Spook-tacular experience
Witches Den back for another year of scary surprises
PICTOU, N.S. — The old brick building next to the Stella Maris church in Pictou has been around for 175 years.
It survived even when cold, howling winds blew off Pictou harbour on dark and stormy nights.
“This used to be where the priest lived, called the glebe house,” explains Beverly Underwood. “Now it is where the witches come every Halloween, and they’re accompanied sometimes by other spooky creatures. This is The Witches Den.”
The top floor of the glebe house is a rental space, while on the main floor there is a common area with a kitchen, living room and other space. The Star of the Sea Society, of which Underwood is a member, purchased this building several years ago.
“We’ve been fixing it up ever since we got it. Really, it was ready to be torn down,” says
Underwood. “We have lunches and we have card parties — we’re open to all suggestions.”
The main floor is bright and welcoming, but beneath it all, in the dark, dank basement, black magic takes place every Halloween. Witches, goblins, skeletons and other scary critters gather there for a frighteningly good time.
A few years ago, Underwood’s daughter, Trina Joudrie, thought it would be a perfect place to decorate for Halloween, and use it as a fundraiser for Star of the Sea Society.
“She’s changed it to some degree, so that it’s not the same every year.”
On this day, Underwood led a visitor through the dimly lit and musty corridors in the basement, where every turn brings another scary surprise. Every clock in each room is ready to strike midnight, further conveying a sense of doom.