Tag: Halloween
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).
This Week in Chester History
In 1991, Old Chester Road resident James Dean had a ghost vanish from his front yard. According to the police report, a small vehicle stopped in front of his house on Saturday night. The driver got out and took the three foot plywood ghost before driving away in the dark. Patrolman Stephen Beyer investigated.
This Week in Local History…
In 1961, Chester Township Police Chief Edward Strait warned local parents that all children connected to Halloween pranks resulting in property damage would be prosecuted, regardless of the cost of the damage. Source: Observer-Tribune.
This Week in Chester History…
The 1937 Chester Women’s Club annual Halloween party was a bit different than previous years in that it was a ballroom dance. Each woman wore a balloon on her ankle, and a prize was given to the couple who kept from breaking their balloon all evening. Felix Arden’s orchestra played the tunes. Source: Mendham-Chester Tribune
This Week in Chester History…
In 1975, the Friends of the Chester Library sponsored its second annual Halloween store painting activity. Children from the Borough and Township painted store windows, pumpkins, and even a barber pole with festive designs of the season. Source: Observer-Tribune
