Scituate's loss is Norwood's gain...for Halloween that is. Susan Marshalsea hosted her Haunted House while she lived on the south shore in the late 80's, and contributed the money she raised to their local animal shelter. She has continued that tradition here in Norwood and as residents travel down Walpole St. (Rte. 1A) during the month of October, have gotten a peak at her creative ghoulish displays!
"I actually started Haunted Houses back in late 1980 to early 1990," Norwood resident Marshalsea said. "When I lived in Scituate, I did a Haunted House at a closed elementary school and all money collected went to the Scituate Animal Shelter. We usually raised over $1,000 in one day. I donated everything (and still do)."
For the past five years, Marshalsea and her family sponsor 'The Haunted Driveway,' and it has been a fun (and scary) local Halloween tradition for all ages! The event is held on Halloween night, October 31, at 130 Walpole St., and offers two experience levels: friendly hour: 4:30-5:30 p.m., and scary hours: 6-9 p.m. Admission is free, however, non-perishable items or cash donations are requested which will be given to the Norwood Food Pantry, in memory of Marshalsea's sister, Lori Ann Jacobs. Last year, the Haunted Driveway raised $150 and it took two full van trips to deliver the donate food.
"Most reactions are wonderfully appreciative," Marshalsea said. " First, there is a “Haunted Something” for little ones to go through. Second, people always say that they thought it would be lame because it’s not a “professional” haunted house, and when they come out, they thank us for the awesome job we did."
Visitors of the Haunted Driveway walk through rooms with approximately nine to ten creepy scenes built within two carports and pop up tents, which take a month of skilled and creative handiwork work to create. Each year the landscape changes, and is driven by Marshalsea's wild and vivid imagination.
"I love that it allows me to let my mind wander and see how scary creative I can be WITHOUT blood and guts (not easy)," Marshalsea said. "I love the construction, the planning, getting costumes for volunteers, and… I love to scare the crap out of people!!!!!!!
After her donation, Marshalsea receives a thank you card from the Norwood Food Pantry for her charitable donation (filtered through the generosity of her visitors). But thanks is not why she goes through all the effort and work of the Haunted Driveway. Anyone who knows the infamous local plumber who travels throughout town in her signature pink van is aware of her kind heart and generosity, and always paying it forward. The Haunted Driveway is her unique 'treat' to share her passion while helping the local community.
"Halloween is my favorite holiday and it was my sister’s favorite holiday," Marshalsea said. " We do this in memory of her."
The Haunted Driveway will be held, Tuesday, October 31, 130 Walpole St. (Rte. 1A), 4:30-5:30 p.m. (friendly hour), and 6-9 p.m. (scary hours), rain or shine, unless it is a very windy night. Remember to bring a non-perishable item or monetary donation for the Norwood Food Pantry.
Issue Date:
October, 2017
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