Detailing a Masterpiece
Introduction By: Pete Henderson
Article By: Brandon Seidl
There is no doubt that when we think of Dark Ride enthusiasts, Brandon Seidl comes to mind. Mr. Seidl devoted countless hours towards covering his favorite Dark Ride, Trimper’s Haunted House. The ride is currently located in Ocean City Maryland and owned by the Trimper family. Not only did he archive it’s present, but it’s history as well. Sometimes there are relics that are way ahead of their time, this is one of those Dark Rides that will not only survive the way it is, but its design and structure host opportunity for constant changes and improvement if so desired.
Please take the journey with us, as we look at the wonderful world of Dark Rides, witnessed through the eyes and biography of Brandon Seidl.
Detailing a Masterpiece: Trimper’s Haunted House in Ocean City, Maryland
By Brandon Seidl
I’m a lifelong visitor of Ocean City, Maryland and its many amusement venues. I feel like it’s my second home. I’ve always been fascinated with Trimper’s Haunted House, built by the late Bill Tracy of Outdoor Dimensional Display Co., Inc., ever since my first introduction to it in the late 1980s. I was immediately attracted to the towering façade, unique effects, and frightening sounds. But, being the inquisitive kid that I was, I didn’t just beg my parents for another ride, I began to take note of the different features and learn more about dark rides in general.
After many summers visiting the Haunted House with my family, I started to talk with the ride’s manager, who had worked there since the mid-1960s. I gained substantial knowledge from the man who witnessed the ride transform and grow throughout his three decades of employment at the park. In 1996, I was lucky enough to experience my first behind-the-scenes walk-through. It was an amazing experience, and I still think about that first on-foot experience to this day.
Several years later, I met Chris Trimper, grandson of the park’s owner and president, who held a management position at the ride. Chris, who is currently the Quality Control Coordinator for Trimper’s Amusements, as well as owner of several small businesses, immediately took me under his wing. He showed me all of the ins and outs of the ride’s operation from a technical standpoint. He shared with me his invaluable knowledge of the haunted house, gained through his lifelong exposure to the ride thanks to his family’s involvement.
For years I took pictures and videos to document the ride, only later realizing that I was capturing slight changes that reflected the ongoing passion and dedication to the haunted house by its employees and owners. Finally, I got the opportunity to work at the attraction during the summer of 2002. During this time, I had the chance to operate the ride, learn its inner workings, and help with problems as they occurred on busy summer nights. My responsibilities extended beyond the Haunted House, as I also operated classic rides like the Tilt-a-Whirl, Zipper, Inverted, Sling Shot, and Ferris Wheel.
I graduated from college with a degree in business communications and the cold reality of the working world hit me. I needed a release from the humdrum world of my 9-to-5 job, and I also wanted to share my fascination with the Haunted House with other enthusiasts and newcomers. Combining my interest in cutting edge communications and my passion for the Ocean City classic attraction, I created a unique website that documents the haunted house’s interior and exterior; (http://www.ochh.net). I launched the website in September of 2007, and immediately found others who were looking for a place to celebrate this one-of-a-kind dark ride.
I’ve continued to add to the website, which has grown into one of the largest amusement attraction fan sites on the Internet. I’ve explored a variety of means of sharing my love for the Haunted House and Trimper Rides, finding success with frequent news postings and articles, and I’m committed to offering fresh content for others to enjoy. I also love to hear what others think about the ride, and encourage you to participate in the discussions in our forum (http://forum.ochh.net). I recognize the attraction’s true value and historical significance, and I’m determined to continue spreading the word that the Haunted House, is not just another dark ride in a seaside amusement park, but is instead a unique piece of history that has outlived so many other rides of its kind.
When I get the chance to get down to the boardwalk, I’m usually found walking around the park in search of changes, new information, and insight. I keep in touch with Chris and know that he and his management crew are committed to maintaining an excellent attraction. I continue to take photos and videos to share with others, and take the time to remember the conversations I have with those employed at the park, as well as my fellow visitors. You can feel confident that on www.ochh.net, I’ll bring you the most up-to-date information in a user friendly format, helpful to longtime enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Out of all the major parks I have been to, Trimper’s is without a doubt the cleanest, safest and friendliest amusement venue I’ve seen. The Haunted House in Ocean City, Maryland built by Bill Tracy is my all-time favorite ride and deserves the utmost respect from its riders. I never want to see this baby go. See you on the dark side at Trimper’s Haunted House Online (www.ochh.net)