Savannah’s Halloween Spirit: A Whimsical Celebration
In the enchanting city of Savannah, where history whispers through the oak trees, Halloween has blossomed into a spirited festivity that’s the envy of many neighborhoods across America. Gone are the days when kids simply tossed on a cheap ghost costume, grabbed a pillowcase, and set off on a hunt for candy. Nowadays, the celebration is about creativity, community, and a bit of friendly competition among neighbors to see who can create the most spectacular Halloween display.
A Dive into Tradition
Growing up in the 1970s and ‘80s had its quirks—like having to get up to change the TV channel—but Halloween was a cherished adventure for many. Kids roamed the streets freely, filling their bags with treats while parents stayed back, sipping punch. Fast forward to today, and while some concerns may linger, select neighborhoods in Savannah embrace that old spirit passionately. One such place is the Olde Towne neighborhood on Wilmington Island, where the legendary “Hell House” has become a must-see destination each Halloween.
The Hell House: A Labor of Love
At the heart of this spooky craze are Susan and Don Mason, who have transformed their home into a devilishly delightful showcase. “I’m a 1970s Halloween kid who grew up in California,” Susan explains. The couple was drawn to Olde Towne by word-of-mouth that Halloween was akin to stepping back in time. An annual transformation, The Hell House goes from ordinary residence to an eerie playground filled with skeletons, fog machines, and even a life-sized throne.
“On Halloween, everything comes alive,” Don shares, as he transitions into his role as the devilish host. Armed with a plethora of props—most crafted by him—the Masons pull out all the stops. “I like inspiring others to elevate their Halloween game,” he says, proving that this celebration is anything but a solo adventure.
Raising the Bar
Ben and Randi Kozlowski, new to Olde Towne, quickly caught the Halloween bug. What started as a simple wolfman decoration has exploded into elaborate installations, thanks in no small part to a massive skeleton purchase that altered their Halloween fate. “Now it’s all about creativity and surprises,” Ben laughs. With every year bringing a new theme, they plan and build their decorations well ahead of time. This year, the couple is crafting a giant “pumpkin man” that promises to draw in both kids and adults alike.
The Coleman Family’s Spooky Extravaganza
The Coleman family, including Jessica and Jimmy and their two daughters, remembers Halloween fondly from before they had kids. “We married Halloween into our lives right from the start,” Jessica shares. When they moved into a historic colonial home, they felt compelled to bring that spirit to life. With help from Jessica’s event-planning sister-in-law, they’ve created an immersive Halloween experience in their yard filled with lights, animatronics, and dozens of skeletons—crafted with love and intention.
“Even if we don’t have trick-or-treaters, we bring smiles to those passing by,” Jessica says. And while there’s a sense of friendly competition with the Masons and Kozlowskis, they all share a common goal: keeping the Halloween spirit alive and engaging the community.
The Challenge of Creativity
While creating a spectacular Halloween display brings immense joy, it does come with its set of challenges. The logistical nightmare of decor storage and planning is as real as it gets. The Coleman family still grapples with finding space for their holiday decor, and the Kozlowskis echo similar sentiments about overflowing garages. “What starts as a fun hobby quickly turns into a small storage crisis,” Randi jokes. Even the Masons have devised a clever system to organize their props, dubbing their shed “The Hell Hole.”
Keeping the Spirit Alive
As Halloween night approaches, anticipation builds. For families like the Colemans, who have been visited year after year by families eager for a glimpse of their decorations, the event goes beyond just fun; it’s about creating memories. “It’s rewarding when kids come back every year and take pictures,” Jessica says beaming with pride. While everyone in the neighborhood adds their flair, the spirit of community shines through with each carefully crafted creation.
As for the Masons, Don’s upcoming retirement from his job at Gulfstream opens up new possibilities for expanding their Halloween legacy. “I can’t wait to keep the tradition alive,” he asserts. With Halloween just around the corner, Savannah continues to transform into a whimsical wonderland where creativity flourishes, and where the laughter of trick-or-treaters echoes joyfully through the streets.
