Photographic Postcard Showing Young Adults Celebrating Halloween with Carved Jack-O-Lanterns, 1907
Add to SetSummary
In the 20th century, Halloween's superstitious origins gave way to a national celebration of mystery and innocent fun. Early gatherings were designed as matchmaking parties for young people, with games to "predict" matrimonial futures and ample opportunity for flirtation. Here, revelers pose with jack-o-lanterns--a unique blend of immigrant customs and native harvest crops that came to symbolize the American Halloween.
In the 20th century, Halloween's superstitious origins gave way to a national celebration of mystery and innocent fun. Early gatherings were designed as matchmaking parties for young people, with games to "predict" matrimonial futures and ample opportunity for flirtation. Here, revelers pose with jack-o-lanterns--a unique blend of immigrant customs and native harvest crops that came to symbolize the American Halloween.
Artifact
Photographic postcard
Date Made
1907
Subject Date
1907
Creators
Unknown
Collection Title
On Exhibit
By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center
Object ID
2008.22.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Gelatin silver process
Toning (Photography)
Color
Brown
Sepia (Color)
Dimensions
Height: 3.375 in
Width: 5.375 in
Inscriptions
Message handwritten in ink on back: Dear Ned: / A few of the inmates / A.C.W. Address handwritten in ink: Mr. Edward R. Bootey / Federal Building / Jamestown / N.Y. Postmark stamped in ink: BUFFALO / DEC 13 / 6-PM / 19 07 / N.Y.