Haunted… creepy… mysterious. That’s how many would describe this year’s tour of the Lincoln-Tallman House in October. Spirits in the Night: The Tallman Crypt, presented by Prent Thermoforming, is the Rock County Historical Society’s second annual “scary” tour, with an all-new story and tour effects.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from October 5-28, the historic mansion at 440 N. Jackson Street in Janesville will feature a mysterious, guided tour that covers all three levels of the home. Although the story is a secret, it is vampire-related. The Society worked with Drywater Productions as its media sponsor.
“We’re calling this an enlightened tour,” said RCHS Executive Director Mike Reuter. “It’s elaborate and tech-enhanced with a story that is frightening – and fictional. Yet the tour is not about gory clowns, nor grabbing at tour guests.”
In the story, the man who owned the now-vacant mansion was a vampire, according to legend. Although it’s been shuttered for years, vagrants who ventured near the property went missing. As tour members are guided through the house, they discover alarming secrets about what occurred in the past.
“A surprise ending may leave some in a bit of shock,” Reuter added.
The tour, which lasts approximately 20 minutes, begins at the Wilson Stone House at 915 Mineral Point Road, Janesville. It is intended for persons age 13 and older. A maximum of eight people is allowed per tour.
A portion of the proceeds from the Spirits in the Night tours benefits the Humane Society of Southern Wisconsin, whose mission is to provide shelter and humane care to lost and homeless pets; reunite lost pets with their families; promote positive pet adoptions; and educate the community to inspire compassion and responsible pet guardianship.
On Friday, October 6, the tour will be closed to the public for its Night of the Bite launch party, presented by the Jeffris Family Foundation. Set for 6:30 – 11:30 p.m. at the RCHS Carriage House at 450 N. Jackson St., the event includes private Spirits in the Night tours, plus live music by Gary the Band, appetizers, drinks and more. Tickets are $40.
Spirits in the Night tours are scheduled in 10-minute time slots from 7:30 – 10:00 p.m. on Thursdays and from 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets are $20. Special rates on group packages are also available.
On tour nights, the public and tour-takers can also stop in the “Spookeasy,” located this year in the RCHS Carriage House behind the Lincoln-Tallman House. In addition to drinks and beverages, the Spookeasy will feature videos showing scares from recent tours.
For tickets and information on the tour, the launch party and more, visit www.spiritsjanesville.com.
