For most kids, Halloween is the biggest night of the year. There are so many memories attached to growing up and trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. Many nostalgic events still resonate in our memory from the candy-filled fun.
In the 1950s, kids would decorate their houses and make their own costumes. Families carved pumpkins and attended costume parties. Halloween was extremely popular, and people would gather for themed parties.
At the parties, people would bob for apples, play pin the tail on the donkey, and share ghost stories with one another. They ate treats like popcorn balls and decorated cookies. Parents would stay home and pass out candy while kids would travel the streets with friends in search of sweet treats.
In the 1960s, it was very similar to the 50s. Decorations became more elaborate, with stores carrying scarecrows and cut-out witches. ‘The Monster Mash’ became a popular Halloween tune, and pop culture was featured in many costumes. Kids would carry a brown bag, pillow case, or a plastic pumpkin to hold their new candy.
The 1970s saw Halloween grow in popularity from coast to coast. The week leading up to the event would involve kids celebrating in school with crafts and treats. More movie characters were licensed for costume use, and the most popular were the ‘Star Wars’ costumes.
New scary movies came out, like ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Texas Chainsaw Massacre.’ Urban legends of razor blades and poison candy started to spread.
Halloween developed a scarier edge in this decade, and haunted houses were also a big part of this decade.
In the 1980s, the biggest scary movie franchises emerged, so there was plenty to choose from, including, ‘Friday the 13th’ and ‘Nightmare on Elm Street.’ Mischievous teens would go about toilet-papering trees and egging houses for big Halloween pranks. Regardless of which decade you remember most, Halloween will always be a magical night!
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