'Bigger, Better' Halloween Machine Spooks Locals In Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater couple Jim and Joann Adams, creators of "13 Skeletons", have outdone themselves once again. They have transformed their backyard into what can only be described as a mini spooky theme park.

"It's our biggest show ever," said Jim Adams.

The setting is set in 1692 in Adams Creek and has a walk-through haunted mine, saloon, jail and theater. Along with the scenery, which was all built by hand by the Adams family, there is also a production and a giant Halloween-themed Rube Goldberg Machine.

Goldberg, an American cartoonist, engineer, and inventor, is best known for his cartoons highlighting complicated gadgets.

"If you are not familiar with Rube Goldberg, just think of the game Mousetrap or where you see an elaborate contraption to do the simplest of tasks," said Jim Adams.

Jennifer George, the granddaughter of the Pulitzer Prize winner Rube Goldberg and CEO of Rube Goldberg Inc., stopped by the Adams' Bridgewater home to see this year's inspired machine.

She called the machine "incredible."

The Halloween Machine in 2020 won a national competition called the Home Haunters Award. And this year's machine is even better.

The machine begins with sand filling a scale that sets off a chain reaction of events in which a bed springs forward triggering water filling a bathtub, a bowling ball rolling down a track and setting off a time warp and the release of three witches.

In "Reverse the Curse" Adams transports residents into his magical story of wonder.

"I love Halloween," said Jim Adams.

This year, the machine and production is located in his backyard for safety reasons. In previous years, the front yard attracted so many spectators it became a hazard on Route 202/206.

To catch a glimpse of the show, guests can buy tickets for $15 at 13skeletons.com. Or for more information visit facebook.com/13skeletons. The show is located at 948 Route 202 in Bridgewater. At the end of the show, kids can also receive a treat.

• Read More: Bridgewater Couple Brings Halloween Joy Amid Coronavirus

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