Meerkat Phantom Manor 1911

Meerkat Phantom Manor

This is the fourth annual Meerkat Phantom Manor. The project has been formed for the altruistic purpose to "scare crap out of kids". The tone is morbid, but not bloody. The scene is a séance at a mansion during the spiritualist movement of the turn of the century. Special effects are employed, and the intention is to inspire the whole neighborhood to continue producing home-made haunted houses each year.

It all started with the next door neighbor. Each year she would decorate the long pathway to her house with assorted graveyard and cat-themed items. The fountain water was blood-colored with an I. V. bag. When the children arrive at the dilapidated porch, she would hand them a penny, and point to the gumball machine. It was an instant hit. But it was quite some time before the Meerkats would also participate.

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Setup on Halloween Weekend

• Cleanup and dry-run, Oct 29 & 30, all-day, at Meerkat Manor
• Costuming begins at Noon on Monday October 31st.
• The official open will be at 6 or 7 PM.
• The scene is pronounced dead around 9 PM, with the entire show packed into the crypt by 10 PM.

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Costume Guidelines

The scene is a séance at a mansion during the spiritualist movement of the turn of the century.

We're limiting the costumes to earlier 20th century and American periods. Sometime between 1750 and 1920. You can be a bit tattered, but don't look like an accident victim. Pale complexion is encouraged, but no blood. Look creepy, but not a horrific zombie. Dress is more formal, like for a cocktail party or a ball, but casual clothing is appreciated if it passes for the period and is sufficiently drab.

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