JACKSONVILLE (TYLER MORNING TELEGRAPH) - Residents are invited to experience a different kind of haunted house in the coming weeks.
Jacksonville College is hosting "An Exscream Haunted House with a Christian Finale," a scary attraction created by band members and other Jacksonville College students.
"Those who will enter will be treated to a rather large collection of floating heads; creepy dolls that seem to come to life; zombies; scary shadows and creaking doors; a maze of black; and a variety of plain old monsters in a 100-year-old three-story house," Mike Kellogg, Jacksonville College band director and coordinator for the event, said in a news release. But "what makes this amazing haunted house unique will be the ending. Our plan is to give visitors an alternative to a world of scary things."
Therefore, the public can expect "to be scared senseless" and then at the end hopefully have a rather uplifting experience, he said.
Kellogg worked on various haunted houses over the years, including one at Lon Morris College. However, he said he's never approached it this way, so this is an exciting alternative.
He noted that the home being used for the haunted house is also unique in itself.
From the outside, it looks like it's about to fall down, but the foundations and floors are solid, Kellogg said.
Jacksonville College spokesman David Heflin said the home, which is owned by the college, was a very beautiful first-class house at one time, and probably "one of the best houses in Jacksonville."
He said there are superstitions about it, and community members always wanted to contribute stories.
"They've seen people looking out the window 24 hours a day, so people in town already have ideas…," Heflin said.
Given Kellogg's experience and the sponsors who were willing to help out, he expects a good attraction.
"With his skills and leadership and coordination, I think he'll keep the tradition of creating the best haunted house in the area," Heflin said.
"I think this is a great opportunity for our college to be involved in the community. We're just providing something the local people can get involved with for this season."
Proceeds from the haunted house benefit the Jacksonville College band. Kellogg said money will be used for equipment, and the band also is trying to go on a spring recruiting trip.
Jacksonville College is holding a haunted house in this historic home at 401 Kickapoo St. in Jacksonville.
