A tragic fire swept through the Rhoads Opera House in 1908, killing 170 people within minutes. The victims were buried a Fairview Cemetery in Berks County. Since then, police have responded to calls about horrifying screams and wailing, only to find the cemetery deserted when they arrive. Legend has it that those screams belong to over 150 souls who have yet to find peace after such an excruciating death.
For more information about the Rhodes Opera House Tragedy, visit WMFZ.com.
America’s Best Haunts has released its list for the top frights for 2007, just in time for Halloween. Out of all the places on this list, I’ve visited only one, and that was Disneyland’s Haunted Mansion. While I wouldn’t call it scary, it is a fun attraction.
Bennett’s Curse, Baltimore, MD: Bennett’s Curse - House of the Vampyres is Maryland’s can’t-miss attraction come Halloween. Revolutionizing fright entertainment, its unique special effects and attractions are sure to leave visitors screaming. From the “Dominion of Darkness†to the “Sanctuary of Insanity,†its mazes and paranormal illusions make for an unforgettable adventure.
Woods of Terror, Greensboro, NC: Woods of Terror will celebrate its 16th season this year. Located on 20 acres, it comprises numerous haunted houses, a hay ride, corn maze and a midway. On October 12 and 13, Woods of Terror will host a special eerie guest - Doug Bradley, “Pinhead†from the Hellraiser films.
Realm of Darkness, Pontiac, MI: The Realm of Darkness transports more than 25,000 visitors each year back to medieval times with an adventure deep into this enchanted castle. Visitors control their own destiny, traveling through the spooky castle walls. If they choose their path wisely, they’ll be rewarded. If not, their fate will surely be grim.
The Nest, Phoenix, AZ: Located just outside Phoenix, Arizona, The Nest is a journey through the barn of Arizona’s most notorious serial killer, Jacob Kell. Visitors first venture through the graveyard where all 35 of his victims are buried and later experience The Carnage, 5,000 square feet that represents the torture “Killer Kell†reaped upon his victims.
Screamworld, Houston, TX: Screamworld is Houston’s longest running haunted attraction. From 2004 – 2006, it was voted Houston’s scariest haunted attraction by the Houston Chronicle and Houstonhaunts.com. Screamworld comprises 5 attractions: The Haunted Hotel, The Edge of Darkness, Monsters in 3D, The Maze of Maniacs and The Tobias Strange Family Cemetery.
Nightmare, New York, NY: Rated as AOL Cityguide’s â€No. 1 Haunted Attraction in America,†Nightmare is primed to spook its way into its fourth season. Located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side, the haunt features 23 rooms that each host a different spirit waiting to inflict a unique brand of fear on the unwary.
Terror on the Fox, Green Bay, WI: 2007 will mark the 10th season for one of Wisconsin’s top Halloween traditions, Terror on the Fox. To celebrate, it will feature its newest attraction, Torment, which tests the limits of fear with vertigo, claustrophobia, chainsaws, darkness, rats, snakes and much more.
Thrillvania, Dallas, TX: Thrillvania is the nationally-acclaimed thrill park featuring six different haunted attractions, a midway with fun and games, food and beverages and a haunted store. Founded nearly 20 years ago, the renowned park is located on 50 acres of haunted property approximately 30 miles east of Dallas. Attracting more than 25,000 visitors each Halloween season, Thrillvania is the premier area attraction for discerning thrill seekers.
The Haunted Mansion, Disneyland, Anaheim, CA: Established in 1969, visitors to The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland first experience the mysterious stretching room and portraits that transform before their eyes. Later, a “Doom Buggy†waits to transport visitors to a world of humorous houseguests, silly dances and ghostly galas. As they depart, the 999 happy haunts wish them well.
Universal Horror Nights, Orlando, FL: Now in its 17th year, Halloween Horror Nights was Amusement Today’s “2006 Golden Ticket Award†winner for the best Halloween event. Annually drawing hundreds of thousands of horror fans from around the globe, the event promises to break new ground this year with all new frights and immersive thrills never before imagined.
Frightfest, St. Louis, MO: Each October, Six Flags in St. Louis hosts FrightFest, a Halloween celebration that is tough to stay away from. The celebration features haunted houses, frighteningly entertaining shows and beloved Warner Brother’s characters. Entertaining for young and old, Frightfest provides fun and terrifying excitement all in one place.
My curiosity was sparked when I read a passage in the article, Who’s Seen Wilton’s Blue Lady?, where ghost hunter Fionna Broome experienced a frightening encounter with a demon. It frightened her so much that she removed her articles about Vale End Cemetery for several years because she didn’t want anyone going there. She eventually put the articles back up, along with a narrative about her encounter with this demon and his minions, citing a warning for anyone who may want to visit Vale End Cemetery.
However, in my opinion, the risks aren’t worth it. Look for ghosts elsewhere. Something at Vale End is not a ghost, and it could be lethally dangerous.
“When I’m gone I want to be in the water with the fish.”
Gary Levine, 58, who used to build docks and seawalls is shelling out $10 million to build this underwater cemetery and scuba attraction. Located 3 miles off the coast of Key Biscayne, Fla., Atlantis Memorial Reef is scheduled to open in July and eventually hold the remains of up to 80,000 people whose families are willing to pay between $900 (for the El Cheapo plot) and $50,000 (The Family Plan).
Once complete, the site will span 15 acres of ocean floor and consist of five concentric circles, based loosely on an account of Atlantis in Plato’s dialogue Timaeus. It will contain 40 themed sections, including love, education, the military and the zodiac, all overseen by a bronze display of winged lions and three dolphins pulling a chariot of the Greek sea god, Poseidon.
What you won’t find are busts of men’s wives, diamond eyeballs or German shephard statues. I guess everybody’s got their limits.
