"Hallowe'en," circa 1910

THF124423 / "Hallowe'en," circa 1910
01

Artifact Overview

A distinctly American blend of Halloween traditions emerged by the late 1800s. Into the 20th century, the holiday was mostly an innocent celebration of mystery and fun, but friends and neighbors often exchanged seasonal greeting cards that evoked Halloween's superstitious origins. This colorful example alludes to olden customs and beliefs involving witchcraft and black cats.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Postcard

Date Made

circa 1910

Subject Date

circa 1910

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.694.30.181

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

02

Related Content

  • THF123817 Advertising Poster, "Thurston The Great Magician," circa 1930
    article

    Modern-Day Chills from Historic Artifacts

      In honor of the Halloween season, The Henry Ford has put together an Expert Set of artifacts that make sense within the context of their time and place, but which might seem strange or unsettling today, selected by our staff.
    • Various Hallowe'en Postcards
      article

      Little-Known Hallowe'en History (and Why Is It Spelled That Way?)

        When it comes to Halloween history, Curator of Domestic Life Jeanine Head Miller and Director of Greenfield Village Jim Johnson really know their stuff! They share lots of little-known facts about the origins of Hallowe'en.
      • "'Curioser and Curioser' All hallowe'en. Hallowe'en Greeting." Postcard shows a row of jolly carved pumpkins in a harvest field, made from the artwork by Ellen H. Clapsaddle by the International Art Company about 1907-1912. (Object ID 2013.79.1)
        article

        Hallowe'en Postcards

          Browse a selection of postcards from our collections that represents a uniquely American blend of Hallowe'en traditions. By the early 1900s, this included the popular activity of sending and collecting these holiday-themed greeting cards.