Electric Chair at Old Town

[Figment1964]

I was just curious if anyone else had noticed the simulated electric chair "attraction" at Old Town. It was just outside the arcade and the sign said "for a dollar see him holler". My kids saw the cage from across the way and wanted to go and see what it was. I had no idea what it was so I said, "sure". When we got there, right on the main thoroughfare (not inside of a business or store away from the general public), someone had put a dollar in. I look just like he was being electrocuted!

Of course that brought up lots of questions and we couldn't get our little kids away from it fast enough. My autistic son was obsessed with what he saw for days.

 

[kerrynic78]

I have seen that before, it is so disturbing. We went about a month or so ago and I didn't see it, I figured they got rid of it but I guess not.

 

[sweet maxine]

Yes, we saw this in December, and I had to hurry everyone past this. It is on the main thoroughfare--there's no getting around it if you're on that side of the shops/sidewalks.

This thing thoroughly grossed me out, and I have to admit that the one quick glance I had of it stayed with me for a couple of days. I told my husband I was ready to leave right after that, and I doubt we'll ever return to Old Town. It's really a shame. My older kids have such happy memories of a different Old Town. Now that place just gives me the creeps!

I'm so sorry about what happened with your child and the impression this horrid excuse for "entertainment" made on him. It's really sad what this world has come down to in these days. So sad.

 

[kilee]

Thats awful. Sounds more like it should be indoors- or at least in a tent out of plain view. I wouldn't want to see something like that either.

 

[Phrank40]

Several months ago we stayed at the Comfort Suites next to Old Town and took a walk that night through Old Town. I'll have to say the electric chair is one of the most bizarre things I have ever seen on public display. My wife and I both saw it at the same time and said almost as one "Do you believe what we're seeing". Would hate to be walking by that thing with a small child when it was revved up. Heck, I'm glad it wasn't in use when I was walking by. I guess for some folks it qualifies as a real hoot.

Phrank

 

[grimley1968]

So, let me get this straight: was this thing an actual, real-live-volts electric chair? Was it "toned down" any so it would merely shock the person sitting in it?

How bizarre. This sounds like those horrifying montages on America's "Funniest" Videos where people hurt themselves just to get on TV.

 

[HappyLawyer]

well i have not seen this at old town and i will make sure that i avoid it next time, this is not something i want my dtr to see. Thanks for the heads up

 

[Phrank40]

If I remember correctly (I didn't look at it in detail since it was disturbing enough just glancing at it) there is a dummy of a man sitting in the chair, I think sort of slumped down. The "pay a dollar and make him hollar" I guess refers to the fact he will start quivering or whatever like he is being electocuted when you pay your dolllar. Great, took me a couple of days to get that picture out of my head from Old Town and now its back.

Phrank

 

[Figment1964]

If I remember correctly (I didn't look at it in detail since it was disturbing enough just glancing at it) there is a dummy of a man sitting in the chair, I think sort of slumped down. The "pay a dollar and make him hollar" I guess refers to the fact he will start quivering or whatever like he is being electocuted when you pay your dolllar. Great, took me a couple of days to get that picture out of my head from Old Town and now its back.

Phrank

He shook quite violently as if trying to get out of the straps holding him down while a mans scream was coming from the speakers. It was very disturbing as an adult, I can't imagine what it was doing to my kids.

I wrote an e-mail to Old Town (old-town.com) about how upset I was. I haven't heard anything back unfortunately.

 

[da-winnie-pooh]

OK, a dollar doesn't go as far as it used to, but I can still think of plenty of things I'd rather do with that dollar. Buy a candy bar, a soda, throw it away. . . sounds awful!