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I guess I am a Brooklyn “oldie.” First came here to Clinton Hill in 1979 then moved here permanently in early 1980. Back then it was a different place and I kind of liked it. Yes there were abandoned buildings, abandoned cars, no amenities to speak of and it was more dangerous than today for sure. It also was a place where a young guy like me could do most anything he wanted. In 1989 though I bought a brownstone on Washington Ave and was here to stay.
To tell the truth I halfway miss the old days around here, but I guess you got to give up something to get something. One of those somethings (and my favorite) is the Clinton Hill Halloween walk.
It is growing bigger and bigger and as this neighborhood changes it will continue to do so. For those of you who aren’t familiar the Halloween Walk is an annual event where houses “volunteer” to be part of Halloween. Those houses are then marked on a map that is handed out Halloween evening to whoever wants one. The kids are guaranteed to get candy and maybe see a cool attraction at these houses. Of course other houses that aren’t on the walk also participate so you never know how many “stops” the kids will be making that night.

I have been part of the walk for 12 years or so and have the biggest “show” (if you will) on Washington ave. A quick note. Halloween is MY major holiday. My love of classic monsters, horror and sci-fi gets that one day to express it self to everyone. In fact if a presidential candidate were to say that Halloween would be made into a major holiday he/she would get my vote in a second! I even started a film company to make horror / sci-fi films. (You can also see last years show here on youtube. It’s a bit dark but this year we expect to have a better quality film to show.)

So….I am now in the ever growing annual throes of producing our Halloween show. (You can see the photo from 2006 that accompanies this post.) This year we will have 6 full size, realistic, classic monsters (3 more than last year). They are Frankenstein Monster, Wolfman, Dracula, Mr. Hyde, The Mummy and the Phantom of the Opera. Hundreds of film clips of classic horror/sci-fi from silents all the way up to today. LOTS of candy and of course the show itself.

We will be aiming at 3 shows that night. Possibly even four. I would like to keep a running commentary here as Oct 31 approaches. Progress we are making etc. Anyone else that has an attraction is certainly welcome to also join in with their progress. It is a LOT of work but it is worth it for us at least. We are looking for like minded volunteers to hand out candy, crowd control and if you are somewhat skilled to help out backstage with the effects. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested.
SO here it is Oct 1. Let the countdown down begin!!!

Robert Troch