Halloween Throwback By: Madi B
Oct. 31 is an exciting time of year for those who observe Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve are All Saints’ Eve.
People dress up, go trick-or-treating, go to haunted houses, carve pumpkins and so much more. Many traditions of Halloween have continued through the years since the founding of Hardin-Simmons University (HSU) since it was founded in 1891.
Back in 1941, John Burnett wrote an article detailing the annual Halloween carnival. He mentioned all the fun attractions from a fun house and delicious refreshments to the crowning of a carnival princess. At this event many clubs put on different activities. The history club had "apple bobbing" and the science club had "fortune telling."
In earlier years at HSU, students would put on Halloween parties sponsored by the student council. In 1952, there was an all-university Halloween party that happened annually and welcomed all costumes. They set up the field house with decorations and did crafts and played games. These annual Halloween parties continued through to the 70s.
On Oct. 30, 1973, in an article from the HSU Brand, it was written that there were several students attending a haunted house here in Abilene that ran through Halloween and cost 50 cents for a ticket. In 1979, in the Halloween Spooky Edition of the Brand, students wrote about preparing for all-school SING, which was to take place the next weekend. While parties thrived in the 70s, starting in the 80s it became more popular to do a scary movie night in Van Ellis Theatre. The student council would plan throwback movies as well as newer movies to show and would provide drinks and snacks for students.
Over the last several years, HSU has started the tradition of hosting Pumpkin Palooza. This event allows students the opportunity to hang out with friends and enjoy snacks, pumpkin painting, games and a haunted house search for varying prizes. This event has become a very well received tradition at HSU. Along with this beloved tradition, HSU also holds a special needs trunk-or-treat, and several on campus departments and clubs participate to bring the Halloween thrill to all.
Comments