The first annual HalloWelles was a success!
On Halloween night, members of Sigma Tau Delta (the English Honors Society) gathered together and put on SUNY Geneseo’s first “HalloWelles,” a literary-themed, spook-tastic walk through the upstairs of Welles.
Starting at the south stairwell, visitors would be led up through the cobwebbed, orange-hued hall on a trip through the history of horror literature. On each of the tables were special editions of classic novels and stories—The Phantom of the Opera, Frankenstein, The Metamorphosis, Carrie, and collections of stories from Edgar Allan Poe were present, to name just a few. In fact, the guide through the haunted hallway was led by none other than Prince Prospero and The Red Death from Poe’s classic short story “The Masque of the Red Death.” On the other side of the hallway, The Headless Horseman waited to leave a lasting impression on those who braved their way back into the night.
The bulk of the party waited in Classroom 216 where guests could grab a number of party favors. Adjunct lecturer George Goga, a professor of a section of INTD 105 that focuses on witch-themed writing and studies, had spells present. A number of English professors provided their favorite horror quotes from gothic literature. And, of course, Halloween-themed Silly Bandz were available to grab as well (the main attraction). While eating cupcakes, candy, and drinking apple cider, guests could watch the 1922 silent film Häxan while they ate. The film, being Swedish, depicts the European view of witchcraft in the early 20th century and is somewhat infamous for its fairly explicit scenes for such an early time in film.
A number of guests came in costume as well, with amazing examples like Dracula and Alex from Target. Others, while not necessarily identifiable, had make-up on with complex fashion, something that was terrific to see and added to the experience in ways the planning board hadn’t thought of. Despite HalloWelles being advertised mostly to English majors, a number of people from other disciplines attended as well, as well as a couple students from other campuses. The promise of delicious treats with a spooky atmosphere is something that few can resist.
From all of us in Sigma Tau Delta to those of you who came and had a great time with us on Halloween, thank you so much for making HalloWelles a reality! The turnout for the event was beyond the staff’s wildest expectations, giving us all the more reason to continue events like this in the future. Sigma Tau Delta is active on Instagram (@sigmataudeltageneseo), and for those looking to become more active with the English Department’s students, be sure to join the English Discord server (https://discord.gg/kvP4hG8j8b).
Be sure to look out for these events from the English Honors Society in the future, and if you are coming back to campus next fall, feel free to drop in on our haunted hallway. And, as Brom Stoker’s Dracula says; “Once again...welcome to my house. Come freely. Go safely; and leave something of the happiness you bring.”