This Week in Chester History

On Friday, Oct. 29, 1993 about 100 area residents put on their spookiest costumes for the Publick House’s annual children’s Halloween costume contest. Costumes ranged from Disney characters to Hannibal Lechter, and pumpkins and free hayrides were provided prior to the event by Alstede Farms. First place went to cousins Daniel and Morgan who dressed as an organ grinder and monkey, respectively.

Dennis Samuel, Publick House general manager at the time, said he originated the idea of the costume contest when he and his wife realized trick-or-treating was not always safe for kids. While the Publick House no longer hosts a Halloween costume contest, many towns host trunk-or-treats and parades to celebrate the joy of children (and their craft-savvy families).