Halloween Memories
By Charles P. Eberson
Senior Moments
Holidays are prone to bring back memories of years gone by and Halloween is no exception. In my tender young years, the night before Halloween, better known as Mischief Night, was perhaps, even more anticipated. It took planning, timing, supplies and coordination among our cadre of participants. We accumulated rolls of toilet paper, eggs and soap. I’ll leave the details to your imagination. Shortly after sunset, we embarked on our mission of mischief. As part of our plan, we would ring doorbells and run away, laughing all the way down the street.
It was all fun and games until one homeowner decided to give chase. Fear propelled us in between two houses towards the next street with the only thing in our way being a 1-foot-high decorative white fence which we could easily clear. My friend, Freddy was fast and blew by me to jump the small fence. Instantly, he was suspended in midair, flailing and screaming. Above that small white decorative fence was a 6-foot chicken wire fence that was too dark to see and Freddy was caught in it. I was horrified and ran home as fast as I could. The next morning, I went over to Freddy’s to see how he made out. He had red streaks of the antiseptic, Mercurochrome on his face and his knuckles. When Freddy and I would reminisce, he didn’t share my humor.
Trick or treating, though, was lots of fun. Often, we would dress up like hobos and carry a pillowcase for our sweet booty. We had so much candy, we would have to return two to three times to empty them. Once we were done for the night, our parents would have us spread the contents on the dining room table for inspection. Their only concern was any apples that may have been “tampered” with. Of course today the contents have to be scrutinized much more closely.
As time went on, trick or treating gave way to Halloween parties. One such party has lived on in perpetuity. The year was 1978 and my in-laws owned a small local restaurant. They rented the clubhouse at a now, non-disclosed location, for a Halloween party and invited many of their customers, vendors and local officials. There was food, music, costumes, dancing and of course alcohol. The good times were rolling, with dancing at a more frenetic pace, voices getting louder, building to a crescendo until suddenly the music stopped, lights came on and everyone was asked to leave. I have heard it said that I bear some of the guilt for the sudden ending of the merriment but I don’t know for sure. What I do know, is that after that night, I did have a strong aversion to Southern Comfort and still do.
Now, as Halloween approaches, my wife and I will sit calmly on our porch with a big bowl of candy for the trick or treaters. We enjoy seeing the little children all dressed up in their favorite costumes tripping up our steps in anticipation of whatever treat awaits them. But by and large, it is enjoyable to see the children and parents enjoy the celebration of Halloween. Then, of course, some of the trick-or-treaters are as big as me, wearing only hoodies as their costume, and sometimes the young moms pushing an infant in a stroller are asking for candy too.
Perhaps there is still time for me to stock up on soap, toilet paper, eggs and a pair of new running shoes. Mischief Night is approaching.
Charles Eberson has been in the newspaper business for over 25 years. He has worked as a writer, advertising executive, circulation manager and photographer. His photography can be viewed at charles-eberson.fineartamerica.com
