A Marblehead architect has once again transformed his residential property into a spectacular Halloween attraction, this time creating a massive mechanical hermit crab installation that draws inspiration from childhood memories of exploring tide pools. Tom Saltsman, who operates a design and construction firm, has built an impressive 10-foot-tall and 14-foot-wide hermit crab display at his home on 32 Pleasant Street, complete with a full tide pool environment in his driveway.
The elaborate installation features barnacles, seaweed, sophisticated lighting, and sound effects, with everything scaled up approximately 100 times from real life. Some of the giant barnacles measure two feet in diameter, creating an immersive underwater world that captures the magic of natural tide pools. The display became visible to the public over the weekend and was set to be fully animated with visual and sound effects by Thursday, October 30.
"It's inspired by my childhood memories of playing in tide pools," Saltsman explained during a preview of his latest creation. "Tide pools are a childhood fascination." The architect grew up in Connecticut and has fond memories of exploring tide pools in Old Saybrook and along the Long Island Sound. He emphasized that this year's installation was designed to be "apolitical" and focused on engaging children and sparking their imagination.
The mechanical hermit crab represents a masterpiece of engineering and artistry, constructed from wood and Styrofoam with intricate details including two claws, six legs, several mouth parts, a body, eyes, and two sets of antennae. The creature features eight motors that animate different parts of its body, along with a sophisticated pulley system that moves the crab in and out of its shell. "It's like a giant puppet," Saltsman described, highlighting the complex mechanics behind the seemingly simple display.
This latest creation continues Saltsman's nearly 20-year tradition of creating awe-inspiring Halloween installations that have become legendary in the Marblehead community. His journey began when his now-grown daughter was a student at the old Coffin School, where he first created a Halloween experience for children. The driveway installations specifically mark their 10th anniversary this year, having consistently drawn crowds of pedestrians and drivers who slow down each October to witness his latest masterpiece.
Saltsman's previous creations have included an impressive array of larger-than-life installations that showcase his architectural and engineering skills. Past displays have featured a smoke-breathing dragon with glaring red eyes, a 22-foot-tall grunting gorilla that could turn its head, and an 18-foot-tall translucent walking man created during the COVID pandemic. In 2023, he designed and built a 20-foot Egyptian goddess with the head of a cobra and the body of a woman, while the previous year featured a mythical forest troll in his driveway with an eerie woodland scene created inside his garage.
Last year's installation transported visitors to the year 2124 with a large, illuminated face capable of changing expressions and moving its eyes, accompanied by a robot, a tethered dog, and an enlarged, bio-engineered mite. Saltsman often transforms the interior of his garage to complement the outdoor theme, creating immersive experiences that invite people to walk through and explore different worlds.
The ambitious projects require significant time and dedication from Saltsman, who works full-time while spending dozens of hours in the evenings and weekends bringing his Halloween visions to life. He began working on the hermit crab installation in September, collaborating with his wife, Brooke Trivas Saltsman, and a dedicated team of loyal friends and volunteers who return each year to help with the construction. Regular contributors to the project include Jill Dearborn and Tim and Katie Sullivan, who were spotted assisting with the installation alongside Saltsman's brother, Charles.
Each October, Saltsman's home becomes a destination for families and Halloween enthusiasts who eagerly anticipate his latest creation. The installations have become a beloved tradition in Marblehead, representing the intersection of professional architectural expertise and childhood wonder, while bringing the community together through shared amazement at these extraordinary displays.
