By Elaine Rassel
Was Halloween always celebrated as we do today? Even adults celebrated!
November 6, 1919—“Many Enjoyable Social Functions”. Socially, the past week has been very busy in Marcus. A number of clubs have given the annual parties during the season of Halloween when formality could be thrown away for a rollicking good time.
On October 29, the Marcus Woman’s Club entertained the members of the Tourist Club at the home of Mrs. J.W. Nield with a playlet entitled “Mrs. Plodding’s Nieces’ Domestic Accomplishments.”
The play was presented by nine members of the club, with Mrs. Quinn as Aunt Plodding, a country relative, who extolled the old time domestic virtues very eloquently and much to the disadvantage of the “new fangled” higher accomplishments of women; while her six city nieces, who could neither sew nor cook and who thought “fowls were shaved,” met with her unqualified disapproval.
The ludicrous efforts of these nieces to pose as experienced cooks and housekeepers, for the purpose of capturing the widow’s wealthy son as a husband for one of them, were promptly recognized and exposed by their relentless aunt, greatly to their chagrin and to the amusement of the audience.
Halloween novelties were featured in both the room decoration and the luncheon favors.
Mrs. McQueen, president of the Women’s Club made the address of welcome and the response was given by the Tourist president, Mrs. H.C. Loomis.
Mrs. Meyer added much to the entertainment of the afternoon by two very pleasing solos, entitled “Autumn” and “Thoughts Have Wings”.
A very successful surprise was carried out on Mr. and Mrs. Frank Porter Tuesday evening in celebration of their sixteenth wedding anniversary. The self- invited guests, including the relatives and Mr. and Mrs. D.A. Day and Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Lawhead went to the Porter home about five-thirty o’clock, taking with them well filled baskets of delicious food. After the dinner, the evening was spent informally with music by a once famous violinist. The guests of honor were presented with cut glass and china pie plates. It was a most pleasant occasion for all.
The beautiful Edmonds home was the scene of a very pretty party Tuesday evening when the ladies of the Five Hundred Club were hostesses to their liege lords. Attractive tables, adorned with Halloween decorations and favors, the guests were served a chicken dinner at seven o’clock. The after dinner hours were passed in playing the popular game of “500”. It was one of the most happy evenings the guests had spent for a long while.
The ladies of the Tourist Club entertained their husbands on Friday evening of last week at the country home of Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Raun. A seven o ‘clock dinner was served in four courses to the thirty guests present. The rooms and tables were decorated in keeping with the Halloween season and witches and ghosts were much in evidence during the evening. After the dinner hour, the evening was spent informally and in carrying out various Halloween stunts.
The Epworth League held a “pep” meeting in the Methodist Church parlors Tuesday evening, which was attended by fifty young people. The meeting was held for the purpose of reorganizing the League. Dainty refreshments were served.
November 1, 1928—“Halloween Party At Liberty Home”. On Thursday evening, not knowing where they were going or who was leading the way, fifty of the young people of Cleghorn Christian Church met at the church and waited. All at once, there appeared a car with a Jack-o-lantern that said, “Follow me” and started out into the country. In this car was Clair Chapman and he led the way out past the Ducommun corner where seven ghosts pointed the way to go—on north. He followed their direction until it led him to the Brant corner in Liberty and here again were ghosts pointing the way on north. Finally the mysterious Jack-o-lantern car led the whole party of 12 cars through the Chapman yard, out through the bumpy field and finally arrived at the B.H. Sangwin home, where all was ready to welcome the guests.
The large and commodious Sangwin home was alive with black cats, spiders, bats, owls, ghosts and everything in genuine Halloween style. Here Mrs. Edith Anderson had the entertainment all arranged so that not one dull moment ensued. Miss Mae Noble and Mrs. Anton Thomas served a fine lunch which was in keeping with the Halloween season and all report an excellent spook evening.
November 1, 1928—We are told by Rev. C.S. Kleckner that when the prodigal returned, the fatted calf was killed. Thursday evening as Mr. Klekner and his wife and Miss Arrowsmith were returning to Cleghorn from the Halloween party at the B.H. Sangwin home, right in front of the V.E. Noble home, he must have thought he killed the fatted calf, or hurt it so badly it had to be killed. He entered the Noble home and not knowing the mode of the country phone, he proceeded to ring almost everything that means nothing, until Mrs. Roulston, our country switch lady, thinking there was something wrong, took down the receiver to hear the Rev. gentleman calling the Bart Sangwin home. She immediately came to his assistance and she rang Bart Sangwin on the other line. The Reverend called 5 or 6 strong men. He had the calf down and couldn’t get it out from under his car. The calf weighted in the neighborhood of 400 pounds objected as his hind legs were both broken and was otherwise knocked out. But help quickly came and after the minister was started on his way rejoicing, Virel Noble and Anthon Thomas got busy and in true farmer style butchered the calf, making some very fine beef for corn picking time.
November 4, 1954—“Halloween Party Draws Good Crowd”. A large crowd of youngsters and their elders braved Saturday night’s chilly weather to participate in and observe the Commercial Club’s annual Halloween party here.
The feature of the evening, the costume parade, drew nearly 100 entrants in spite of the weather. As in the past, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by the spectators.
The window decorating contest which followed, uncovered a number of promising young artists and the judges had considerable difficulty in arriving at their decisions.
Winners in the costume parade were: Most original: 1st Bob Miller; 2nd Susanne Snyder. Most Weird: 1st Chuck Addy; 2nd Larry Nelson. Most Original: 1st Dale Jones; 2nd Marilyn Nelson. Best Costume: 1st Bradley Miller; 2nd Joyce and Jeffrey Mc Intire.
Window decorating winners in the 1 to 9 age group were 1st Susanne Mossman. The second place winner has not been identified. The young artist signed his master-piece—“Butch, 5-years old”, and may claim his prize by revealing his identity.
Judy Juhl won 1st in the 10 to 14 age group and Diane Juhl won 2nd.
October 30, 1969—“Halloween Party Friday Evening”. The youngsters of the area will be guests of the Marcus Commercial Club this Friday evening at its popular Halloween party.
The event will be just about the same as it has been for many years, starting off with a costume parade at 7:00 o’clock. The young people are asked to gather at the American Legion Hall at 6:45, where they will be registered and assigned numbers. Then they will parade the length of the Main Street during which time the judges will make their selection.
Prizes will be awarded in three categories: The most original, the most weird and the funniest. After the winners have been elected and announced, the children will be guests of the club at free moving picture show at the Marland Theatre.
A special picture has been booked for the evening. The regular weekend film, “The Maltese Bippy,” with Rowen and Martin, will be shown on Saturday and Sunday nights only.
The youngsters will also get treats as they enter the theatre.
November 6, 1969—“Weather Cramps Halloween Party”. A wet, chilly evening forced the cancellation of the costume parade, but otherwise the event was a big success.
In spite of the weather, a big crowd of youngsters showed up in costumes and they were crowded into the Legion Hall where the judges made their choice. Afterwards they adjourned to the Marland Theater for a free movie and treats.
Costume winners were: Most Weird: 1st. Jana Dunn, 2nd Lennie Dorr, 3rd Jill Pick. Funniest: 1st Margie Pick, 2nd Jan Hogue, and 3rd Tom Roese. Most Original: Fred, Bill, and Marilyn Braun; 2nd was Tona and Danny Schumacher and 3rd was Laurie Case.
November 5, 1970—“Costume Parade Winners Listed”. A chilly threatening Halloween evening failed to dampen enthusiasm for the Commercial Club’s Halloween party and the usual big crowd turned out for the costume parade.
Since it was impossible to arrange a free movie for the event, the number of prizes was increased. There were five prizes in each division.
Little Angie Dorr won the best over-all prize, taking home $2 in cash. Prizes of $1.75, $1.50, $1.25, $1.00 and 75¢ were awarded in each of the following classes, the winners being listed in the order they placed:
Most Weird: Wendy Sjeklocha, Kip Dorr, Lisa Haahr, Julie Ballard, and Jeff Dorr. Most Original: Tona Schumacher, Joe Alesch, Rebecca Nilles, Kay Radcliffe, and Dale Nilles. Funniest: Marilyn Braun, “Little Stranger” (didn’t know this person!), Ricky Simons, Janis Smith, and David Sjeklocha. Cutest: Danny Schumacher, Susan Ballard, Kirk Letsche, Renee Johnson; Donna and Sally Alesch.
October 28, 1971—“Halloween Party Saturday Afternoon”. The youngsters of the area will be guests of the Marcus Commercial Club this Saturday afternoon at its popular Halloween party.
The event will start off with the costume parade at 1:30 followed by a free movie at the Marland Theatre where youngsters will receive their treats.
The young people are asked to gather at the Municipal Building at 1:15 where they will be registered and assigned numbers. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: the most original, the most weird and the funniest.
October 28, 1971—“Masked Ball Saturday Night”. Don’t forget the Halloween masked ball at the Marcus Golf Clubhouse on Saturday evening, Oct. 30 from 9 p.m. ‘till 1 a.m. for members and guests.
Come in costume or come as you are! Music will be furnished by the Countrymen. Prizes will be awarded and lunch will be available. Come join the fun!
November 4, 1971—“Halloween Winners Listed”. The Halloween parade was dampened Saturday afternoon to the extent that judging and awarding of prizes took place in the Municipal Building.
Janice Smith won the best over-all-prize, taking home $2 in cash.
Prizes of $1.00, 75¢, and 50¢ were awarded in each of the following categories, the winners being listed in the order they placed. Funniest: Gina Busch, Susie Sand and Julie Ballard. Most original: Anita Busch, Julie Radcliffe, and Rhonda Goth. Most weird: Todd Ames, Bob Radcliffe, and Kay Radcliffe.
The remaining 32 youngsters in costume each received 25¢. There were also 36 children present but not in costume.
October 26, 1972—“Children’s Halloween Party is Next Tuesday”. Marcus Commercial Club will hold their annual children’s Halloween party next Tuesday evening with a parade followed by a free movie at the Marland.
Youngsters in costume are asked to gather at the Municipal Building at 6:45 for the parade down Main Street and then to the theater where the movie will begin at 7:30 and treats will be offered to those attending.
The usual prizes will be given in costume judging. An over-all prize of $2 and prizes of $1.00, 75¢, and 50¢ will be offered to each of the following three categories: Funniest, Most Original and Most Weird. All children in costume will be acknowledged.
A delightful movie has been selected this year by the theater board entitled, “Snow White and the Three Stooges”. Snow White is the gal that used to hand around with that short crowd, but now has given her attentions to a more sophisticated group, namely the Three Stooges. This should be an interesting movie for “children” of all ages!
October 26, 1972—“Trick or Treat for UNICEF”. The Marcus Jr. High students once again will undertake a popular and worthwhile charitable project. This will be the nation-wide UNICEF drive on Halloween night. The initials represent: The United Nations Children’s Fund. This year commemorates the 25th year of the international group which provides aid to children for many projects in countries scattered throughout the world. The group received the famous Nobel Peace Prize in 1968. Governments of various countries make contributions to this fund.
Instead of collecting the usual candies and treats on Halloween, the Jr. High will collect donations—pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, halves or even dollars—on Tuesday night, October 31.
The students will start their canvas of the town at 6:30 then return to the intermediate building for a party from 7:30 to 8:30. The students are to be home at 9 o’clock. This project is unique in that the young people themselves will sponsor the event. In most communities, the drive is undertaken by women’s groups or church groups.
The Marcus Jr. High has received in the past, awards from Governor Ray. The newly organized Jr. High Student Council will plan the event. They ask for your participation. They will have identification with their special UNICEF insignias. Trick or treat for UNICIF with the Marcus Jr. High on Tuesday, October 31.
November 9, 1972—“Halloween Parade Winners”. Winners of the Halloween parade held last Tuesday evening are listed in 1st., 2nd, 3rd place. Prizes were $1.00, 75¢, and 50¢. Judges were Charlotte Rupp, Bonnie Simons, and Barb Anderson.
Funniest: Troy Gravenish, Julie Rosener, and Tim Dreckman. Most Original: Susie Rosener, Janice Smith and Lisa Gravenish. Most Weird: Patty Dreckman; Bobbi Schmillen and Dawn Jenness; Doug Dreckman. Best Over All: $2.00 went to Jimmy and Marty Worster.
November 9, 1972—“Prize Winners in the Sand Seed Pumpkin Contest”. Winners were 1st James Mayer of Marcus (112 _ pounds); 2nd went to Darin Dursp of Pierson (90 pounds), and 3rd winner was Chuck Hanson of Marcus (83 pounds).
(AND then there was even a wedding close to Halloween: Gary and Sheila Booth who were married Saturday October 30.)