A weekly look back compiled by the Clark County Historical Museum from The Columbian archives available at columbian.newspapers.com or at the museum.
100 years ago
In preparation for the supernatural holiday of 1922, Police Chief Henry Burgy issued an annual warning to Clark County youths: Bob for apples, attend parties, dress in any custom you choose, but do not destroy property. Damage caused on Halloween in previous years amounted to hundreds of dollars, the chief alleged. He added officers to the force just for the night.
75 years ago
In October 1947, local law enforcement and merchants lodged a similar plea to Halloween pranksters. Authorities warned of “stern punishment” for vandalism during the annual spine-chilling celebrations. Clark County high schools and community centers held spooktacular dances for local teens. With additional police and sheriff’s deputies on patrol, eerie events organized for local teens by high schools and community centers were meant to keep would-be pranksters out of trouble.
50 years ago
In the 1970s, the autumnal holiday elicited new fears. Although myths of poisoned candy had circulated since food industrialization around the turn of the century, an Oct. 28, 1970, New York Times article stoked fresh fears of tampered Halloween treats. In the days leading up to the ’72 festivities, Clark County parents expressed their fears in letters to the editor. They warned of the potential for candies laden with “glass, razor blades and even LSD.” Some suggested sticking close to home to avoid any “spiked” treats.
