From frightening decorations to haunted houses, bags full of candy, and creative costumes, it’s probably fair to say that Halloween is one of the best days of the year.
But even a century ago, people embraced the spooky spirit each Halloween, and after looking at these costumes and decorations, we might have a thing or two to learn from them.
The Headless Ghost
Schoolchildren look at each other with glee as they get into the Halloween spirit and glimpse at a person who’s dressed as a ghost but holds a giant pumpkin for a head. Whether a teacher or classmate, the kids are definitely loving the Halloween spirit.
Oh would you look at that—little Johnny is missing his head.
Wonderful Witches
What’s a witch without her broomstick?
Adorning a witch’s hat and a straw broomstick, this spooky witch is ready to conjure up spells and take to the skies alongside her black cat companion. “Double, double, toil and trouble…”
Illuminated
This image is sure to get you into the spooky spirit.
A young boy’s face is illuminated as he peers down into a glowing jack-o’-lantern in New York during Halloween 1949.
Terror In The Classroom
In this photo from 1905, a person (possibly a teacher) is dressed in costume and they pose behind a table filled with Halloween decorations at a rural schoolhouse.
Whether this mystery man (or maiden) is dressed as a ghost, clown, or demon, I don’t care. All I do know is that I’m running in the complete opposite direction.
Cat Costumes
This man must adore his feline friends because, in this photo from 1920, he’s dressed head to toe as a cat.
Where was this guy during the 2019 remake of the musical Cats? Oh right, this photo is from 1920—he’s definitely dead now.
The Zombies (Or Clowns?) Are Coming
We’re not completely sure whether this 1930s-era man was going for a clown or zombie for his Halloween costume, but he’s definitely succeeding at giving us the creeps.
Duct tape, what problem can’t you fix?
Trick-Or-Treat!
In this photo, a homeowner gives out candy to the children who have shown up at his house saying, “Trick-or-treat!” But seriously, that Mickey Mouse getup looks as if he was possessed by satan and emerged from hell itself.
I’d give that kid all of my candy to never show up at my house again.
It’s Roller Derby Time
In this photo from 1910, a woman in a horrifying mask poses for the camera in costume, but notice the roller skates on her feet? We’re not totally sure what she was dressed as, but we can only imagine what this woman’s Halloween itinerary looked like.
8 p.m. – Scare neighborhood children. 9 p.m. – Attend roller derby competition. 10 p.m. – Resume terrifying young children.
Now You See Me…
Taken in 1900, this ghastly image of a man sitting on a chair looks like he’s a literal ghost.
This image was the result of double exposure, but we’re willing to bet that whoever developed this image later got the fright of their life when it looked like their photography subject was hauntingly vanishing into thin air.
Jack-O’-Lanterns
Gearing up for Halloween night in 1953 Chicago, three young children in ghoulish costumes and face masks peer into a glowing and grinning pumpkin and wait for one of the best days of the year to finally get underway.
When it comes to the age-old question of “Trick or treat?”, which option do you prefer?
A Corn Maze
From corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and trick-or-treaters, there are many things that just scream “Halloween.” This photo from 1910 shows a family hanging outside at night in a cornfield.
The fact that this photo is in black and white somehow makes things even scarier.
Copycats
Surely you know the saying, “Monkey see, monkey do”? Any parent will know that children love to copy the behavior of others, and in this case, it’s not behavior they’re copying, but something a little spookier.
These children take that childhood saying to heart as they attempt to emulate the faces of the “Flying Heads” wooden masks in this image from 1952.
Halloween Hippos
In a Halloween breakfast and festival event in 1952 Anaheim, this mother-daughter duo won first place in the “couples’ costumes” category for their “Mr. and Mrs. Hippo” costumes.
Because if there’s one thing Halloween is good at, it’s the ability to make anything scary. Including hungry, hungry hippos.
Bo Peep
During a Halloween festival in Anaheim in 1951, a young girl dressed as Bo Peep poses with her goose friend.
Although, according to the story, Little Bo Peep used to actually herd sheep, and this little girl is instead walking around with a goose on a leash. Should somebody tell her?
“A Coven Of Witches”
Whether in the 20th century or a hundred years later, a witch is always a popular choice of costume for women and girls.
This “coven of witches” poses for a portrait on Halloween night, and it proves that when it comes to Halloween costumes or decor, the spooky classics will always stand the test of time.
Someone Decapitated Billy, Again
We’re not totally sure how this kid is pulling it off, but this image from 1910 shows a boy in uniform not only headless but even holding his own head and he playfully sticks out his tongue. Now there’s a getup worthy of a “Best Costume” award.
Dammit, Billy, now that’s why you don’t play around with the meat cleaver!
Halloween Festivities
In this photo from 1929, three girls amuse each other wearing masked costumes as they await Halloween festivities in Cincinnati.
If you’re looking for a theme from photos from the 1900s to 1950s, it’s that Halloween lovers adored their ghoulish face masks. They’re definitely braver people than me because those things are horrifying.
Gourd-Awful
From pointy teeth to sinister eyes and spooky designs, jack-o’-lanterns are where people get to imprint on them their own creativity and they make the perfect Halloween decor.
But the look on this jack-o’-lantern’s face is giving me nightmares. I can tell a very fun person carved this one.
Bobbing For Apples
In this photo, a girl is bobbing for apples during Halloween festivities, and by the look on her face, she’s pretty good at it too.
Although perhaps with recent world events, this not-so-sanitary tradition might now belong to the history books.
Say Cheese
Standing in a Wisconsin-area theater during a Halloween party in 1931, these children pose for a photo that shows off their diverse Halloween costumes.
Whether you’re a child or an adult, it’s hard not to get into the spooky spirit each year when October finally rolls around.
