Do You Remember These Vintage Halloween Decorations?
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Old souls, prepare to take a stroll down memory lane! This archive of vintage Halloween decorations, costumes, and party supplies might be just enough to make you rethink the entire theme of your annual party. Since the 1900s, folks have been gathering in collective excitement for the mystery that happens on October 31. And a lot of the pictured gatherings here evoke that sense of nostalgia and charm, capturing the spirit of a bygone era.
You'll find Halloween activities here that have long been forgotten, as well as beloved traditions that have stood the test of time. Just take jack-o'-lanterns, for instance: these toothy pumpkin crafts have been around for ages and that's clearly illustrated in photos over the years. Meanwhile, if painted pumpkins are more your thing, you're in for tons of inspiration on that front, too.
That said, Halloween is about so much more than just pumpkin decorations! Papier-mâché pumpkins, black cats, witches, and skeletons are all popular motifs reminiscent of the past. Think: spooky ghost decorations and spiderweb decorations (arachnophobes, beware). Historically, since most of these items were homemade, their imperfections give them an even spookier look! While this is the holiday of games and tricks, it really wouldn't be made without the children who give the tradition their all. You'll find plenty of images of grinning young'uns reveling in the old-timey fun!
1900s
In the early 20th century, people were fascinated with Halloween. Just take a closer look at this table: the centerpiece is made of foliage and Halloween flowers like white spider mums (fitting!), a witchy statue, and bowls of fruit carved like teeny-tiny jack-o'-lanterns.
1910s
Even today, many school teachers enjoy participating in the Halloween fun. This photo from a rural school house provides ample table decoration inspiration: A jack-'o-lantern with a handmade mobile of cut-out witches! They even went so far as to craft bonfires made of dry grass!
1920s
By the 1920s, the Dennison Manufacturing Company and Beistle Company began selling paper décor like party favors, invitations, printed napkins, and pop-up cut-outs. They exploded in popularity!
1925
We spy a jack-o'-lantern! 👀 The original caption of this 1925 photograph explains that the subject was in the process of "making ready for the Halloween party which she is to give next week." While the photograph is from the roaring twenties in America, jack-o'-lanterns originated from an Irish folktale about "Stingy Jack."
1925
Who wouldn't want a toy cat on a chain? There's so much to love about this woman's 20s witchy look, from her "modern" sequinned jumpsuit to the silky black heels!
1926
Trusting a 6-year-old with a carving knife is an interesting choice, but he's doing a darn good job at the classic carved pumpkin. Kids were generally given a little more responsibility in the 20th century than they are today—for better and for worse! When people immigrated to America, they realized these gourds make perfect lanterns.
1930s
Turns out people have always tried to outdo their neighbor's Halloween decorations! Here, a group of young women in swimsuits hoist a larger-than-life papier-mâché pumpkin overhead. The photo is taken on Venice Beach in Los Angeles, where giant papier-mâché masks were also donned during their Mardi Gras festival in August.
1930s
Crepe paper in iconic Halloween colors—orange and black—was a popular material for all kinds of décor. This young lady is donning a fun rooster hat made from... you guessed it: crepe paper!
1935
Err, nice to meet you?! In this photo circa 1935, a woman in costume shakes hands with a life-sized skeleton. The grinning jack-o'-lantern at her feet is made of paper.
1940s
We've got to admit: Apple bobbing looks like so much fun. The woman pictured here was the winner of this particular dunking contest. "That was because she wasn't afraid to get the top of her little nose wet," reads the photo's original caption.
1940s
A pair of young women visit a novelty shop and examine a paper skeleton in this festive photo. The scene is full of so many other great details, too—just look at that shelf of vintage candies in the back.
1940s
Actress Elizabeth Allan poses with a jack-o'-lantern in this photo from the 1940s.
1945
Here's a photo Walter would appreciate: A black puppy is pictured wearing a Halloween cat and holding a plastic candy bucket in his mouth.
1951
This photo might be from the early 1950s, but we're pretty sure this masterpiece would even win awards in modern-day jack-o'-lantern competitions. That corn "cigar" is too cute.
1955
Here's all the proof we need that witch hats and black cats will never go out of style. Actress and dancer Ann Miller sits surrounded by those and other Halloween decorations in this sophisticated scene.
1958
Did you know? The man posing in this photo with a pumpkin-themed display is none other than famed director Alfred Hitchcock.
1959
Look at these pumpkin faces! 😱 Some are painted, some are carved, and others still are given extra frightening features like pointed teeth and devilish horns.
1960s
No knives needed! A pair of brothers shows off their no-carve pumpkin artistry with this whimsical painted creation.
1960s
This 1960s photo is a great reminder of another timeless Halloween motif: fall leaves! Autumn plays an enormous role in making this nostalgic holiday feel so special.
1967
In this library photo, a woman and two children take a look at a skeleton decoration together. The bat, witch, and pumpkin decorations on the fireplace behind them are reminiscent of so many Halloween gatherings today.
1968
Actress Sandra Dee demonstrates the less spooky side of Halloween in this delightfully upbeat photo. A guitar-playing skeleton adds to the fun.
1969
With their teacher standing proudly at the helm of their classroom, a group of pre-schoolers shows off their paper bag mask-making skills.
1970
Can you guess which actress is pictured alongside the jack-o'-lantern here? Okay, okay, we'll tell you: It's Mia Farrow herself.
1975
Published in The Boston Globe in October of 1975, this action shot shows a young boy and girl working together to carve their pumpkin.
1977
Who doesn't love a haunted house? These sixth-graders are putting the finishing touches on their own construction of paper and cardboard. Ghosts peek through the window panes.
1980
A balloon-studded background can only mean one thing: It's a party! Here, Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds, and Chevy Chase attend a Halloween bash together in Hollywood.
1985
The owners of this Boston home went all-out for their annual Halloween decorations in the mid-'80s. And no character was left out of the fun: Witches, skeletons, bats, and flying ghosts were all invited.
1987
Some things never change! Here, a grown-up and child go trick-or-treating together on the streets of Chicago.
1993
This store's colorful decorations are almost enough to put The Merc's Halloween décor to shame. (We said almost.)
1996
Of all the Halloween customs that have stood the test of time, it's family time and togetherness that has meant the most. This father-son pair speaks to that tradition.
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