Haunted House of the Week

This month long series begins at The Demon House

Haunted House of the Week

Dan Carmichael, Cal Times Contributor

The Demon House is located close to California University of Pennsylvania in Monongahela, Pa.  Legend holds that this house, the one that delivers a great thrill, is the site of an old burial ground for past inhabitants of Monongahela.  It is said that this is one of the haunted houses that actually is considered to be haunted.  From the outside, you can tell that the house has a history.  You will notice it is older than most in the area, in great shape, and provides the perfect environment for a haunted evening. The one thing I really enjoy about this house is that from the road it does not seem like it is a “tourist trap” type of exhibit.  This house and location does not provide a parking lot.  You must park in a separate lot, farther away, and take a bus to the location.  Once dropped off you will walk up a path to the ticket booth to purchase you ticket. Admission is typically around $15, one of the lower costs in the area.

  Once you have acquired entrance to this house you will have to wait to actually enter.  This part of the trip is one of my favorites.  As many houses have a line you will wait in, this attraction does something a little different.  You are given a number and will have free reign of the property until it is called.  There are in depth decorations around the grounds for you to look at while you wait.  Most nights, a bon fire will be maintained in case you get too cold during the wait.  You can expect to see a merchandise stand off to the side featuring shirts and other items.  Farther down the area, you can find a small concession stand.  The prices are reasonable and quality is average.  If you are keen on taking pictures, you will find a fountain made purely of fake skulls.  This seems to be one of the most popular attractions to look at while you wait.  My favorite part of the wait deals with their outdoor movie theater.  Every night movies will be shown.  The movies range from classics like Night of the Living Dead to some more familiar movies, such as Scream, Friday the 13th and many others.  On busier nights this is a hotspot.  It is the perfect spot to prepare yourself for what is to come.

   Once your number is called, the excitement begins.  Unlike some haunted houses, you will be put into your own group. No matter how many people are with you, you will go in with that many people and enjoy the experience together.  Of the haunted houses I have seen, this is one of the best when it comes to quick jolts of fear and theatrics.  The props are perfect.  This house does not over work the idea of “scary.”  The workers at the house take their job seriously and will not be content with you walking through unphased by their tactics.  I would find it hard to believe that you make it through the whole journey without jumping or, at least, being somewhat creeped out by something.

   I have found that if you take your time in this attraction, it will take about 45 minutes to complete.  This seems to be an average amount of time for houses in this area.  On a positive note, you will not immediately be kicked off of the property after exiting the house.  If you want to make a full night of it, you can then re-enter the outdoor movie theater and take in a full movie.  This haunted attraction is currently open Friday through Sunday and will remain open until November 7th.  If you are not fully persuaded by what I have said so far, just take my word for it.  I have gone to this house every year for the past 4 years and I have yet to be disappointed.