The Corn House of Horrors began seven years ago in Charlie and Margaret Quinn’s 150-year old Victorian home on Duncan Avenue in Cornwall-on-Hudson. As the years passed, attendance increased from 100 to 428 (despite that horrible storm and power outage last year) during the three-hour window each Halloween.
Last year, the haunt was built throughout the entire downstairs of the Quinn’s house and included a portion of their yard.
For the seventh year of production, The Corn House of Horrors has mutated into the Corn Estate and has joined forces with the Storm King Engine Company #2 to create a bigger and better experience for all. Sponsored in part by New York Life, the Corn Estate is a fundraiser for the SKE#2, and will be located at the fire house this year. In addition, the Storm King Engine Auxiliary will be hosting their annual Halloween activities at the end of the haunt on all three nights that the Corn House is open. This event is for both those brave enough to go through the haunt, as well as younger children (or less brave adults!) who decide not to go through The Corn Estate.
The background story of the haunt is that the Corn Estate was once home to Thaddeus Corn and his family. Thaddeus, a notorious smuggler, con artist, and thief had many enemies. Many years ago on Halloween night, Thaddeus was holding one of his enemies hostage in the basement of their house. The house was raided to free the hostage, and Thaddeus and his entire family were murdered. However, the hostage was never found. Each year on the anniversary of their deaths, the evil Corn family returns, seeking revenge upon anyone foolhardy enough to enter their home. This year, a famed archeologist has accidentally uncovered the Corn Estate: the secret dungeon playrooms of the Corn family, and in doing so, has released their spirits.
A compilation video showing scenes from past years can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/69859189. There are other videos, still images, and more information on the website at www.cornestate.com.
The hours for 2013 are Oct. 25 and 26 – 7 to 10 p.m. and Oct. 31 – 6 to 9 p.m.
The Storm King Engine Co. is at 233 Hudson Street in Cornwall-on-Hudson. There is a suggested donation for entry. More information can be found at www.cornestate.com
