In England, this evening was long ago set aside for fireside pranks and mysterious games. Ducking or bobbing for apples, telling fortunes, masquerading and other revelries date way back to the Middle Ages.
Unfortunately, pranks have not always stayed by the fireside. Instead of ghosts and goblins abroad, the boys of the neighborhood set forth to put ticktacks on windows, to ring fire alarms, steal gates and damage property generally. In some places ruthless destruction and lawlessness more than the police could manage, and Hallowe'en became a serious civic problem.
The problem has been solved in several cities, simply by spending their funds on entertainment rather than on extra police. The wise municipal officers decided that something amusing to do is the best antidote for rowdyism.
Four years ago at Glens Falls, New York, an annual Hallowe'en celebration for everybody was started that has been most successful. Manufacturers, stores, schools and clubs all joined in a huge parade to the delight of thousands of spectators, young and old. Last year there were a hundred elaborate floats in the parade, as well as bands, grotesque animals, marchers in fantastic and colorful costumes, decorated automobiles and many old horse-drawn vehicles. The carnival spirit pervaded the throngs on the side lines whoo sang, cheered, danced, and were dressed in every sort of gay costume.
In Evansville, Indiana, Halloween is one of the big occasions of the year for the whole city. The celebrations are staged in neighborhood units, sponsored by the Parent-Teacher groups and centering around the neighborhood schools. Thousands take part in the parades and in the programs of stunts given at the schools afterward. Prizes are awarded and a huge bonfire is burnt as a grand finale. An old custom here in Washington brings everyone out on the street in costumes of all kinds with confetti and balloons for gayety.
With such organized merriment, no child cares to spend his evening at such interesting deviltry as painting the neighbor's front porch or carrying off gate posts.
Hallowe'en is one of the pleasantest times of year for entertaining at hone. It isn't the time for correct and formal seventeen course dinners, but rather for spicy, bountiful informal suppers served to a merry crowd of guests. There are a variety of autumn and harvest foodstuffs available at this time, the colorful leaves and flowers in the gardens providing bright ruddy color schemes and Jack-o'-Lanterns, black cats, witches and other symbols of the day add to the decoration.
I asked the Menu Specialist to plan us two menus for informal Hallowe'en dinners—the first to be inexpensive, the second to be a little more elaborate.
Here is Menu No. 1. A simple, inexpensive and colorful company dinner. The color schoeme, of course, is black and orange. Meat broth with fancy carrot slices; Pork chops deluxe; Hubbard squash baked in squares;
