10/10/2026
DID YOU KNOW? Chicago once voted to ban Halloween... 🎃
During the first few decades of the 20th century, Halloween became known for teenagers playing pranks. However, soon these pranks began to get out of control and the authorities began questioning how to combat these youthful bouts of destruction. In 1942, the Chicago City Council voted to ban Halloween all-together and instead implement 'Conservation Day' though this was never actually carried out.
Gradually, parades and celebrations helped quell the riotous prank-playing, though not totally. In the Northeast of the United States during the 1930's October 30th earned the nickname 'Mischief Night', as the various tricks associated with Halloween night merely happened twenty-four hours earlier. Over the successive decades local government bodies floated various 'alternatives' to All Hallows. In 1950, Pennsylvania Minister Clyde Allison began collecting change on Halloween night, the proceeds donated to UNICEF to help children affected by the Second World War - a campaign which continues to this day. However, some appear to have liked this idea a little too much.
In 1962, the mayor of New York, Robert F Wagner, would attempt to ban the holiday once again this time by replacing it with UNICEF day.
Back in 1950, other alternative holidays were suggested. President Truman considered an idea by the Judiciary Committee of the Senate was to hand out 'pledge cards' at schools, asking the recipients to pledge not to cause any destruction to public property. If this task was completed they would be admitted to a local halloween dance or event. According to Rogers, as a result All Hallows would be rechristened 'Youth Honour Day' - unsurprisingly, this plan was never implemented.
Image Credit: Wiki/Hennepin County Library [Public Domain]
