It was with disappointment and sadness, that I learned this morning of the spring passing of Mr. Tom Simpson. If you’re here reading this, you likely possess a passion for Halloween and haunted houses. Tom did too, and you should know his story.
A WHISPER OF ZIOPTIS
It was on a chilly October night in 2005 that I found myself in River Rouge with my brother, Jason, and our good friend, John. We had just completed a thrilling experience aboard the Ste. Claire, the former Boblo Island boat that had been repurposed for the Halloween season as Nautical Nightmare.
Back in the car, it was my brother who first uttered the term: Zioptis. I was unfamiliar with the odd word, but it was a name that I would come to know well. Jason had begun to dial a number on his phone, the mysterious and underground Zioptis Dial-A-Trip.
THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAIN
Thomas B. Simpson may not be a name that a lot of people recognize, but we each — owners, actors, and haunted house enthusiasts — owe him a debt of gratitude. Tom was the mind behind the Zioptis Foundation, the self-proclaimed “Haunted House Hotline” that chronicled news from haunted attractions for decades. Long before the scene had grown into a cultural icon, there was Tom, armed with an audio recorder, touring those houses of October, sharing his stories with any who were lucky enough to hear them. He was a visionary, a trailblazer, and a champion of the haunted attraction industry.
According to his obituary, Tom was also a drummer, a professional voice actor, and even an amateur magician. He enjoyed photography and by all accounts was a good friend and encouraging human being. His humble website (Zioptis Foundation) is a treasure trove of haunted house reviews and seasonal happenings. His kind and enthusiastic words a love letter to the Michigan haunted house community.
Zioptis was instrumental in my own origin story of this fabled industry, and was a direct inspiration for what would grow to become Horrorlust. I had the good fortune to exchange a few emails with Tom over the years, and even had the pleasure of meeting him once, while I was in character at the Wyandotte Jaycees Haunted House, no less.
Tom Simpson was an archive of haunted house knowledge, one who displayed a deep respect for the roots of an industry that he watched grow from its infancy. He was a fierce and loyal protector of the holiday and season that so many of us call our own. His absence will leave a void in this community, but his contributions will live on in the very legend and lore that he, himself, helped to write.
R.I.P. Tom
It’s been some years, Howard. I hope you’re well. Did you have any direct interactions with Tom?
yes, every year since the 80’s at Mutilation Mansion where I got my start. He came to review all the haunts I worked for or owned. He was a really nice guy. Always gave me positive reviews.
Howie
How many haunts were you involved with over the years?
Mutilation Mansion, Screamers, Evil Intentions, Urban Legends, Deadly Intentions. Fond memories of each of them.
I visited Deadly Intentions on several occasions and know that Mutilation Mansion was located in Madison Heights. Where were the others based?
Screamers and Urban Legends were at Produce Palace in Warren. Evil Intentions was in Hazel Park.
Ah, not far from the Deadly Intentions site, right? What years did those haunts run?
Hi Howard!!! This is Tom’s Zioptis partner Kris. What a nice tribute. Tom & I talked about haunting together when we were in our 80’s we loved it so much, but alas, it was not meant to be. He & I visited haunts together every single year for 45 years, believe it or not! We’d discussed me trying to keep our site going if something happened & Tom no longer could, that he should let his brother know to get the Zioptis computer to me, but unfortunately that didn’t happen. Physically he really hadn’t been able to visit a lot of haunts the past few seasons, so I often went alone & sent him the recordings to build his delightful stories from. I pieced together a hilarious tale about Hush some seasons back, & am quite proud of it. I would never claim to spin stories as entertaining as Tom’s, but I love writing & can hold my own. & the photography he did! His Flickr photos. Amazing! I sure do miss him, as we talked most every day. I see all these cool yard haunts & want to call him. Halloween will never be the same, & I’m very sad at the thought of going without him & not being able to tell him what I experienced. We SO looked forward to seeing all our friends each fall on our travels. Really, the most fun time of our lives. What memories I have! Boblo boat as you mentioned, the Nautical Nightmare, the Realm of Darkness, Croakie’s Party Island, the Mansfield Reformatory…the list goes on & on. Thank you to all our haunt operator friends for those special times. Taking us behind the scenes. I’ll cherish the memories of those times with my friend forever. Miss all of you!
I’m deeply sorry for your loss, Kris. As I mentioned in the original post, I had the pleasure to hold a few conversations with Tom over the years, and it was always a thrill talking haunts with him.
I’d love to speak with you further about the possibility of preserving Zioptis or the many recordings yourself and Tom made over the years.
Hi,
Unfortunately I am not in contact w Tom’s brother. I’m sure the computer & his recorder are either gone or in his possession. U may be able to contact him via Facebook to inquire. His name is John Simpson. I’m not on social media really so am not “friends” w Tom or John on there. I asked Tom to make sure I get PC in case of something happening, but he did not follow through. Sure wish I had the time to carry on Zioptis.
Kris Radtke
(810)599-2231
I appreciate the information, Kris. I’ll follow-up with John and see if it bears any fruit.
Please lmk what u find out. I can probably get John’s # thru a mutual friend. Preserviing/resurrecting Zioptis…that would be amazing, or as Tom loved to say, FABULOUS!!! It was such an old program/PC though. I know many recordings r on it. Feel free to contact me anytime, whether u have questions or just 2 “talk shop.” I sure miss our heyday, when we visited dozens of haunts each season. Thank u again 4 the lovely tribute 2 my friend. Love ur site btw!
It’s an honor to have you here, Kris. Any help you can lend with that number would be appreciated.
I may have good news for u. Please contact me privately, via call or text, as I don’t want 2 display John’s info on social media. I am out of work after 8pm. Thanks, Kris (810)599-2231
Will do, Kris.
Hello,
I thought u might be interested to know that I found all of the archived Zioptis content on Wayback Machine. Once site domain expires I guess the server deletes all content.
I was so bummed. I enjoy rereading our adventures. I tried 2 purchase the domain but discovered website content doesnt come with that. Just in case u’d like 2 reread it or let others know where 2 find it.
it goes back 20 years. U have 2 click on year & highlighted days 2 find content. Kindof messy but doable. Bittersweet 2 read but fun at the same time.
Regards,
Kris Radtke
Nice to hear from you again, Kris. Some time before the site went offline I downloaded every page. I couldn’t stand to see all of those stories disappear. Did you ever have any luck with Tom’s walkthrough recordings?
OMG that sounds like a lot of work! Good for u! I am not at all tech savvy, but is there any way u could send me the downloads? Not sure how hard that would be. His brother threw his computer out & all recordings were on it. He said Tom didn’t leave any login/password instructions so thats a bummer.
Thanks,
Kris
I can, yes. I believe they’re html files. Would you like me to use the email address that you’re posting from?
Yes that is fine. I dont know anything about file types. Is there a chance that type of file wont open for me? Have had that occur. Maybe send a test 1 so I can see.
Thanks again!
You’ll be good. When you open a page, it’s going to look as it did when it was online. Each page is self-contained though, so none of the links will work.
Hello,
Would you be able to send me the Zioptis downloads? Hopefully easy 2 do.
Thank you,
Kris
I tried when we last spoke, Kris, but the email address I had for you wouldn’t work.
Either [email protected], or [email protected]. I hope 1 works & that it’s not too much trouble to send. Look forward to receiving them!
Thank you again,
Kris
I’ll give it another shot, Kris.