Halloween, Portage Park, undatedHalloween, Portage Park, undated. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 090_003_021.
Halloween, undatedHalloween, undated. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 144_045_013.
Halloween, Robinson Park, 1960Halloween, Robinson Park, 1960. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 095_004_001.
Halloween, undatedHalloween, undated. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 144_038_065.
Halloween Celebration, Hardin Square Park, undatedHalloween Celebration, Hardin Square Park, undated. Children practice for an “apple contest.” Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 040_012_003.
Halloween, undatedHalloween, undated. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 144_041_046.
Halloween, 1969Halloween, 1969. Costumed children are surprised by a witch at a Chicago Park District Halloween celebration. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 119_011_024.
Pumpkin carving, undatedPumpkin carving, undated. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 119_012_035.
Pumpkin Decorating, Mount Greenwood Park, 1971Pumpkin Decorating, Mount Greenwood Park, 1971. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 082_030_017.
Preschool Halloween Party, Beverly Park, undatedPreschool Halloween Party, Beverly Park, undated. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 144_038_065.
Halloween, Franklin Park, 1995Halloween, Franklin Park, 1995. Source: Special Collections, Chicago Park District Records: Photographs, Photo 144_038_013.
The leaves are turning colors and falling, and the air is getting chilly. With autumn comes a favorite holiday for many kids: Halloween.
Maybe your little one hasn't quite landed on the perfect costume to elicit the most candy yet. We're here to help. If your household's daily life is anything like mine, and grotesque heads sound like way too much work to you, too, then perhaps these costumes from Chicago's past will inspire you. You'll also find some great ideas for how to carve and decorate pumpkins and generally celebrate Halloween.
If you need more inspiration, check out additional Halloween photos in our Chicago Park District Digital Collection, or come in to view even more Chicago Park District photographs in person in Special Collections. Share your favorite costume ideas from Chicago's past or present in the comments below. Trick or treat!
Add a comment to: Happy Halloween from Chicago’s Past!