Vigo County Historical Society

‘Friendly ghosts’ just clowning around at the Historical Museum

"Trick or Treat!"

Those familiar words will ring through Vigo County his month as we again celebrate the second most popular holiday in the United States. An array of ghosts, goblins and witches soon will invade the streets, ringing doorbells and collecting Halloween treats.

I remember laboring over the choice of my costume to be worn in the school parade and my trip around the neighborhood on Halloween night. Little did I know that the tradition grew out of religious holidays observed centuries ago by people in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

Making the decision was very serious business. Should my outfit be created from the treasures kept in the "costume box," or should I select a "store-bought" one from Woolworth?

Our historic treasure this week features two wonderful clown suits that were made in the 1920s. Two friendly ghosts who are resting in the foyer of the museum are wearing them.

Both suits are made of glazed cotton material. One is black and gold and the other a rich purple and gold. One has a cape decorated with small bold bells.

The costumes are a gift to the museum from Conrad and Marie Fox. Marie Fox recalls that both costumes were recycled many times during the years.

Halloween still is a tradition at my house. Come October, the decorations are unpacked and plans are made for our annual pumpkin party for the grandchildren. This is the time we all carve our pumpkins, line them up on a bench and hold the official lighting of the jack o’lanterns.

Come All Hallows Eve, I will don my witch’s garb and greet all the strange little creatures who arrive on my doorstep. Who have you decided to be this year?