Discover a unique Halloween celebration at the 1897 Poe House, where history and theater intertwine to create an enchanting evening. From Oct. 17-19, and 24 and 25, ‘Hallowe’en Revels: Poetry and Prophecy’ offers guests a chance to step back in time and witness a series of short vignettes that bring early 20th-century cultural norms, traditions, and poetry to life.
This is not your typical haunted house experience. Instead of scares, you’ll be treated to an immersive theatrical performance that highlights the customs and atmosphere of Halloween as it was celebrated over a century ago. With limited group sizes, the experience is intimate and engaging, ensuring each guest feels a part of the historical narrative.
The event is made possible through a partnership with Sweet Tea Shakespeare, a renowned local theater company known for its captivating performances and dedication to the arts. Their collaboration brings an added layer of authenticity and theatrical flair to the night tours, making ‘Hallowe’en Revels: Poetry and Prophecy’ a standout event in the community.
Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s expertise in live theater ensures that each vignette is performed with precision and passion, transporting guests to a time when Halloween was both a celebration and a moment of reflection, steeped in poetry and prophecy.
As you walk through the 1897 Poe House, you’ll be surrounded by turn-of-the-century decorations that perfectly capture the essence of an early 1900s Halloween. The setting is meticulously designed to reflect the late Victorian period, adding to the overall authenticity of the experience.
Guests will witness historical Halloween traditions and customs, gaining a deeper understanding of how this holiday has evolved over the years. From period-appropriate poems to cultural practices, the night tours offer a fascinating glimpse into the past, making it a memorable experience for all ages.
Experience a Historical Halloween
“Halloween from the late 1800s into the early 1900s was very much based around love, future prediction, and the spiritualism movement. Many activities practiced at Halloween parties during this time period were based around predicting the future love lives for young women and men,” said Victoria Peck, 1897 Poe House Coordinator.
These customs often involved various forms of divination and were rooted in folklore and traditions from different cultures, notably those of Scotland and Ireland.
One fascinating practice that has its roots in Scotland is the game of ‘3 Luggies’ or ‘3 Dishes.’ The tradition involved a young woman, blindfolded, who would dip her hand into one of three bowls to predict her future love life.
Each bowl represented a different outcome: an empty bowl meant she would be single for the rest of her life, a bowl with clear water signified a happy marriage, and a bowl with discolored water foretold widowhood. Variations of this practice exist, but they all center on predicting one’s future romantic fate. Keep a look out for this interesting tradition during the tour.
Another intriguing tradition was the Mirror Game. In this ritual, a young woman would look into a mirror at midnight on Halloween while holding a candle. The belief was that the face of her future husband would appear in the reflection.
Like many Halloween divination practices, the Mirror Game had various versions, but the core idea remained the same: using the mystical power of Halloween night to glimpse into one’s romantic future.
The 19th century saw a significant rise in the spiritualism movement, which heavily influenced Halloween traditions. Spiritualism was a belief system that emphasized communication with the spirits of the dead, often through mediums and séances.
This movement added a layer of mysticism and supernatural intrigue to Halloween, making it a night not only for predicting love but also for connecting with the spiritual realm.
What to Know Before You Go
Tickets for ‘Hallowe’en Revels: Poetry and Prophecy’ can be purchased in advance through Eventbrite or at the door, subject to availability. Purchase tickets online at https://tinyurl.com/mrxd3hzd. To ensure you secure your preferred time slot, it’s recommended to book ahead. Time slot exchanges may be possible, but arriving on time is crucial as late arrivals cannot be admitted once the tour begins.
Each group is limited to 15 people to maintain an intimate setting. Guests should arrive at least 15 minutes before the show starts and be prepared to walk, stand, and navigate stairs for the duration of the 30-minute performance. This is not a seated event, so comfortable footwear is advisable.
Proceeds from ticket sales directly fund the event and other programs at the 1897 Poe House, ensuring the preservation and continued celebration of its rich history. By attending ‘Hallowe’en Revels: Poetry and Prophecy,’ you’re not only enjoying a unique theatrical experience but also supporting the ongoing efforts to maintain this historical landmark.
The Poe House, with its storied past and cultural significance, remains a vital part of the community. Events like these help keep its legacy alive, allowing new generations to appreciate and learn from its historical treasures.

(Photo: The 1897 Poe House hosts “Hallowe’en Revels: Poetry and Prophecy with Sweet Tea Shakespeare. Photos courtesy of 1897 Poe House)