More back to basics.

Because it's what we need.

We're here because of Hallowe'en.

Here at this pub, yes, but for most of us, here in life because all the things we hold dear that are so wrapped up in the magic of Hallowe'en are what sustain us, are what keep us desiring, achieving, moving forward in difficult times.

And anyway, a good look at the more classic aspects of our shared madness for Autumn's Holiday is always in order.

This time, a brief look at old ways to dress for All Hallow's.

These can all be seen around the 'net, and one or two have already been seen here before. I don't claim to own or know the real history behind any of them.

Other photo blogger types have done the 'vintage costume' thing so many times and so much better than I could ever try... but what of it? Each is so creepy, so perfectly symbolic of so much that is inherent in Hallowe'en that we should all do it far more often.

Just look at the simple, nameless, purely Hallowe'en-derived awesomeness in these few images...

This last merely casts in cold iron a point made terrifyingly clear to me in each of these photos -- even as a grown man, I have no problem admitting that if I was approached by ANY of the costumed revelers in these images I would be running very, very fast in the opposite direction.

Seriously. Go back and look carefully at each face. Freaking terrifying.

Especially this last.

So yes, every one of these masks is just perfect.

Perfectly Hallowe'en.

Basic is so very good.

DDSPICS!

And the seasons...

Weren't we just talking about the circularity of life?

Just after I posted the previous entry, I received some sad news.

Musician, singer, composer, makeup artist, mask maker, actor, puppeteer, and all around nice and funny fellow Verne Langdon has passed away.

 Verne Langdon

September 15, 1941 --- January 1, 2011

Such a talented man, an interesting character with a really unique and storied life.

He was responsible, in whole or in part, for much that created the Monster Kid Craze of the mid-20th Century. For his work on the Don Post 'Calendar Masks' alone, he ought to have a monstrously-sized statue somewhere.

But he did so many other important things, contributed to or created from whole cloth so much that we horror-lovin' folk have come to know and love. And talk about a musician -- he studied with Korla Pandit, played on radio and television, even composed and produced albums of spooky organ and harpsichord music that have become as iconic to Monster Kids as the Aurora Models or the aforementioned Calendar Masks.

Click all the links and explore the amazing career of this remarkable artist.

I'd known of Verne and his works since childhood, but I actually met him through my travels to Monsterpalooza, where he was Master of Ceremonies in 2009 and 2010 (and looked for all the world like he would be in 2011).

 

 Sure he looks a little green, but what healthy monster doesn't?

 

It's sad to think I won't be seeing him this April. 

Yet another of the greats has passed. Another piece of musical, monstery, magical history has left us.

A toast, to an amazing man. 

DUMDUMSHREKPOP!

Rest peacefully, Verne Langdon.

P.S. What are you thinking, 2011? I thought I asked you to slow things down. Damn.

"Oh, the Hallowe'ens we had then were grand!"

That is, if that poem of mine is to be believed.

Of course, I think every Hallowe'en is grand! There's just something special about our childhood memories of the Big Night, isn't there?

And if some of those moments were attended by cameras, you have real magic, a time machine for All Hallow's long gone... and hilarious glimpses of our kid selves.

Case in point -- longtime family friend and loyal S&P-brain Allie has graciously allowed me to hang this photo at the S&P from now on:

 

Allie and her brother, Hallowe'en 1978.

Yes, the very night HE came home.

I must point out a few things I really love about this image, beyond the already-perfect-Hallowe'en-ness of it.

-Her clown outfit just rocks, especially the hat. I haven't seen that kind of yarn in 30 years. Superb.

-Her brother is wearing a classic Topstone 'Ghoul' mask -- and it kind of looks like a bald, green Jerry Seinfeld.

-The pumpkin flashlight he's holding (and seemingly licking?) and the skull flashlight she's holding are still made today, from the same molds (and probably using the same plastic beads from the same supplier). I have examples of both in my Hallowe'en stuff.

-Allie the Clown is making the same face as the jack o'lantern on her brother's right, and his mask is making the same face as the jack o'lantern on Allie's left. Seriously. 

-Wallabees and deck shoes.

-The look in her eyes: "Just take the picture so we can get going!"

Allie, thank you for letting us hang this wonderful snapshot of Hallowe'en Past at the Skull & Pumpkin! You get free drinks this weekend!

Anyone else have pictures of their costumed childish selves? Let's show and tell!

DUMDUMSHREKPAPARAZZI!

Young Will's Hallowe'en Spree, pt. 2

Hey there, loyal pubbies.

I have some new photos for you.

A few of the local stores have been slowly stocking their shelves with Hallowe'en goodies, and you know what that means -- another adventure with Young Will.

It starts with the goofy glasses. It always does.

We noticed that this particular store missed a great pun opportunity:

'Pet Pajamas'? C'mon, it's PETJAMAS! I wouldn't put a costume on my pet

so I suppose it shouldn't matter to me, but Young Will and I both thought

they'd blown their shot at a pun worthy of Forry himself!

Then Young Will noticed a mildly sad situation.

WAY too early for Thanksgiving, but nice to meet you just the same. 

See you in a few months, but for now... irrelevant!

Back to the good stuff!

Pumpkins, as ever, are at the very heart of the

celebration of All Hallow's Eve.

(Glum Pumpkin?)

The candy aisles are usually the first to get stocked in any store:

I know, they're still in their packaging there -- you try telling Young Will

he can't at least attempt it.

Also, you try to make a sentence with all three 'there/they're/their' words in it like I just did.

So, unable to taste his lollipops, Young Will resorts to panhandling for candy -- I really

think his posing like the creepy butler figure behind him is purely coincidental.

He didn't have any luck with candy.

But that's not to say he didn't get any handouts...

After shaking off this creepy extremity, he decided to try for a nearby candy dish:

... and got another hand anyway!

So, Young Will moved away from candy dishes and onto plates and cups:

(We both liked these immensely; Hallowe'en gifts, okay?)

With food comes the need for drink, and we found an interesting libation:

Young Will decided to partake right there in the store...

... and straight from the jug(-ular?)!

Feeling very Hallowe'enish now, Young Will went costume shopping.

And there were some doozies...

Rolling his eyes at the Monkey Wrench.

And who wouldn't roll their eyes at this? "Emits Real Bronx Cheer", eh? 

I swear, if I see you wearing this, I'll emit a real Bronx punch in your throat.

Young Will had trouble with this Dragon costume... which has no wings!

You see, he is an expert (quite seriously) on all things dragon. 

Do not offend his sensibilities regarding the subject.

But not all was lost. There were some perfectly fun outfits to be found.

This kid truly rocks.

He likes group singing:

... and really enjoys a good pun.

Apparently he enjoys bad puns too. Napoleon Blownapart? That's right,

there's nothing funnier than a pun older than Lincoln.

After regaining his composure, Young Will ponders a few more 

decorative props.

"Um, Uncle Mike, why is Marcus The Carcass a Yeti?"

Good question, sir. Good question.

"Um, Uncle Mike, why are these weapons called She- weapons? I mean,

like, what's a She-Pitchfork? A She-dagger? Come on!"

I love that Young Will thinks like a normal person.

"Um, Uncle Mike, why do they have portraits of Eva Braun

and Henny Youngman?"

(Okay, he didn't really ask this one. I just had to show the pic!)

Help?

Heeeeellllpp!

Oouuuucchhh!

Well, after perusing and playing, we felt it was time to clean up our mess...

In another few days, we'll be hitting more stores because the goodies are really

coming out now. 

School's in, which means Back-To-School aisles are out!

 More goodies, more fun decorations, more spooky coolness with Young Will.

Though I suppose, for Young Will, it may not get any better than

Napoleon Blownapart.

*sigh!*

Stay tuned for more adventures next week.

Also, more prop-making has been going on, and I'll get you an update soon.

'Til then,

MELTYBEADS!

Hallowe'en 1941

If you like looking at old photographs, regardless of theme, subject or composition, I imagine by now you've discovered that the photo archives of LIFE Magazine have been available, searchable, via Google Images since last year.

Who hasn't looked for these yet? Well... I hadn't.

William C. Shrout took these (and numerous others found here) in 1941.

Yeah, they're mostly posed, and almost too perfect.

But it's Hallowe'en in 1941... when I doubt any of these kids had to worry about razors, violence, or cowardly fundie neighbors griping about devils, witches, skeletons and this "evil" night.

Carefree, that is, only for another month or so -- on December 7th of that year, they will learn how terrifying the real world can truly be.

But for now, it's Hallowe'en 1941, and they are carefree and happy.

Such amazing imagery. The costumes, their shoes and hats, the decorations... *sigh*.

It's not nostalgia, really; I didn't show up screaming until 27 years later.

It's just Americana. Pure Americana.











Sure, there are giant lights placed just so among tree and tombstone, but those kids still must have felt pretty spooky walking through that cemetery at night. What an image. Click it, see it larger. Go on.

I want to be there. So deeply do I long to be there, just once, just for one real 'way back when' Hallowe'en.

Bradbury had a story along those lines... must go dig it up.

Some folks are unsure about Hallowe'en in this day and age. We Autumn People know that this year, and every year we are around, we'll make sure that something wicked does our way come.

Looking at these images, everyone can know that in 1940's America, something wicked that way went.


ZOM-beeeeee!