Ashmore Estates Devastated by Tornado

Ashmore Estates the morning of January 30, 2013. Photo by Scott Baker.

Breaking news from Ashmore, Illinois. Ashmore Estates, a former almshouse and hospital for the developmentally disabled, was heavily damaged by a tornado last night. Since 2006, the building has been operated by Scott Kelley as a haunted attraction and has been featured in television shows and documentaries.

Last night, a storm came through and devastated the property. The storm tore the new roof, which the Kelley’s had installed several years ago, clean off and destroyed several structures on the property. Thankfully, Scott and his family were unharmed, but the losses are staggering. Without power, they relied on friends to communicate their call for help on Facebook.

Here is what they requested: 1. repost that we are selling all the props, costumes, and other haunt paraphernalia asap. 2. Come over any time today, and bring your gloves, mud boots and muscles. We need to move a lot of things very quickly. 3. Bring us cardboard cartons and boxes. “Our grief and shock over these losses is eased by how you, our community of friends and loves ones, are reaching out to us,” they said.

If you are reading this and are able to help or are interested in purchasing props and other items, please reach out to the owners at 217-512-9499 or spookmeister@ashmoreestates.net

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