Daley Haunts Neighborhood Haunted House

Daley Haunts for family fun

by Barbie Layton STAFF WRITER
Jackson Star and Herald

RAVENSWOOD, W.Va. (WV News) — Halloween is the time of year for spooky fun, haunted houses, corn mazes and pumpkin patches.

For Jacob and Reghan Daley, Halloween is the time to break out the scary decorations and ramp up their home for family fun for all in the community.

“It’s all him,” Reghan said.

“She’s a big help, though,” Jacob added. “Growing up, I always liked Halloween and scary movies, but our haunt started with a yard display.”

Since 2020, the Daleys have decorated their home with gravestones, skeletons and spider webs for that creepy, scary feel; even winning an award from the City of Ravenswood for their haunted display.

Last year was their first year for the walk-through haunted house, with over 300 people participating.

“We did one night for the walk-through,” Jacob said. “It was fun and we learned a lot.”

This year, with a witchy theme called “Night of the Witch,” they are set to do it again, but for a two-night event this time.

A civil engineer during the day, Jacob has drawn up detailed plans for the walk-through this year and has even made or revamped most of the decorations they will be utilizing.

“The crowd will start out in the driveway and walk through a room outside. From there they will walk into the haunt, in this case, the ‘Witches lair’,’’ Jacob said. “They will walk through a couple rooms inside with some extra things to scare people as well.”

The Daleys said they have always loved haunted houses and they take as many haunted tours each year as they can. Jacob said the trips give them ideas for items to add to their haunt.

“Seeing all the kids run through and come out laughing is great,” Jacob said. “Haunts are really fun, it’s fun to scare people but it’s all about bringing the community together.”

It’s a group experience according to Jacob.

“No one wants to go to a haunted house on their own,” he added.

The Daleys enjoy hosting the haunt for families as well. Jacob feels it is a great way to spend time with the family, making memories to last a lifetime.

“A dad might come through with a kid and then be talking next July about the memory of the haunt,” Jacob said. “It’s things like that that make us do what we do. I love seeing all the interaction that it provides.”

The Daley’s family and friends help out with the haunt.

“We usually have about three to five people help us out,” Jacob said. “Everyone has a good time.”

Jacob said that they began setting decorations up in the yard around September this year.

“The week before Halloween, you will see me working like crazy to get the rest completed,” he added.

Daley Haunts is located at 602 Fleming Avenue in Ravenswood. It will be open on Saturday, October 29 and Monday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. It is a free community event; however, donations will be accepted.

“We do this for free but any donations we receive go toward the following year, 100 percent.” Jacob said. “Halloween is our favorite holiday and we intend to get bigger and better as time and money allow.”

For information and to follow the progress of the haunt, check out the Facebook page at Daley Haunts.