Video blogger, Johnswackyworld, started a campaign to save the "real" Elm Street house, the only problem, it may not be the real house!
The house in question resides on Elm Street in Potsdam, New York. Some people claim it is the house that inspired Wes Craven's film, because at one time he was a professor at Potsdam's Clarkson University. He also helped some students make a horror spoof called Pandora's Experimentia there. The only problem, according to Cinematical.com, Craven has denied that the house had anything to do with Elm Street.
"The movie is thought lost forever, but at least this house still exists. However, it is going to be destroyed very soon if nobody tries to stop the town's fire department from using it for training purposes. At least one guy is attempting to save the house, which he mistakenly yet humorously says in the below video "was based on the movie." He mostly seems to want it preserved because he has the feeling of the movie (I think he means Craven's later film, not the student production) while in its presence. And yet, he contributes to the demolition at the end of his tribute by stealing a big chunk of the former Theta Chi (that's pronounced with a "k" sound, by the way) house's side porch."
Check out the video below and lets us know what you know about the "real" Elm Street house.
Tried posting this on the cinematical site but still haven't received the stupid confirmation email to confirm my comment... so I'll post it here instead!
Of course it should be saved! It's a beautiful example of a Queen Anne Onion Dome Victorian... not many of them were built to begin with and even less survive today!
It's too bad this story is coming as a way of picking on John's video. I would much prefer the focus to be on our efforts to save this piece of Potsdam and Upstate NY history. With over 5700 supporters on our Facebook page, I can guarantee you we aren't the only ones who feel this way about 18 Elm.
Sure the connection to the "A Nightmare on Elm Street" franchise is tenuous, but the history is real. Wesley Craven was a professor at Clarkson and helped write and direct the 1968 student film. He himself admits that he quit later that year and moved to NYC to pursue making movies full-time. If nothing else, this house and the film shot there inspired Wes to be the filmmaker he is today.
Btw, there has been a tragic death there as well as a student who was paralyzed after falling from the roof. Not to mention Potsdam itself is replete with legends of hidden tunnels, deformed children and other various tales that make perfect fodder for any horror film!
Please join our struggle to save this bit of history. Houses are just not built like this any more. If it gets razed or demolished it really will be a Nightmare on Elm St!
SAVE THE NIGHTMARE ON ELM ST. HOUSE:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=102831276434943