Hallowe’en In a Small Town

Growing up in Oliver during the 1950’s, Hallowe’en was a safe and happy time for all of us.  We never were afraid to go to all the houses in town or to eat anything that was given us.  We got all dressed up and hit all the stores on Main Street first and then worked our way through neighbourhood after neighbourhood.

Every house was looked forward to and it was neat to be out in the dark on a cold October night.  Times were different then and each household looked out for the well being of the kids knocking on their doors and shouting Trick or Treat!

Our curfew was the same each year…9 pm and it was off to home.  Once we got home we changed into our pyjamas while Mom made hot chocolate to warm us up.  Then we spread our loot on the floor and sorted our goodies.  We never had any little plastic pumpkin but always a pillow case which was usually filled almost to the top.

We sorted our goodies by what was needed to be eaten soon and then peanuts went into one bowl, tootsies rolls and similar types of candy in another;  We got bubble gum; jaw breakers; licorice and a wide assortment of candies that could be seen at the Friendly Corner!!  Mom made popcorn balls and always saved ours for that night when we got home.  They were a big hit in our neighbourhood.

Mom would give us enough to eat that night and the bowls would go into the kitchen to be doled out on a daily basis.  Sandy and I always made sure that there was a big bowl of candy in the front room for Mom, Dad and Grandma which they always enjoyed.

I look back at those times and remember the fun we had.  No soaping windows; no doing damage to vehicles or houses; no stealing a little kid’s candy….just good fun with our friends and enjoying the night.

I am sure that a lot of you had the same experiences that I had.  Today, Hallowe’en is kind of a scary night with scary costumes and candy that has been doctored with razor blades, pins and whatever else a demented person would put in.  I am glad that I grew up when I did so I can look back with happiness on our Hallowe’en nights.