Each day, cars rumble along Algoma Boulevard past permanent fixtures like the Paine Art Center and the Oshkosh Public Museum. But as the leaves on the trees begin to transform, so too does a Victorian house at 1600 Algoma Blvd.
Little by little, the home has become a fall staple in the community, providing residents with music, lights and towering statues from September until October. The home’s owner, Greg Schlichting, said he’s been decorating there since 2020.
“There was so much uncertainty, so much non-movement out in the community,” Schlichting said. “Everybody was homebound and it was just something to give back when people were out and about.”
Some of his early decorations were a wolf statue and a 12-foot skeleton, but the project has grown to include five other 12-foot creatures and several other small ones.
Now coined as the “Halloween House,” community members take walks or park on a side road just to get a glimpse of Schlichting’s intricate setup.
“It’s really cool to see the interaction of the kids outside. They can tell me what I added this year, they can tell me what in my yard is different or where things used to be,” Schlichting said.
While he doesn’t plan a formal setup each year, Schlichting pushes himself to keep things different and fresh for onlookers, taking about three weeks to finalize his decorating.
Though his neighbors are shocked to see Halloween decorations as early as September, they said they have appreciated the uptick of activity in the area.
“Not many people come down this way because it’s a middle-aged neighborhood, more or less,” Schlichting’s neighbor Pam Sawall said. “But we gave out almost 200 pieces of candy last year alone as they made their way across the street after seeing Greg. So it’s definitely picked up as the time has gone on.”
Though Sawall and her husband have had to buy more candy, they recognize the benefits the Halloween House has brought to their community.
“I think it provides the community with something wholesome to get out with their families, to have fun, you know, there’s just not enough of it anymore,” Sawall said. “Everybody’s laughing and getting along together, having a good time, it’s good.”
As part of entertaining families, Schlichting has leaned into his role as owner of the Halloween House, dressing up like Michael Myers each Halloween night. His kids also join him to give out candy, wear costumes and even scare trick or treaters.
“I never expected it to take off as much as it has,” Schlichting said. “Algoma is a very busy street, but there’s there’s several houses in Oshkosh that decorate.”
Despite his surprise, Schlichting has embraced the growth, attributing his efforts to giving back to the community.
“A big reason why I do what I do is truly for all the kids that stop by, just seeing their faces smile. Again, all the interaction with their families when they’re coming by, it gives people in the community something to do.”
