Every week the Town Crier blog will look back at Seattle’s near forgotten Town Crier magazine to see what was happening then and talk about what’s happening now. One of the largest sections of the original Town Crier was “What People Are Doing,” highlighting things like, “Mrs. Louise Van Ogle, whose illustrated musical lectures are among the most delightful events of any season, will go to Vancouver next month,” and, “Mrs. R.E. Bragdon, one of Seattle’s crack tennis players, is waiting for word from Washington, D.C., which will send her abroad as a licensed ambulance driver.” In this new series we’re revisiting the old column and tying it to our community’s current happenings, asking: “what are people doing?”

Today’s entry…

With the specter of the Spanish Flu lurking over Seattle’s streets in the fall of 1918, Halloween festivities were quelled. “Halloween parties will be in the discard this year,” the Town Crier wrote despondently, “but still the day may be suitably observed at home.” The writer suggested going to the White Elephant Shop. They had a complete line of Halloween favors including “black cats with shiny eyes of diamonds,” and “a wonderful pumpkin with accordion attachment that makes music.” The Town Crier was sure, regardless of if there were Halloween parties or not, little boys and girls would have fun for the festal occasion.

Children in Halloween costumes, early 20th century.

Town Hall has its own festal occasion fast approaching on October 30th at the University Lutheran Church. Michael Witwer, Kyle Newman, Jon Peterson, and Christopher Perkins will be there to discuss the new book Dungeons & Dragons Art and Arcana. The evening will highlight and celebrate the most comprehensive visual history of Dungeons & Dragons ever assembled. Also? Attendees are encouraged to come in costume! Each costumed audience member will receive a raffle ticket for the chance to win a prize package provided by Wizards of the Coast.

Learn more here.