Not one to pass up an opportunity for an off-the-beaten-path adventure, this evening I’ll venture north into St. Clair County for a fascinating presentation at the Ira Township Library. A local librarian, Tracy Aldrich, has amassed a collection of colorful posters from a bygone era. The subject matter, you ask? Spook shows!
Unfamiliar with the phrase? No problem. Consider this bit of history shared from the website of the St. Clair County Library System’s website:
“Thrills! Chills! Mystery!” “Unlike Anything You Have Ever Seen!” “Regurgitating Horrors!” “See the Ghosts Walk!” “So Shocking Some Will Faint!” “Doctor and Nurse in Attendance!” These are just a few of the colorful phrases to be seen on the vintage spook show posters in the collection of librarian Tracy Aldrich. Ms. Aldrich will bring a selection of original posters, stage props, and magical gimmicks from the heyday of the spook show, the 1930s – 1960s, to accompany her presentation on this unique theatrical art form. Spook shows were a type of magic act that focused on the macabre and mysterious and were often performed at midnight showings of horror films. Evolving from the seance and spiritualist acts of the 1900s – 1920s, they were a popular form of entertainment during the Great Depression and enjoyed a resurgence in the late 1950s and 1960s with the monster movie fad of that era. Don’t be afraid: stop by the Ira Township Library for a rare chance to see these striking, spooky posters in person and up close, “Alive on Stage!”
Given the timeline, some may suggest that the haunted house industry which began to populate in the late 1960’s, accelerated the demise of the once popular spook shows. Is that merely the natural evolution of entertainment? Will our cherished haunted attractions one day be supplanted by something even more interactive and titillating?! One shudders to think!
Pleasant Nightmares: A History of Spook Shows will be held from 6 – 7p this evening and is a free presentation from the St. Clair County Library System, but attendees must register with the link below. Ira Township Library is located at 7013 Meldrum Road in Ira Township, Michigan.
