one college-aged man “ran for his life” as one chainsaw-wielding character chased him. “He was doing this scared little dance,” Williams chuckles. “The guy ran out the exit and never returned.”

Williams always keeps backup guides on the tour to calm any young children who become too frightened. If the situation gets “ugly,” he says, the guides will return the children to their parents.

Williams believes the success of “The Haunted Barn” comes from responsible planning, hard work, and the authenticity of the setting itself. “We have a real base to start from,” he says. “We have more atmosphere than other haunted houses I’ve been to.” He also notes he loves being able to scare people but says he knows where to draw the line. “I don’t like to see people get hysterical,” he adds.

“The Haunted Barn” is open Oct. 30 and 31 from 7 p.m. to midnight. Refreshments and bathrooms are available. The event is sponsored by Harlan C. Williams Company Realtors.

Other “Haunted” Amusements in the New Castle County Area:

Halloween Campfire and Haunted Woods will be held on Oct. 24 from 7-9 p.m. at Wilmington’s Brandywine Creek State Park. Cost for adults is $2, $1 for children10 and under. Concessions available.

Chamber of Horrors on Spruce Avenue at the Austin Baltz Elementary School in Elsmere runs from 7-9:30 p.m. on Oct. 23-34. $1 admission fee.

The Haunted House at Old New Castle’s the Read House (42 The Strand) takes place Oct. 23, 24, and 30 from 7-10 p.m. Reservations are a must. A $10 fee for adults and a $5 fee for children under 16 will be collected for the event sponsored by the Historical Society of Delaware.

The Second Annual Haunted House will be held from 6-10 p.m. on Oct. 23-25 and 29 from 6 p.m. to midnight at Opera Delaware Studios in Wilmington on 4 S. Poplar Street. Admission is $3 for adults and children (not recommended for small children).

Nightmare on Yellowstone, located on 1206 Yellowstone Dr. in Newark, runs from 7-11 p.m. on Oct. 23, 24, 30, and 31 from 7-9 p.m. $2 admission.

The Haunted House at Spence Farms will be held Oct. 23, 24, 25, 30, and 31 at 231 Delaplane Rd. in Newark. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and will accommodate all those waiting for entry. $3.50 for adults and $$2 for children. $1 off admission for those attending in costume on Halloween night.

The Hunted House at the basement of the St. Hedwig Church Rectory on 408 S. Harrison St. in Wilmington takes place Oct. 31 from 6-9 p.m. A can of non-perishable food is asked for each participant.