Halloween memories live in collectables
Every October, when it’s time to either design an acceptable costume for my daughter or give in and buy something elaborate and overpriced, I start feeling a little nostalgic for those flimsy costumes from my childhood.
The inexpensive rayon, paper or plastic costumes and the thin plastic masks, were made in the U.S.A. by companies like Collegeville, Ben Cooper or Halco.
Most were sold at variety stores and “five and dimes” across the country for around $2.
My children have grown up in the age of big-box discount stores with aisles full of imported costumes for adults as well as youngsters. (When they were very small, I used to knock myself out making “heirloom” creations for them. Fortunately, we all grew out of that.)
Now, everyone but my youngest is in charge of his or her own costume.
Last weekend, while in Kalispell, Mont., I spent some time exploring the rooms and booths at the Kalispell Antiques Market.
The large antique mall is in a space carved out of the basement of an old building on Main Street. A fancy western-wear store and an old-fashioned soda fountain are on the main level. (Something for everyone, right?)
Just as I was about to leave I spotted a 1950s or 60s vintage Collegeville Halloween costume, still in the original box. I bought it and brought it home to show my children the kind of thing I used to wear. They weren’t impressed.
The size 8-10 “Gypsy girl” set, priced at $10, includes a colorful rayon costume, and a plastic mask. I considered it money well spent for a teaching moment.
Halloween collectibles can command steep prices. Although most of the vintage Halloween decorations and costumes found on today’s collectibles market were mass produced and inexpensive, they have a dedicated following among collectors because they are such an important part of American culture.
As with vintage Christmas items, many of the most collectible Halloween items were manufactured in Germany.
Although rarity, condition and popularity determine the value, Halloween items often show a little wear and tear. Slight damage doesn’t necessarily affect the price.
My daughter, who just happens to be a girl’s size 8-10, isn’t interested in wearing the old costume I brought home. She is going out dressed as a horse. In a plush costume we bought weeks ago.
Resources
For more information on vintage Halloween costumes and collectibles, look for these books:
Halloween Collectables: A Price Guide, by Dan and Pauline Campanelli. Published 1995 by LW Publishing. List price $24.95
Halloween in America: A Collector’s Guide with Prices, by Stuart L. Schneider. Published 1997 by Schiffer Publishing. List price $29.95
Vintage Halloween Collectibles: Identification and Price Guide, by Mark B. Ledenbach. Published 2003 by Krause Publications. List price $24.99
Halloween Favorites in Plastic, by Charlene Pinkerton. Published 1998 by Schiffer Publishing. List price $19.95
Dressed for Thrills: 100 Years of Halloween Costumes and Masquerade, by Phyllis Galembo. Published 2002 by Harry N. Abrams. List price $24.95