Celebrating History - Halloween a century ago

By Emily Mayer

One of the great things about Havre’s past is its willingness to celebrate. They loved to throw a party, and this week’s Havre Daily Promoter was full of gatherings for Halloween. This fete was recorded for posterity in the October 29, 1924, newspaper. Perhaps you will recognize some of the names in the following entries!

“ENTERTAIN AT A HALLOWE’EN PARTY

“Miss Corrine Lancaster and Miss Dorothy Erickson entertained at a Hallowe’en party last evening at the home of Miss Lancaster. The house was attractively decorated in Hallowe’en colors with autumn leaves, corn stalks and pumpkins strewn around.

“The evening was spent in dancing and playing games and appropriate favors were given during the evening.

“Among those present were the Misses Ernestine Liggett, Lucretia Archibald, Elizabeth Clack, Thelma Tague, Helen Emery, Melba Wood, Carolee Churchill, Flora Phalen, Minnie Maresch, Martha More, Hazel Rakestraw, Violet Davidson, Alice Berg, Helen Ramsden, Thelma Holliday, Ann Levi, Margaret Sprague, Francis Hoffman and Ermine Stanton and Jack Langston, Herbert Archibald, Earl More, Clifford Lange, William Wiltner, John Boynton, Clarence Rascoff, Clifford Moe, Sylvester Erickson, Arthur Potvin, Donald Foss, Frank Geske, Alex Erickson, James Warwick, Raymond Dow, Edward Wrangler, Theodore Carlisle, Donald McLain and Ole Granell.”

Some gatherings were also fundraisers for worthy causes. The Epworth League of the Methodist Church organized such a gathering, with this announcement printed in the October 30, 1924 issue.

“EPWORTH LEAGUE HALLOWE’EN PARTY

“The Epworth League of the M. E. church will give an annual Hallowe’en party tonight at 8:00 in the social rooms of the church.

“Hallowe’en stunts and games will furnish amusement for everyone and delicious refreshments will be served. A small fee of twenty-five cents will be charged. The proceeds of which will be turned over to the campus fund of Intermountain Union college at Helena.”

And finally, these three parties made the November 1, 1924 edition.

“MRS. ARTMAN HOSTESS AT LUNCHEON BRIDGE

“Mrs. C. E. Artman, assisted by Mrs. N. E. Gourley, entertained at luncheon bridge at her apartments in the Masonic Temple Thursday afternoon. Mrs. A. M. Webber won head prize and Mrs. J. E. Knights the consolation prize

“The home was prettily decorated in Hallowe’en designs and colors.

“The guests were Mrs. Gerald Casman, Mrs. A. G. Sheperd, Mrs. D. D. More, Mrs. George Langston, Mrs. A. E. Knights, Mrs. James Kelly, Mrs. G. R. Haglund, Mrs. H. Withycombe, Mrs. Earl Bronson, Mrs. F. H. Taylor, Mrs. J. C. Christiansen, Mrs. Warren Smith, Mrs. Robert Ash, Mrs. A. M. Weber and Mrs. William Rae.

“HALLOWE’EN PARTY

“Mrs. Harry Jackson entertained at a Hallowe’en party for the teachers Thursday evening at her home. The house was decorated in Hallowe’en colors and the evening was spent at playing games, after which a delicious lunch was served.

“Those present were the Misses Essie Dutche, Grace Simpson, Ann Donnelly, Helen Carr, Elizabeth Reck, Marguerite Hood, Grace Thorn, Serene Griffin, Ruth Back, Clara Stevning, Helen Dahlquist, and Raymond Mountjoy, Harold Rounds and David Morris.

“HALLOWE’EN PARTY AT JUNE POUDER HOME

“A merry crowd of Hallowe’en revelers gathered at the home of Miss June Pouder in the Woodrow apartments last evening where the evening was spent in the usual Hallowe’en celebration after which a delightful lunch was served. Those present being the Misses Lenora Arness, Margaret Covell, Katherine Bangs, Willow Sundahl, Mary Chestnut, Madeline Mitguard, Mineva Liggett, Jerrine Helgeson, and the hostess June Pouder.”

Have a safe and fun Halloween, one of two holidays brought to you by Irish immigrants!