10/11/2023
EAST LIVERPOOL – The Historical 1876 Thompson House of East Liverpool, Ohio is hosting its annual fall spooktacular event, this Friday, Friday the 13th. It benefits the East Liverpool Historical Society, and hopes to raise funds to support the upkeep of the 147-year-old Victorian mansion, which has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.
The 1963 classic movie based on “The Haunting of Hill House” novel by award-winning author Shirley Jackson will be a highlight of the event. According to published book reviews, it was considered one of the best literary ghost stories of the 20th century.
Originally planned to be shown outside on the lawn of the Thompson property, it has been moved indoors two blocks away at the recently renovated Masonic Temple located at 422 Broadway St. to accommodate larger numbers, and due to the threat of potential rainfall. Lodge members graciously donated the use of the building to help support the Society with the fundraiser.
According to the National Register of Historic Places, the temple was built in 1890 and, like the Thompson House, was originally the home of well-known pottery magnates. Prior to its purchase by the Masons in 1910, it was known as the Godwin-Knowles house and last occupied as a private residence by Homer Knowles. It is a Colonial Revival structure, and was added to the NRHP in 1985.
Those wishing to attend should go to the Thompson House located at 305 Walnut St. beginning at 6 p.m. to purchase their tickets, which are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Tours of the house – with a slightly haunting seasonal twist – will be offered at 6:15 p.m. before the movie, and then again after at 9:15 p.m. by East Liverpool Historical Society President Tim Brookes and Vice President Merle Russo, who also decorated the house with assistance provided by Historical Society member Peter Perri. Parking for the event is on the street and in the two adjacent Kent State University parking lots.
Historical 1876 Thompson House Trustee Charlie Thayer also made a life-sized casket for the event as a special tour illustration.
Gia’s Grill & Goodies, a local food vendor partnering with the event, will be on site at the Masonic Temple, which will also be open at 6 p.m. to offer movie food and concessions for your convenience at an additional fee.
The movie begins at the Temple at 7:15 p.m. with a special 150th birthday anniversary recognition. Sarah Ida “Sadie” Thompson, daughter of Cassius and Aria Thompson, was born Oct. 12, 1873. The family moved into the newly built home the week before Christmas in 1876. Sadie caught Scarlet fever, which had been spreading through the area, and died in the house on New Year’s Eve just two weeks after the home was first occupied. A special birthday cake donated by private baker, and Historical Society member, Linda Swearingen’s “Sweets to Swear by!” will be available while it lasts for those in attendance. Also included with the price of the movie admission is popcorn, drinks and candy.
Those who attend will also be entered into a drawing for a movie-themed gift basket donated by Historical Society member Brad Cowsert, which is worth nearly $100.
Limited edition two-sided porcelain Thompson House Christmas ornaments will also be on sale for $20 and available for purchase and pick-up by those who had placed one in reserve.
Tickets and ornaments may be purchased either with cash, by check made out to the East Liverpool Historical Society, or electronically by Venmo -House-1876 (4880 if prompted for additional digits).
All proceeds raised go toward ongoing repair projects to the Thompson House’s plumbing and porch spindle replacement.
EAST LIVERPOOL – The Historical 1876 Thompson House of East Liverpool, Ohio is hosting its annual fall spooktacular event, this Friday, Friday the 13th. It benefits the East Liverpool Historical Society, and hopes to raise funds to support the upkeep of the 147-year-old Victorian mansion, which ha...
