This Saturday night is Halloween. In the old days this was the time for “Halloween Carnivals” with many fun activities for people of all ages. They were also good money raisers for financially strapped school budgets. In recent years, as anti-Christian forces have been bolder in their attacks on organized religion it has become more common to call programs on or before Halloween “fall festivals.” A change in nomenclature has made no difference in the wholesome, family-oriented activities characterizing these events. Sometimes, as the following excerpts from area newspapers make clear, there were pranks on Halloween that weren’t a part of any organized festival.

Oct. 31, 1874—For those that have been able to obtain it, the book Cobwebs from an Empty Skull will make excellent reading on this Halloween night.

Oct. 31, 1882—One of the most terrifying books to come off the press recently is Head-Hunters of Borneo. Undoubtedly many young Hartselle men will be attempting to scare their girlfriends tonight by reading them portions of this frightening tome.

Oct. 31, 1900—For those planning Halloween parties for the young folk of Hartselle, an indispensable guide will be Merry Diversions of Halloween. This book does not seek to scare those who participate in the activities it suggests, but only to ensure that they have an evening of fun.

June 28, 1941—Even though it’s quite awhile until Halloween, the Strand Theatre feature for tonight would fit perfectly into its October 31 schedule.  It’s entitled “The Monster and the Girl.”

Oct. 31, 1955—A big Halloween carnival was put on at MCHS tonight. A jazz band composed of Bobby Hargett, James Roberts, Skipper Drinkard, Bobby Adams, and Bobby Cain, all of the MCHS band, was featured.

Nov. 1, 1955—Halloween pranking went well out of bounds here in Hartselle last night as far as a small group of celebrants was concerned. One contingent toured the town in a car and engaged in target practice with streetlights. Others engaged in community vandalism in their rounds of “trick or treat” visits to local homes.

Nov. 10, 1955—Twelve teenagers, all MCHS students, have been arrested this week, charged with destroying public property in the course of a Halloween shooting spree.   Heavy damage was inflicted on neighborhood streetlights.

November 18, 1959—The Massey PTA is going to give the money taken in from the recent Halloween carnival to the school for purchase of needed instructional materials. Fred Summerford, a prominent community leader, took the principal role in this initiative.

 Oct. 29, 1960—The Crestline Elementary School Halloween carnival tonight was sponsored by the PTA. Games of bingo were enjoyed by those in attendance as well as a spook room and grab bag.

 Oct. 31, 1960—Although a vast crowd of trick or treaters was out in Hartselle tonight for Halloween, they apparently behaved themselves. Police reported no acts of vandalism. They only locked up two drunks during the night. Every store in Hartselle had well-soaped windows as did cars left out overnight.

Oct. 31, 1961—Halloween passed off quietly in Hartselle tonight. Trick or treaters were out in full force but no harm was done.

Oct. 31, 1962—Falkville High’s Halloween carnival was a big success tonight. Dejuana Ridgeway, the beautiful little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ridgeway, was voted “most popular baby” during the course of the festive evening.

Oct. 24, 2007—The Enquirer recommends a “scary” supper for kids on Halloween night to get them in the mood for trick or treating. The main ingredients are simple but nevertheless perennial kids’ favorites: meat and potatoes!

Oct. 16, 2009—A group of Hartselle first graders went on a field trip to Tate’s Farm in Meridianville. They had a great time carving pumpkins.

Oct. 28, 2011—The inaugural Boo Branch on Nasty Branch was held tonight in the city lot behind the Hartselle Public Library. By all accounts it was a great success.