Halloween Postcard, circa 1913
THF73358 / Halloween Postcard, circa 1913
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Artifact Overview
The first American Halloween gatherings were designed as matchmaking parties for young people, with games to "predict" matrimonial futures and ample opportunity for innocent flirtation. Friends and neighbors often exchanged seasonal greeting postcards - such as this colorful example from about 1912 - that depicted these holiday amusements.
Artifact Details
Artifact
Postcard
Date Made
circa 1912
Subject Date
circa 1912
Creators
Place of Creation
Creator Notes
Created by Raphael Tuck & Sons in Saxony, Germany
Collection Title
Location
Not on exhibit to the public.
Object ID
2008.84.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford.
Material
Paper (Fiber product)
Technique
Embossing (Technique)
Printing (Process)
Color
Multicolored
Dimensions
Height: 5.5 in
Width: 3.563 in
Inscriptions
Printed on front: HALLOWE'EN
Printed on back: TUCK'S POST CARD / Raphael Tuck & Sons "Hallowe'en Post Cards Series No. 183 / ART PUBLSHERS TO THEIR MAJESTIES THE KING AND QUEEN / PRINTED IN SAXONY
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Related Content
SetHallowe'en in Greenfield Village: Postcards
- 15 Artifacts
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, owls, and black cats.