The real Silent Hill

[Onyx]

http://silenthill.ugo.com/features/realsil...ill/default.asp

In researching the different elements of Silent Hill, screenwriter Roger Avary (Killing Zoe, The Rules of Attraction) came across the town of Centralia, Pennsylvania (it's interesting that LA moviemakers look to the deep Midwest when they're looking for something "strange" or "different"). Centralia planted the seed for what developed into the cinematic version of the town of Silent Hill.

As recently as 1981, there were over 1,000 residents living in Centralia, although the population has now dwindled to 11 (we'll say that again: 11 people) as a result of a 40-year mine fire burning beneath the borough (we'll say that again: it's been burning for 40 years... underneath the town). This is certainly not unlike Silent Hill, which was left deserted since devastating coal fires ravaged the town and its people.

The inferno started when a trash fire was lit in an abandoned mine pit in Centralia in 1962. The fire ignited an exposed vein of coal and spread throughout the mines beneath the borough. Several attempts have been made and millions of dollars have been spent unsuccessfully to extinguish this fire that still burns today.

The "problem" wasn't really acknowledged until a series of accidents in the '70s and '80s, including the appearances of sinkholes hundreds of feet deep. In 1984, Congress allocated more than $40 million for relocation efforts, and most residents moved to nearby Mount Carmel and Ashland.

However, a very few families opted to stay, and they're still there, despite the fact that the state of Pennsylvania has condemned all the buildings in the borough and the US Postal Service has revoked its zip code of 17927. The 11 holdouts include the town's 89-year-old mayor, Lamar Mervine, who refuses to leave because "I like it here."

[Onyx]

Footage of the town

I want to go there now!

[Slept with ghost]

good reseach but keep in mind that this town was just for the main plot of the movie and not the games themselves

[Onyx]

Yep, they mentioned that the town inspired him to use some elements of Centralia in the movie.

I wonder how this place looks in winter, with snow on the ground around, bare trees in the background and steam rising off the rocks from melting snow. It'd make an awesome place for a photo shoot.

I'd also like to see it at night. I wonder if the ground glows in places from the underground fires.

[Slept with ghost]

probally pretty creepy

i wouldnt mind heading out there myself at some point

[ManicQueen]

That really does look interesting, I wouldn't mind visiting. I bet the winters are pretty cool looking too.

[n0Mad]

DGN road trip anyone? We can rent a bus.

[Head Wreck]

theres a coal seam still burning in south wales. been going for a few decades (50-60 i cant recall).

only thing you can do with that is hope the seam is tiny and burns out

[Nevaeh]

oh word...i wanna go there too

[mallochai]

oh word...i wanna go there too

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Likewise. Scott took a roadtrip to Centralia one summer - he said it was one of the most haunting and beautiful places he'd ever been to.

Sadly, the goon didn't take any pictures. :erm