{"id":5116,"date":"2013-10-28T16:17:46","date_gmt":"2013-10-28T16:17:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.genealogybank.com\/?p=5116"},"modified":"2019-10-28T08:05:14","modified_gmt":"2019-10-28T12:05:14","slug":"halloween-fashion-history-costumes-decorations-of-yesteryear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.genealogybank.com\/blog\/halloween-fashion-history-costumes-decorations-of-yesteryear.html","title":{"rendered":"Halloween Fashion History: Costumes & Decorations of Yesteryear"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction<\/em><\/strong>: In this article, Mary Harrell-Sesniak searches old newspapers to find Halloween inspirations from costumes and decorations of yesteryear. Mary is a genealogist, author and editor with a strong technology background.
\n<\/em><\/p>\n

They say that what once was old, is new again. That may be true in many cases but\u2014judging from photos in historical newspapers<\/a>\u2014not with Halloween costumes.<\/p>\n

To be truly original this year, think about going retro!<\/p>\n

\"Spirit<\/a>
Jackson Citizen Patriot (Jackson, Michigan), 29 October 1922, page 27<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If the Halloween fashions that follow don\u2019t unlock your creative spirit, search historical newspapers<\/a> for your own costume inspirations. There are many, many illustrations of Halloween costumes and holiday decorations of yesteryear.<\/p>\n

Search Tip:<\/em><\/strong> widen your Halloween search with these variant spellings: Hallow\u2019een, Hallowe\u2019en, Hallow E\u2019en, All Hallow\u2019s Eve, Holly Eve, and Holler Eve.<\/p>\n

Early 20th<\/sup> Century Children\u2019s Costumes<\/strong><\/p>\n

The youth of a century ago were often presented in flowing gowns and distinctive hats, some pointy, some ruffled, and some reminiscent of specific eras.<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a>
Oregonian (Portland, Oregon), 31 October 1915, page 14<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This youngster\u2019s hat is certainly distinctive!<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a>
Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), 25 October 1917, page 11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Just as we see today, trick-or-treaters back then imitated characters from popular films. Long before Disney\u2019s \u201cAriel\u201d or Star War\u2019s \u201cYoda,\u201d this little girl dressed as the rage of her day: \u201cSis Hopkins.\u201d She was the pigeon-toed character from Posey County, Indiana, immortalized in Rose Melville\u2019s play. (See advertisement<\/a> at Wikipedia.)<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a>
Baltimore American (Baltimore, Maryland), 2 November 1922, page 16<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In 1900, you could attend a matinee performance of the \u201cpastoral comedy hit\u201d for 25 cents in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania\u2014and when Sis Hopkins<\/em> was first released as a film in 1919, admission was still the same price.<\/p>\n

\"ticket<\/a>
Patriot (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania), 2 January 1900, page 5 (left); Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), 1 January 1919, page 12 (right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Other Halloween costumes in the early 1900s reflected earlier times in America\u2019s history. Notice how in 1920, Miss Lillian Gallway, a little Texan girl, was outfitted as a \u201csoldierette\u201d of Continental Days. As a genealogist, I would love to see trick-or-treaters knock on my door in outfits like hers.<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a>
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas), 25 January 1920, page 3<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Classic Women\u2019s Halloween Fashion: Pumpkin Attire<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pumpkins have always been in vogue\u2014even adorning the top of hats and capes. This 1912 image\u2019s caption reads:<\/p>\n

\u201cA jack-o\u2019-lantern hat of crepe paper is the latest novelty for wear by the young lady who will attend the Hallowe\u2019en eve festivities. The hat is topped by an imitation jack-o\u2019-lantern and a fan of the same material to match.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"photo<\/a>
Grand Rapids Press (Grand Rapids, Michigan), 28 October 1912, page 7<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What a grand cape this woman wore in 1915! It was cut from orange-colored material and consisted of a long coat, skirt and pantalets edged with fur or marabou.<\/p>\n

\"illustration<\/a>
Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), 26 October 1915, page 9<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Early American Halloween Decorations & Activities<\/strong><\/p>\n

From goblins to witches, the costumes of yesteryear certainly have changed\u2014and not only that, decorations and activities have varied as well. Here is a sampling to help you with this year\u2019s Halloween party planning.<\/p>\n

Why not set up a tub for apple bobbing, as these ladies enjoyed in 1903? The caption reads: \u201cDiving for apples in a tub of water\u2014one of the jolliest Halloween games.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"photo<\/a>
Boston Journal (Boston, Massachusetts), 18 October 1903, section 2, page 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stencils are always popular, so try applying antique styles, such as these from 1911, to your windows.<\/p>\n

\"Halloween<\/a>
Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), 29 October 1911, page 52<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This article from 1916 presents ideas for Halloween plans. Pumpkin favors, black cats, chrysanthemum favors and noise makers \u201cfor the parade\u201d only cost 10\u00a2.<\/p>\n

\"illustration<\/a>
Plain Dealer (Cleveland, Ohio), 15 October 1916, page 11<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Old Halloween Customs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Lastly, think about adopting the interpretive customs and activities of your ancestors.<\/p>\n

Are you of Scottish ancestry? Did you know they used to burn nuts, thought to be charms, at Halloween? The method of this old custom is described in this newspaper article from 1855.<\/p>\n

\"description<\/a>
Daily Ohio Statesman (Columbus, Ohio), 4 November 1855, page 1<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Perhaps you have Mexican ancestry. This article about \u201cOld Mexico and Hallow \u2019Een\u201d depicts a Halloween parade and reports that:<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople in the States can not form any adequate idea\u2014save from personal observation\u2014of what \u2018Hallow Eve\u2019 means to all classes of Mexicans. For three days and nights commencing on that night of mystery and spells, the entire population completely abandons itself to feasting and frolicking, rejoicing and making merry.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Old<\/a>
Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania), 25 October 1896, page 25<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And if you are truly of early American stock, perhaps you should greet this year\u2019s little goblins and princesses as a Colonial Dame, as recommended in 1913 \u201cfor dainty maidens who have been invited to a Halloween party.\u201d<\/p>\n

The news article provides these suggestions:<\/p>\n

\u201cAny brocaded or flowered material may be used for the pannier, while plain pink or blue or lavender should be used for the underskirt. The hair should be dressed high with curls and powdered, and a long stick with ribbons may be carried to complete this charming effect.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"illustration<\/a>
Trenton Evening Times (Trenton, New Jersey), 26 October 1913, page 28<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In lieu of hand-dipped candles, do consider a set of electric candles to adorn your ring lantern. They are a lot less flammable!<\/p>\n

Have a good time exploring old newspapers<\/a> for Halloween inspirations from history. I hope you and your family have a fun Halloween!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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