Halloween, also known as All Hallows’ Eve, is a holiday with an evolving history that includes the mid century. Halloween has always been about the presence of the past (in the form of spirits, ghosts or remnants of the departed) with the present. So we thought it was a good time to look back and ask, What did the mid century make of Halloween?
Mid Century Halloween Legacies
Well, one legacy is the accessibility of Halloween costumes. Home-made costumes were still prevalent but mass market costumes based on TV characters were becoming more popular and costume themes generally became less creepy to have wider appeal. The rise of suburbia, also a mid century phenomenon, helped to make trick or treating in costumes more of a wide scale practice. Concern for safe alternatives to wandering the streets gave rise to the increasing popularity of haunted houses.
Related Reading: Mid Century Modern Costume Ideas
Entertainment
Music and movies were a part of mid century Halloween, too. Horror as a film genre was established and growing by the 1950s with films such as The Fly, The Blob, Godzilla, and Invasion of the Body Snatchers. It wasn’t all serious and scary. The mid century was also the era that gave us the TV show The Addams Family.
Decor
Papier Mache was a popular material for spooky creations since the turn-of-the-century. But in the Mid Century, tin and plastic were materials of choice for buckets and toys. Beistle papergoods were a popular brand that emerged on the market in the 1920 and stayed popluar throughout the mid century. In fact in the Beistle is often credited for popularizing decorating for the spooky holiday in America.
Use these delightful mid century inspired Halloween decals to stick on your vintage Pyrex.
When the Full Moon Starts to Climb art print by Shag with scene from The Nightmare Before Christmas. While the Tim Burton classic Halloween film is more recent the mid century, artist Shag’s style is saturated with retro whimsy!
Orange says both Halloween and mid century, so this vintage fondue pot can serve you well all year and be particularly on-theme for Halloween!
Boo Spritz Art Print is a playful and simple way to add a splash of carefree, retro-inspired Halloween.
This Boo-merang night light made us smile and adds a glow of mid century inspired fun.
The glass maker of mid century fame is still producing gorgeous glass. Made from a handmade mould, this pumpkin is part of a whole fall collection.
For more fall MCM reads, check out Outdoor Halloween Decor with a Mid Century Vibe, Fire Up the Fall Color With These Burnt Orange Picks and 10 Mid Century Thanksgiving Table Essentials. And of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube for more Atomic Ranch articles, house tours, and ideas!
