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Commonwealth Museum   Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin
Commonwealth Museum Secretary of the Commonwealth William Francis Galvin

Into the Twentieth Century

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“Witches, and Goblins, and Jack-o’-lanterns bright, Creep through the town on a cold October night...”

- 1950’s Halloween song

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President John F. Kennedy with children Caroline and John Jr. on October 31, 1963.
President John F. Kennedy with children Caroline and John Jr. on October 31, 1963.

Carved Pumpkin
By the twentieth century newspapers and magazines spread Halloween customs nationwide.
Groups ranging from Boy and Girl Scout troops to Rotary Clubs promoted Halloween activities. Massachusetts was now ahead of the curve. By the 1920’s “trick or treaters” were spotted in Wellesley. After World War II, the “baby boom” increased marketing to families with young children. Commercially made costumes and Halloween decorations added another dimension to the celebration.