No account of the legends and lore of Blair would be complete without noting that every year, hundreds of fans from near and far swarm the streets of Blairstown on one day: Friday the 13th. They gather to celebrate the infamous horror movie, filmed in and around the town in the fall of 1979. The movie’s opening scenes show landmarks familiar to all of us at Blair: Roy’s Hall, the theatre on Main Street, followed by shots of the Blairstown Diner and the Moravian Cemetery in nearby Hope. Many Blairstown locals know the details, like the fact that the town fire company supplied water to create the film’s rainy scenes and that a Blairstown Police car makes a cameo appearance. 

What many do not know, however, is that on the day of filming, many of Blair’s seniors skipped class and descended en masse downtown in an effort to secure spots as extras. Mrs. Conforti-Browse ’79 recalls the day. “I think the only Blair resident who actually got into the movie was the Washburn’s dog, [former teachers Andy and Cathy Washburn]. It was a big disappointment.” 

That has not stopped the phenomenon from catching on, though. The local community has embraced the film’s legacy, rolling out memorabilia and offering official tours and movie showings at Roy’s Theatre, which still stands today, just as it did in the film. Don’t be surprised to see mobs of fans wandering the town the next Friday the 13th, some dressed as Jason Voorhees, the villain in a hockey mask. And, if you’re lucky, you might spot a Blair student or two. English teacher Craig Evans, who often teaches a horror elective, even gives extra credit to students who manage to snap a photo with Jason. 

We hope you've enjoyed this stroll down memory lane, as we've examined the time-honored legends passed down through generations at Blair. Do you remember a Blair “legend” that wasn’t mentioned in the series? We’d love to hear about it! Drop us a note at starra@blair.edu, and your story could be featured in our next magazine.