Lewiston house known for Halloween spirit lights up again after owner comes back from ‘dark place’
LEWISTON — Every fall, the Jellison family’s Sabattus Street house becomes Maniac Manor, making it a go-to place for lovers of extravagant Halloween decorations.
That seemed in jeopardy earlier this year for the first time since 2017 due to a fire last December caused by some outdoor Christmas decorations and then debilitating knee pain that resulted in major surgery just three weeks ago for Aaron Jellison.
“I was in a really dark place this summer (because of the pain),” said Jellison, who found himself weeks behind in creating his usual scary scene. The setting includes three 12-foot skeletons, a giant grim reaper, rooftop creatures and eerie lighting among more than $100,000 worth of decorations.
Ultimately, Jellison didn’t want to let anyone down, or miss out on the friendly competition that occurs with nearby homeowners who also go a little overboard at Halloween. So with some encouragement from his wife, Shannon, he and his family got going.
“I want to give back to the community, especially the doctors who helped fix my knee,” Jellison said. “I can’t give anybody any monetary gain, but I can at least give them my time and open my home to everyone.”
Homeowner Aaron Jellison estimates he has about $100,000 worth of decorations at his house at 562 Sabattus St. in Lewiston. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer)
A FIRE, THEN SURGERY
The problems started just before last Christmas, for which, Jellison admits, he also goes a little overboard. On Dec. 20, Jellison was putting up neon lights around the home and replacing old electrical cords as he went.
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But he missed one, he says, and the apparently overloaded cord started a fire that night. No one was hurt, but it damaged a corner of the home and made Jellison even more aware of the need to decorate safely.
Damage from an electrical fire last year is visible Monday morning at the home of Aaron Jellison on the corner of Sabattus and Jean streets in Lewiston. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
Then came the debilitating knee pain.
Jellison was diagnosed in 2001 with bone cancer in his knee. Over the past few years, he said, the pain increased to the point he had trouble walking, eventually keeping him from working in the months preceding surgery.
Three weeks ago he had his knee replaced, putting him on the road to recovery.
“The pain I was in was unimaginable,” he said. “When I got my surgery, I got my life back.”
After surgery, Jellison spent a total of 11 days on and off in the hospital. It didn’t look like the decorations would get up.
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Typically, the Jellisons start Halloween preparations in August by bringing their decorations outside. By mid-September, they have everything in place outdoors and inflated, and by the first week of October they’re able to transform the inside of their home too.
The Jellison family home at 562 Sabattus St. in Lewiston is decorated for Halloween this year despite the challenges faced by head decorator Aaron Jellison. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer)
With his debilitating knee pain and then the surgery, it didn’t seem possible this year.
But Shannon’s encouragement helped him feel rejuvenated and carry on the tradition, he said. Since his surgery, Aaron and his five children turned their property into Maniac Manor.
“There was a lot of skepticism whether I was going to, whether I should,” said Jellison. “But I decided if I could do it, I’m going to do it. It was a depressing time for the family.”
And do it he did. His daughter Alexis Jennison said that after her father got his new knee, he did triple the work in one week than he did in three months last year.
“I’m not going to let my knee stop me from doing what I love,” said Jellison. “The community loves it, my family loves it, and it’s my favorite season.”
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‘MAGIC IN THE AIR’
Halloween decorations cover the Jellison family’s house and fill the yard at 562 Sabattus St. in Lewiston. (Libby Kamrowski Kenny/Staff Photographer)
Jellison also got inspiration from other Halloween lovers in the area, including well-decorated homes on Farwell Street and East Avenue that annually draw a lot of onlookers.
“I call them my OGs, my original ghouls,” said Jellison. “We got some new contenders in the area, but you got to bow down to royalty.”
With their Halloween display up this year despite the odds, the Jellisons want to inspire, and give people something to enjoy.
“There’s magic in the air around this time of the year,” Jellison said. “A lot of people say autumn is their favorite time, but for me it’s more than that. You can’t burn up the Halloween spirit. It’s a hard thing to kill, even with a chain saw.”
Once Halloween is done, Aaron said he will train his sights on Christmas. Although the home had the fire last year, he said he’s upgraded the electrical around the home so this year all will be merry and bright.
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Matthew is a staff writer for the Lewiston Sun Journal covering the Lewiston and Auburn areas. Before joining the Sun Journal, Matthew covered news in the Bangor area before moving to Lewiston to cover. More by Matthew Jaroncyk
