October 31, 2017
This is “Our Past Is Present” from the Geary County Historical Society.
The Irish,
with their “little people” or leprechauns, are given credit for the Halloween
pranks and mischief that reached its peak in the 1880s. Practical jokes were the favorite diversions
any time of year, but Halloween was the night to bring off the big one. Most families in town had a friendly,
go-anywhere-when-led milk cow. It took
little effort and not much planning for Halloween pranksters to transfer Bessy
from her backyard stall to the church choir loft, the city hall or to the
school Principal’s office, where she was left for the night. Since indoor plumbing had not yet been
invented, some outdoor privies were turned on their backsides and discovered at
dawn on November 1st.
In our
community, businesses and community groups provide a consolidated event with a
parade, distribution of candy, games and activities, and prizes. This makes it possible for all the little
“trick or treaters” to be treated without threat of mischief.
Dressing up
in a favorite costume and sharing treats at school is a much anticipated
celebration. We encourage everyone to stay safe and eat the sugary treats over
time – not in one sitting.
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