Do You Remember These Vintage Halloween Decorations?
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Old souls, prepare yourselves: Looking through this collection of vintage Halloween decorations, costumes, and celebrations might be enough to make you rethink the entire theme of your annual Halloween party. At the very least, you'll want to don an '80s Halloween costume, travel back in time, and score yourself an invite to each of the pictured gatherings. There are retro-style 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 the black-and-white photos you'll see here. Meanwhile, if painted pumpkins are more your thing, you're in for tons of inspiration on that front, too.
Still, All Hallows' Eve is about so much more than just pumpkin decorations. You'll find familiar motifs like black cats, pointy witch hats, cartoon-like ghosts, and bony skeletons. Since many of these decorations and costumes are 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 find plenty of images of grinning little ones and groups of young people reveling in the Halloween fun.
Get inspired, then whip out your glue guns (and pumpkin carving kits!) and get ready to give your neighbors' Halloween decorations and DIY Halloween costumes a run for their money.
1900
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!
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'-lantern's 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 realised 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.
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.
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
If there's one thing that appeals to almost every generation, it's a haunted house. Students are pictured decorating their very own Halloween mansion in this 1977 shot.
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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