Hometown of ‘Addams Family’ creator becomes ghoulish Halloween destination

WESTFIELD, N.J. (AP) — Before there was “The Addams Family,” there was Westfield.Cartoonist Charles Addams, who created the eccentric, fictional family, drew inspiration for his signature macabre style from the elegant Victorian homes, historic cemetery and other landmarks of his New Jersey hometown.Today the affluent community, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) southwest of Manhattan, has embraced its ghoulish legacy, honoring its darkly humorous native son each October with AddamsFest.Downtown storefront windows have been transformed into temporary canvases for seasonal scenes depicting Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley and the rest of the family.Throughout the month, there are Addams-themed events, including an art exhibit, a music and beer festival, a masquerade ball and a competition among homeowners for spookiest front lawn display.“Everyone really gets into it,” said resident Kelly Heuschkel, whose young daughter is dressing up, appropriately, as Wednesday Addams this Halloween.