Except for the pumpkin obscured in the background, there’s nothing particularly Halloween-esque about this poster, designed by the Works Progress Administration in 1936.
Though it looks like the carnival is geared toward adults, this poster for the same Halloween event clearly has kids in mind. I’d love to know what the prizes were.
Both are part of the Library of Congress’ excellent WPA poster collection from the 1930s and 1940s.
As advertised on this nifty poster, designed and printed by the Works Progress Administration.
I couldn’t find anything on the skating carnival slated for October 31st. But a New York Times blurb that ran in the October 30th edition of the paper advertised a Halloween costume contest on the Mall, to be held that night.
“Prizes will be awarded for the funniest boy’s costume, prettiest girl’s costume, most unusual costumes and the most appropriate costumes,” the item reads.
Strange that they don’t mention scariest costume. Sounds like the city was trying to provide some wholesome fun for kids who would otherwise be tempted to pull the usual pranks and mischief that make Halloween such a thrilling holiday when you’re young.
Ephemeral New York 