Don’t Be Afraid to Enter The Area 66 Haunted School – Inside The Pink Elephant Antique Mall in Livingston

By Tara L. Simmons

Along Interstate 55 you will find the little town of Livingston. Established in 1905 as a coal mining town it grew quickly at firs,t but leveled off to its current population of 845 by the 1970s.

In 1907 a wood building was erected for school purposes, and it was enlarged in 1912. High school education began in Livingston in 1917, and its first graduate was a young lady named Jennie Bert. A newer brick building was built in 1918, and yet an even newer building was built in 1927 – this building still stands and is the north end of The Pink Elephant Antique Mall. The gymnasium for the school was added in 1949 and the building served high school students for nearly 75 years – until 2004 – when Livingston High School graduated its last senior class and was absolved into the Staunton School District. In 2005 Pink Elephant Antique Mall opened in the vacant old school building.

If you’ve ever driven Interstate 55 between Hamel and Staunton, you have passed The Pink Elephant Antique Mall. You can’t miss it. Their signature giant pink elephant stands alert out front, beckoning all who pass to take the next exit and swing back to Livingston for a visit.

When my grandkids were little and would come to visit from Missouri, they always watched for the colossal pink elephant, knowing it meant they were close to Grandma’s house! Other roadside attractions on site include a flying saucer, a two-story statue of the 44th United States President and much more. Seeing these unique structures alone is worth a stop, evoking a sense of wonder, and inviting photo opportunities that capture the essence of a bygone era.

It takes some time to view everything in the 30,000 square foot antique mall filled with unique finds from over 50 vendors with treasures from antiques, collectibles, from furniture and home decor to toys and memorabilia, an extensive collection of old glassware, salt and pepper shakers, vintage art, jewelry, yard signs and much more.

The mall also has two retro shops: The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop, and The Twistee Treats Diner. The Mother Road Fudge Factory and Candy Shop is a 1950s-themed candy store selling homemade fudge made on-site in a variety of flavors, caramelized roasted nuts, vintage candies, bulk candy, saltwater taffy, chocolates, and Route 66 souvenirs. The Twistee Treats Diner is a kitschy 1950s-themed diner. It occupies an original Twistee Treats ice cream cone-shaped building, with the dining area decked out in a hot pink tile floor. The Blues Brothers overlook the dining area and the jukebox. The diner serves a full menu for lunch and dinner, including burgers made with fresh local beef that is never frozen. The ice cream is amazing, featuring soft serve, hand-scooped, and a large selection of specialties.

The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is a quirky roadside attraction with nostalgic Americana charm and is a must-see for those traveling Old Route 66. It has welcomed guests from all over the world, with a map in the diner allowing guests to place a pin for their place of origin.

Tonia and Wayne Pickerill are the proud owners of The Pink Elephant Antique Mall. Tonia has actually been “on board” with Pink Elephant for over 16 years. Since taking the helm as owners, the couple has turned the business into more than just a unique attraction. They are a true staple of the local community.

“We love that Pink Elephant is a source of pride for the community and we always welcome visitors to take photos and admire the historic building. We are passionate about supporting local vendors, and our community.”

Since assuming ownership the Pickerills have added regular events throughout the year, which attracts more customers, of course, but the true purpose is to support the community. One of those events is their monthly all-wheels cruise in. It’s a bit late in the game to be telling you about the cruise-ins, which are the third Thursday of the month, May through October… but… there is one more left this month! The cruise in on October 17 is from 6-9 pm and as always, will feature a live band, bounce houses for the kids and more. They recently had a UFO?Festival, complete with an Alien 5K run/walk to benefit Kellsies Hope Foundation. In September a Jeep Run Duck Hunt benefited Livingston Holiday Food baskets.

And now, since I have provided you some basic background about The Pink Elephant Antique Mall and what they are all about… it’s time for what I have been dying to share with you… their upcoming Area 66 Haunted School event!

You see, rumor has it that The Pink Elephant Antique Mall is haunted. And if you are “into” or believe such things, I’ve been told that visitors that are “sensitive” to paranormal things have sensed the presence of spirits within the walls of the antique mall. Some refused to go to certain sections, saying they felt extreme discomfort or trepidition there. One person reported an “angry old woman”?was there and forced her to leave. Paranormal investigators have visited and report that they did indeed find evidence of entitites.

These reports, and the fact that the oldest part of the building, the old school, was not worth repairing for more vendor space, inspired an idea for Tonia and Wayne, and last year they hosted their first Area 66 Haunted School. If you took the tour last year, you will most likely be back. I am told it was super scary, and according to Wayne, several adults reportedly even wet their pants in fright! In fact, it was a bragging right for them. And this year…it’s bigger and better!

“We have been working on this year’s Area 66 Haunted School since March,”?Wayne said. “We are positive that thrill seekers will not be disappointed!”

Even though Area 66 Haunted School was not quite ready, I asked them to take me through. They asked me not to take too many photos – we don’t want to spoil your adventure. The Area 66 Haunted School is actually a maze. You will go through it without lights, and without a guide. Groups of six or less at a time will wind their way through dark hallways and tunnels and up and down multiple staircases. There are automated attractions within to scare you, and live actors as well. Loud, unexpected noises will not be uncommon, as well as flashing and strobing lights. If you have a heart condition, or any medical condition that may make entry into such things dangerous to your health, do not attend. But if you love a good safe scare – Area 66 Haunted School is the place to visit this month!

Admission to Area 66 Haunted School is $19.99 per person, plus fees ($1.20 per ticket), if you purchase online, or you can just pay $20/person at the door? Seem like a lot? It’s not. Especially when you understand that 100% of admission fees will be donated to the local fire department – The Pink Elephant and the Pickerills supporting their community. There is even a ‘low scare’ haunted house on Saturday, October 19 from 3-5 pm. Admission to the low scare version is two cans/boxes of food, which will benefit Livingston Holiday Food Baskets.

Season passes to Area 66 Haunted School can be purchased for $50/person. A season pass to a haunted house? Well, yes… many people like to come more than once. The Area 66 Haunted School is open every Friday and Saturday night, Oct 4-Nov 2. But that’s not all… Area 66 Haunted School has a holiday version! That’s right – a holiday themed haunted house – complete with evil elves and… well, you will just have to see for yourself. The holiday version is open two days only, December 13-14, but a season pass allows you to visit the Halloween version and holiday version as many times as you wish. There is also a combo deal where you can save a couple bucks by purchasing a ticket to the Area 66 Haunted School and their Halloween Egg “Haunts”! Egg Haunts – more seasonal fun planned at The Pink Elephant!? The all youth Egg Haunt will be held on October 19. Ages 2-20 will hunt the yard and woods for Halloween eggs and prizes. Tickets are $5/person and the haunt starts at 5:30 pm. The adult Egg Haunt will be held on October 26. You must be 21+ for this event which will include not only “haunting” for special eggs and prizes, but also a bonfire, live music, outside bar and more. Tickets for the adult Egg Haunt are $15/person.

I know I gave you a lot of information about a lot of things coming up at The Pink Elephant Antique Mall. If you have questions, visit pink Elephant Antique Mall, facebook.com/pinkelephantantiquemall or facebook.com/area66hauntedschool. Tickets to Area 66 Haunted School can be purchased at the door or at area66hauntedschool.fearticket.com.

Find The Pink Elephant Antique Mall at 908 Veterans Memorial Drive, Livingston. The antique mall and The Mother Road Fudge & Candy Shop are open daily 9:30 am-5pm. Twistee Treat Diner hours are daily 11am-8 pm (grill turns off at 7:30).