Published 10/2/24

As Halloween approaches and excitement builds for the release of the 2024 “Salem’s Lot” remake, we had the opportunity to chat with Ben Ottaviano, also known as BoogeyMan Ben, a devoted fan and expert on the original 1979 miniseries based on the Stephen King novel. Ben has visited Ferndale—the iconic filming location of the original “Salem’s Lot”—many times, exploring the town’s unique connection to the miniseries. In this interview, Ben shares his insights on Ferndale’s role in “Salem’s Lot,” what fans can experience when visiting, and why this charming Victorian village is the perfect backdrop for spooky stories and fond memories alike.

The new “Salem’s Lot” movie (rated R) is slated for release on October 3, 2024, on Max. The Ferndale Library will screen the old “Salem’s Lot” on October 24 and 25. Ferndale Cemetery walking tours will be offered on weekends throughout the month of October. Learn more about Ferndale’s frightfully fun month of events here!

This interview was conducted by email in September and has been lightly edited and condensed.

Visit Ferndale: Hello! Please introduce yourself.

My name is Ben Ottaviano. BoogeyMan Ben’s Horror Zone is a YouTube page that I created back in September of 2010. It’s a place where I do video content focusing on my love of the horror genre. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area.

What drew you to “Salem’s Lot,” and how did you discover Ferndale’s connection to the miniseries?

I first watched the “Salem’s Lot” miniseries, Part 2, when it aired on 11/24/1979 on CBS. I was five years old, and it absolutely terrified me.

Over time, the film became a favorite of mine. The condensed version known as “Salem’s Lot: The Movie” started airing on cable television when I was about seven years old. I would watch it regularly, especially after it was recorded for me at my dad’s house. Every other weekend, I would stay with him and watch it. You could say I became obsessed.

I think the fact that it dealt with people becoming monsters/vampires is why I was so fascinated. The duality of what they had once been and what they were becoming was something that struck me. I always loved the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, so that’s most likely where it came from.

Discovering that Ferndale was where the film was shot was a total fluke. In the summer of 1988, when I was 14, my family and I went on a trip to Eureka. On our way home, my mom saw the Victorian Village sign for Ferndale, and we decided to drive through. I remember the layout of the town caught my eye as we drove down Main Street. At one point I even made the statement that it looked like “Salem’s Lot”—I had watched it quite a few times by this point—and my statement was laughed off by my mom, saying that the film was most likely shot in Maine since the story took place there. This was years before you could Google where something was filmed.

It wasn’t until nine years later that I would read in a movie magazine that I had been right all along and the film had been shot in Ferndale.

Can you share your favorite “Salem’s Lot” filming locations in Ferndale? What makes them special to you?

Last year, my friends and I got permission to go up to the hill/house of 850 Bluff Street, where the facade of Marsten House was built for the 1979 miniseries. It was the great white whale for all of us. Even though the facade of the haunted house from the film was long gone, just being able to go up there was so amazing for us all. The owner was so kind, gave us some history about the location, and allowed us to explore the grounds. One of the best days ever.

“It was the great white whale for all of us...one of the best days ever. ”

How does the town of Ferndale compare to how it was portrayed in the 1979 “Salem’s Lot”? Are there any must-see spots for fans of the original miniseries?

The essence of how the town was presented in the film remains because it feels like a time capsule. The filmmakers did do some camera tricks to make the town feel a bit more spread out than it is, especially when it comes to the key locations. I remember being surprised that the cemetery was so close to the Marsten House location. When it comes to must-see spots for fans of the film…

850 Bluff (Marsten House). This is a private house, but I luckily was able to get permission to walk up the drive to the hill where Marsten House was built. Even if you don’t have permission, just walking up the road to where the house is—off the property, of course—is thrilling in itself.
Ferndale Cemetery (Harmony Hill). Not a lot of footage was used from this location in the film—most of the cemetery scenes were done in Los Angeles—but one can get so lost in the history and beauty of it. My favorite thing to do is follow the road the procession takes for Danny Glick’s funeral in the film.
The Quarters Airbnb (Barlow and Strakers Fine Antiques). This place is incredible if you have the opportunity to stay. I recommend it 100%. Of course, the interiors seen in the film were a set, but the exterior still resembles how it looked on film. (Disclosure: The Airbnb is owned by family members of this interviewer.)

What’s your most memorable experience visiting Ferndale as a “Salem’s Lot” fan?

The 40th anniversary event from October of 2019 was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Not only did I get to watch the film at The Old Steeple, which is right next to the cemetery, but I also got to meet Ron Scribner, who played Ralphie Glick in the film. To top it off, my wife and I stayed at The Quarters. Just fantastic.

Have you noticed any subtle nods or tributes to “Salem’s Lot” while exploring Ferndale?

For the longest time, I didn’t. I remember the first couple of times I was in town in the early 2000s, some people I spoke with were not aware that the film was shot there. Since the 40th anniversary, I have noticed more callouts for the film. Humboldt’s Hometown Store has a poster of the film, and I saw the Ferndale Museum has a placard in front of the building paying tribute to the film. I wish there were more tributes, but I understand that not everyone loves horror films.

Why do you think Ferndale was chosen as the filming location for the original “Salem’s Lot,” and how does the town’s character enhance the miniseries’s eerie atmosphere?

For the first part of the question, “A Death In Canaan” was a 1978 Warner Brothers telefilm that was supposed to be set in a contemporary Connecticut town. The film was directed by Tony Richardson. His assistant Anne Cottle was associate producer on “Salem’s Lot.” She remembered that Ferndale had doubled perfectly for the fake Connecticut town and suggested the town to director Tobe Hooper when he was hired on to helm the project.

To the second part of the question, I have noticed that after a certain time, the town becomes eerily quiet. I have walked around at night exploring the locations, even the cemetery, and you could hear a pin drop. In the film scenes where the town becomes deserted from the vampire plague, it is quite unsettling, and I bet that was one of the key elements to picking the town as the primary shooting location.

“I have walked around at night exploring the locations, even the cemetery, and you could hear a pin drop.”

What advice would you give to a fellow “Salem’s Lot” fan planning their first trip to Ferndale? Any hidden gems they should explore?

My biggest advice is to be respectful of the people who live in the residences of the locations from the film.

A thrill for me was to walk up Crowley Avenue, which is the setting for the scene where Ben Mears drives into town. I remember attracting a herd of cows in the field next to the road when I went up there the first time. I felt bad I didn’t have anything to feed them.

How does Ferndale’s charm and character add to the overall “Salem’s Lot” experience, even for those who might not be horror movie buffs?

I really think I had a better appreciation for the town’s charm after my stay in December of 2001. I have always loved “Salem’s Lot” and locations specific to the film. Once I had experienced the town during the holiday season, I fell in love with the place. At night, the town is very eerie because of the quiet, but during the day, it is so charming. I hope to live there one day and open a “Salem’s Lot” museum.

“I hope to live [in Ferndale] one day and open a “Salem’s Lot” museum.”

Are there any local events, festivals, or experiences in Ferndale that you think “Salem’s Lot” fans would enjoy?

The Scream-a-Torium Scaregrounds sounds like the perfect event for “Salem’s Lot” fans. This is scheduled to start on 10/11/24.

What do you hope new fans of the 2024 remake will discover about Ferndale and its role in the original “Salem’s Lot”?

I think my biggest hope is that the original film is always remembered and never becomes a relic of the past. I still think it holds up beautifully, and I have been doing everything I can to make people aware of how special it is. I think it’s so wonderful that the entire film was not shot at a studio; that it was a real town and many movie references, with the exception of the Marsten House facade, are still there; and that the town is a time capsule and a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of normal life. It is my peaceful place.

“[Ferndale] is a time capsule and a great place to escape from the hustle and bustle of normal life. It is my peaceful place. ”

I am very interested in seeing the new film now that it is finally being released after a two-year delay. The ’79 miniseries is irreplaceable and will always have my heart.

Anything else that you would like to share?

I have done location videos for both “Salem’s Lot” and “The Majestic,” which I am also a huge fan of. The next time I am in town, I will be scouting locations for “Outbreak,” which will be celebrating its 30th year of release in 2025. (Editor’s note: “The Majestic,” starring Jim Carrey in 2001, and “Outbreak,” starring Dustin Hoffman in 1995, were also filmed in Ferndale.)

Where can people find your work?

I’m on YouTube and Instagram as @BoogeyManBen.

Editor’s note: After our interview, Ben was able to get an early screening of the 2024 “Salem’s Lot.” His spoiler-free review is here.