They may look like average Joes on weekdays — spending the daylight hours working and taking care of the kids. But on the weekends they transform into engineers of all things creepy.
They are members of the Barberton Historical Society, who have transformed the 100-year-old O.C. Barber pig barn (yep, you read that right) into the Barber Haunt, a place designed to scare up squeals.
Unlike many seasonal venues, Barber Haunt is operated as a fundraiser by volunteers. They spend August, September and October working on the haunt. It is exhausting and exhilarating. And don’t let anyone convince you that a haunted house that’s run to raise money for a cause is any less thrilling.
For the volunteers, there’s a lot at stake. So they work themselves into a sweat, sacrificing their time off and weekends because they love their cause.
In this case, it’s the historical society and their Magic City.
Because they want you to keep coming back, they roll out different tricks each year. In this, the fourth year, the Elevator to Hell is a new feature.
Frank Smrdel, a retail manager at a large department store, and Ron Boldry, who was honored as Akron Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year in the spring, swing hammers and build sets inside the pig farm. Smrdel, who works 50 hours a week at his paying job, discovered the elevator trick on the Internet and worked weeks to re-create it.
Smrdel also built the venue’s Twirl of Hurl, which those suffering from vertigo should enter with a barf bag or eyes closed. For him, the haunted house is a hobby, something that makes him grin when he sees how much enjoyment people get from his handiwork.
I totally get what Smrdel means. In full disclosure, my husband is one of the operators of the Tadmor Shriner Kids’ Haunted House and Hayride. Like the guys at Barber Haunt, he spends every moment of his free time building walls, decorating and then running the show.
It could be enough to make me want to smash some pumpkins, but instead I usually get sucked in. And that’s OK. Watching kids’ reactions is a rush.
Steve Kelleher, the guy in charge of the Barber Haunt, is also known as “Mr. Barberton Historical Society.” Most historical societies, he explained are made up of elderly members. Not so for Barberton’s, where the ages range from 18 to about 66.
“We actually solicit plumbers, electricians and those with woodworking experience,” he said, sporting his signature laugh. Those who know him will tell you he is quick-witted and makes corny remarks, a likeable fella who loves being a Barbertonian.
The historical society owns seven buildings in the city, of which three are rented. Epiphany Pietzcker is in charge of renting out the part of the pig barn that’s not used by the haunted house for things like weddings, parties and bridal showers. Heck, there was even a funeral in there.
Kelleher said it will take about $120,000 to finish renovations on the pig barn. So that’s why everyone is working so hard to scare the bejeebers out of you. They haven’t made money yet from the haunted house; the boss says it takes about seven years to see a profit.
“This is a weird thing for a historical society to do,” he said, in what might just be the understatement of the season.
Besides the money, explained builder Jon Walker, a stay-at-home-dad, friendships are formed and strengthened. Creepy things bring folks together. The Barber Haunt, 248 E. Robinson Ave., is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 to 11 p.m. and Sundays 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. from Oct. 10 to Nov. 1.
Put it on your calendar. Before you know it — poof — the season will be gone.
Always a good cause
Grab your friends and family for a night of fun, laughs and fundraising.
The Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties is inviting you to Dueling Pianos at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 at the Cedars Church, 507 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Fairlawn.
Proceeds from the night of music will support safe shelter and other emergency services.
There will be dinner, an open bar, and chances to bid on items like a Goodyear blimp ride, condo vacations, airline tickets and Firestone tires.
If you are wondering what a fun-filled Dueling Pianos event looks like, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2ARJpK1UhA.
Advance tickets for the evening are $60 or two for $100. Expect to pay $75 at the door. For more information call 330-860-5627 or email kathyb@scmcbws.org.
Kim Hone-McMahan can be reached at 330-996-3742 or kmcmahan@thebeaconjournal.com. Find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kim.honemcmahan.