Tricks, treats of days gone by topic of Derby Public Library sessions

Recognize anyone in this festive group?

DERBY - I spent an interesting hour Wednesday learning about Halloween with local historian Mary A. Bisaccia at Derby Public Library.

Bisaccia offers local history information sessions from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and 10 a.m.- noon Wednesdays at the library. 
October's topic is the From Tricks to Treats - The History of Halloween in Derby.

I learned that 100 years ago there were many more tricks than treats on the holiday, because there was a lot of vandalism throughout the Valley.
"It used to be a day that homeowners dreaded," Bisaccia said.

These children were in the Halloween spirit.

Bisaccia read from articles published in the former Evening Sentinel daily newspaper.

This is part of an article from Oct. 31, 1905: "There are parties in all towns, and children wandering around in costumes until the late hours. It is noted that there is an increasing number of girls dressed as boys outside, too. Most don't mind the children wandering around - in some cases bonfires are lit to ward off the cold. What residents do mind, however, is the noise and noisemakers that continue well into the night, as well as the pranks and vandalism." 

In 1907, Halloween vandals did "considerable damage" in Ansonia. "Windows are smashed, outhouses overturned, vehicles and gates stolen - some are destroyed. The children are out early but in the late night hours hooligans ruled," the paper reported.

Fast forwarding to 1930, there was some vandalism on Halloween, but "residents don't have to hold all night vigils to guard their property as they did 25 years before." 

A quarter-century later, in 1955, the newspaper reported a quiet Halloween in Ansonia, while in Derby children got their trick or treat bags stolen. "The Seymour Lions Club gives silver dollars to town children who are home after they telephone them after 9 p.m. Shelton's Playground Commission also calls 100 children after 9 p.m. and awards prizes to those home."

In 1970, children collect coins for UNICEF and drivers are urged caution when driving around trick or treaters. Vandalism was reported in several Shelton locations, while in Derby little damage was reported except for some egg throwing.

Bisaccia said in recent years suburban families who barely know their neighbors have opted to hold 'Trick or Trunk' events in a school parking lot with a group of people they know. Children wear costumes and walk from car to car to get their Halloween candy treats.

That practice came about after my children were grown. 
I understand it keeps the little ones safe but I really can't imagine it would be as fun as it was to go house to house to ring neighbors' doorbells and pose for photos.

Maybe that's just me.

Looking back I guess those were the good old days!


In November Bisaccia's local history sessions will focus on veterans' monuments of Derby.