About eight full-size, homemade figures launched Erik Martin’s Halloween display two decades ago in Oak Lawn. What became known as Spirits on Sproat now features more than 120 life-size figures.
“I was greatly influenced by some other area home haunts in Burbank and Oak Lawn,” said Martin, creator and owner of Spirits on Sproat, which welcomes visitors on evenings through Oct. 31 in the 9100 block of South Sproat Avenue.
An attraction that began with stationary figures in 2004 in his front yard evolved into a display that also encompasses his backyard and features sound effects and light projections. Two-thirds of Spirits on Sproat consists of his handcrafted pieces while store-bought animatronics comprise the other third.
“I grew up in the city in an apartment where we weren’t really allowed to decorate much,” Martin said. “I’m living out some of my dreams that I wasn’t able to fulfill as a child in terms of being able to decorate more extensively for the season.”
Once he moved into his own house, the fan of old monster movies started making full-size replicas of classic figures from horror literature, movies, television and pop culture.
Martin’s inaugural display included what he called The Green Ghoul, the first figure he made, and Dracula, Frankenstein, The Mummy and The Wolf Man from the Universal Studios monsters franchise.
“I want people to be able to recognize some of their favorite horror characters,” he said about the outdoor exhibit, which includes Art the Clown from “Terrifier,” Norman Bates from “Psycho,” Freddy Krueger from “A Nightmare on Elm Street” and Leatherface from “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.”
Martin explained Spirits on Sproat, which expanded to 23 nights this year to celebrate its 20th anniversary, is an educationally eerie way to introduce youngsters and even adults to horror legends as well as prompt visitors to watch the films featuring the characters or read up on who are displayed.
“I want to broaden the awareness of especially classic horror and some of the lesser-known characters among the generations. We appeal strongly to families,” he said.
Spirits on Sproat features a wall of museum-like signs with witticisms about many characters, danceable horror music in the front yard, a backyard soundtrack of old-school movie themes and a scavenger hunt game playable on a smartphone or via a laminated checklist and marker.
“It’s a different kind of haunt than you expect because I don’t know anywhere else where you can go and find virtually every horror character represented in that haunt. That’s what I’m most proud of,” Martin said.
New figures for 2024 include Dead Ned the Dullahan knight; the Moe, Curly and Larry clown trio; Heartburn Harry; Patchy the plundering pirate; and the angry apple tree from “The Wizard of Oz.”
“I feel so honored to be able to continue to showcase my love for horror and my undying love of Halloween,” Martin said.
Some of Spirits on Sproat’s unique elements are an evil clown corral, a pirate skeleton crew, a reaper skeleton metal band, local legends such as Resurrection Mary and age-appropriate live scarers, which include Martin portraying Michael Myers from “Halloween” or Jason Voorhees from “Friday the 13th.”
“The best thing about the whole experience is seeing the smiles and the awestruck look on the faces of visitors especially the kids. For many of them, this is their first exposure to legendary horror characters. I want to leave a great impression,” Martin said.
Ash from “Evil Dead,” Babyface from “Happy Death Day,” Elvira, Fluffy the crate monster from “Creepshow,” Alfred Hitchcock, Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty,” Svengoolie, Tarman from “The Return of the Living Dead,” Jack Torrance from “The Shining” and Carrie White from “Carrie” help on that score.
It takes Martin a month to set up the annual Spirits on Sproat, which typically is displayed throughout October, but he spends the rest of the year strategizing for the following season’s display.
“Some guys enjoy playing golf. Others like to gamble or go to the bars. I’m happy making monsters in my garage,” he said.
Martin’s love of films extends into the monthly Cineversary podcast he hosts to celebrate big birthdays of favorite movies marking a 20th anniversary to a 100th anniversary and the weekly CineVerse film discussion group he established in 2005 and moderates on Zoom.
Spirits on Sproat
When: 7-11 p.m. Oct. 25-26 and Oct. 31; 7-10 p.m. Oct. 27-30
Where: 9100 block of South Sproat Avenue, Oak Lawn
Tickets: free (donations appreciated)
Information: spiritsonsproat.com
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
This post was originally published on here
