Have A Happy Vintage Halloween, Part One

1910

It is hard to say when Halloween first became truly popular in the United States. Most historians seem to agree that the traditions of Halloween were first brought to the U.S. in the 19th century by immigrants from Scotland and Ireland. Though the holiday had its roots in pagan holidays, most Americans initially knew Halloween as being an evening of celebration before All Saints Day.

The commercialization of Halloween began in the early 1900s. That was when postcards featuring pumpkins and black cats and even the occasional witch first started to become popular. The postcards from the era were more playful than frightening, with several wishing their recepient a “Merry Halloween!” Below are a few vintage Halloween postcards that show how Halloween was viewed at the start of the 20th Century.