Alan Mays

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Posted: 16 Oct 2017


Taken: 16 Oct 2017

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International Art Publishing
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Halloween Apple Peeling to Predict the Future

Halloween Apple Peeling to Predict the Future
Postmarked South Amboy, N.J., Oct. 8, 1909, and addressed to Miss E. E. Isenberg, R.F.D. No. 1, Box 17, Hollidaysburg, Pa.

Handwritten message: "South Amboy, Oct. 8th. Dear Elda, We were all to New York yesterday. Had a nice time, went to the Hippodrome, the day was fine. I looked about plume [feathers for hats; see plume hunting]--you can do better in Altoona. Do not forget to meet me at Frankstown on Monday eve at [the] five [o'clock] train. You can come in buggy. Mama."

In this Halloween postcard by illustrator Bernhardt Wall, a young woman is tossing a long apple peel over her shoulder, believing that the peel will fall to the floor in the shape of a letter that will reveal the first letter of her future husband's name (strangely, a number of peels that spell "Hallowe'en" are floating in the background). This apple peeling practice is one of a number of Halloween games and rituals that were depicted on postcards published in the early twentieth century.

arts enthusiast, John FitzGerald, Smiley Derleth have particularly liked this photo


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