Halloween Haunted House Draws 5,300 Visitors and Turns a Profit-November 4, 1983

Successful Inaugural Run at the F. Holland Day House Benefits Historical Society and Student Groups

Drawing an impressive 5,300 visitors over an eight-day operational window, Norwood’s first-ever town Halloween Haunted House proved to be both a community success and a financial winner, according to recreation department program director Jerry Miller.

“We were looking for anywhere from 5,000 to 8,000,” Miller noted. While organizers initially hoped for an even larger turnout, 5,300 attendees in the program’s debut year was far from disappointing. “We had nothing but good comments,” he confirmed, validating plans to stage the event again as a popular “positive alternative” to traditional trick-or-treating. Best of all, Miller added, “We didn’t lose any money. We made some money.”

Haunted House Beneficiaries & Collaborative Sponsorship

Profit Distribution

F. Holland Day House: The historic home of the **Norwood Historical Society**—which served as the atmospheric venue for the haunted house—receives the lion’s share of the proceeds.
Norwood Arts Council (Summerfest): Co-sponsor sharing in the financial support.
Norwood High School Student Council & Key Club: Beneficiaries of event proceeds recognizing extensive student volunteer involvement.

Community-Wide Collaboration

The successful attraction was co-sponsored by the **Norwood Recreation Department**, the **Norwood Historical Society**, the **Norwood Arts Council**, and the high school student groups. Miller expressed gratitude to local merchants, businesses, and numerous student volunteers who contributed time, materials, and support to bring the haunted attraction to life.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

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