The Schoolmarm: A Halloween Memory
By The Schoolmarm • Oct 19th, 2008 • Category: safety
photo credit: NU Husky 91
Halloween was always fun for me as a kid, as I'm sure it was for you too. Dressing up, running around the neighborhood with friends and begging for candy. . . what's not to like?
During my years of trick or treating we never heard of needles in apples or tainted chocolate. We ate the unwrapped candy and homemade treats without questioning their safety. Most people in my hometown did not begrudge young children one night of fun and fantasy. It was different back then in many ways.
Parents never went out with us, as parents are wise to do today. We usually were in a group of kids, a motley crew for sure, with rarely a store-bought costume among us. We'd put on clothes that were too big or too small, fix our hair funny and put on a ten cent Lone Ranger type eye mask and out we'd go.
One year we were more creative, thanks to crepe paper. The crinkly art paper, gathered at the neck and waist, made my younger sister, Linda, a long, black, stretchy dress. . . a costume! I'm not sure what I was wearing, but I know I thought we looked really, really good.
That opinion was confirmed as our neighbors "made on" over us, inviting us into their homes to take a closer look. Linda was shy, but I loved the attention and chatted up a storm at every chance. It was great fun that year, until it turned terrifying.
Five year old Linda, with her little crepe paper dress, got too close to a stove with an open flame. I remember the fear that came over me. It happened in a flash. Fortunately the man who lived there reacted quickly and knew what to do. He forced Linda to the floor and rolled her back and forth to put out the fire.
Thank God my baby sister was not seriously burned, but halloween was over for us that year. The next October we were ready to go again, but we decided to skip the crepe paper!
Well, that's my scariest memory of Halloween as a kid, how about you?
Just a reminder to be extra cautious with your little goblins. Use flash lights, glow rings, (no burning candles), stay close by them, and keep their memories happy ones!
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Hi Schoolmarm,
Yes, I remember that day very well. I can still see the flames shoot up from my witch's costume. I can also remember being quickly placed on a rug and rolled on the floor as well as the singed eyebrows that were left as a reminder of my Halloween misadventure.
As an adult, the thing that amazes me most is that I continued to enjoy the fun of Halloween in our small town- the joy of getting dressed in my costume and getting the same treats from the same people each year. Looking thru grownup eyes, I can see the resiliency of youth when they feel support and nuturing after an unpleasant experience. My family (including the Schoolmarm) surrounded me with a feeling of love and security. I was very fortunate. I still enjoy Halloween, and you are a very lucky trick-or-treater if you knock on my door. I give lots and lots of goodies.
Happy Halloween,
Linda