Over a period of months and with some family assistance, a 16-year-old boy conceptualized, planned, sketched a display and constructed a remarkable Halloween scene just in time for Whitehall Township’s trick-or-treat night Oct. 27. Some said Jackson Miller’s display was the most interesting and elaborate Halloween display on a private property in the Lehigh Valley.

The “house of horrors” started at the beginning of the property with a mock spooky cemetery and more and wrapped around the entire single home on Garfield Avenue in Cementon. It included two cavelike structures, a zombie containment area, moving ghouls, webs with large spiders, machine-generated smoke and music.

On a scale of 0 to 5, with 0 being not spooky and 5 being terrifying, The Press rated the display a 5 for sure.

On the back patio was a large grill that contained mock human parts being prepared for pretend cooking on the mock grill. When a visitor emerged from the first cave at the back porch, they were greeted by a coffin, which contained a near real-looking corpse.

Jackson, a home-schooled student, demonstrated remarkable skills. He explained to The Press how he was able to work through a plan that included problem solving, abstract conceptual skills and the ability to produce the plans and thoughts into a Halloween display.

Cindy Miller, Jackson’s mother, and stepdad, Donald Legath, said they are amazed. His grandmother, Marsha Goss, expressed pride. Her high regard and love for Jackson were evident when she spoke of him.

At this point, Jackson told The Press he is not sure what he will pursue after high school. It might be a technical school or university. Because of his intelligence, motivation and budding organizational skills, his future looks bright.

Liam, Mason and Erin Reinhard, of Egypt, along with a number of other families during the two-hour trick-or-treat night, took the tour of the “house of horrors.” They were amazed - and scared at times - but thoroughly enjoying the visit. Many marveled at the complex display.

Next year, Jackson said he plans to improve on what he did and possibly request donations from visitors, which will be given to a good cause. Jackson said he is thinking of steering the donations to a group that supports animal welfare.