SIMI VALLEY : Former Mortuary to Be Terror Manor

The living dead, Freddy Krueger and a giant spider will haunt a former Simi Valley mortuary later this month when two service clubs open the doors to Terror Manor.

Members of the Simi Valley Jaycees and the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise, in addition to the Apollo High School Leadership Class, are transforming the inside of the vacant building at Los Angeles Avenue and Church Street, which was the headquarters for the Huber Chapel Mortuary from 1969 to 1979.

The 1924 building started off as a Methodist church and was a synagogue in the 1980s.

“The big highlight is the building itself. It will generate the visible effect and aura,” said Randy Greene, event co-chairman for the Simi Valley Jaycees.

On the ground floor of the elaborately planned haunted house, children ages 3 to 12 will be offered a fun house complete with a magician and a Halloween play presented by S.A.V.E. Theatre. Youngsters will have a chance to step into other rooms, including one with strobe lights, a Halloween feast and a space odyssey theme.

In the basement, the less squeamish can venture through the Dungeon of Terrors, which includes a living dead room, Freddy Krueger’s classroom and a maze. Krueger is the character in the “Nightmare on Elm Street” horror movies.

“I’m real excited we can offer something for everyone,” said John Blazej, event co-chairman for the Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise.

The building’s owner, Bob Mitchell, donated the facility for use during the fund-raiser.

The haunted house will be open to the public from 6:30 to 11 p.m. on Oct. 19-21 and 26-31.

Tickets at the door are $3 for adults and $2 for children. Advance tickets are $2 each for adults and children and can be purchased at Simi Valley Bank, Ken’s Stationers and the Clarion Hotel in Simi Valley.