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In the past I have written about some of the weird and bizzare things that have happened in and around the Cedar Valley. You can read more about those type of Halloween activities in the article “The Ghosts of Eagle Mountain“. The purpose of this article is to show traditions and ways that residents of Eagle Mountain, Cedar Fort and other Ceder Valley cities would celebrate October 31st.
The book “Our Roots Grow Deep – A History of Cedar Valley” by Margery J. Peterson contains some information about how previous generations would celebrate Halloween.
HALLOWEEN One is aware that this holiday has arrived by the decorations on lawns and porches in Cedar Fort. Cornstalks, Scarecrows, and pumpkins abound. Children dress up in weird or cute costumes, knock on doors, than standing there say, “Trick or Treat”. The host or hostess attempts to guess each person’s identity before providing a treat. In former years, Halloween always meant house parties and tricks pulled on friends and neighbors. House parties consisted of a spook alley, games and treats. The most memorable spook alleys began with an old ladder leaning against the house, and you had to climb up it to the second story window to enter. Here one stepped on a child’s cradle (bed rocker), and after being rocked off onto a tick( mattress), you were lead through alot of other obstacles, until blindfolded you were placed on a plank to slide down the stairway. Sheldon Cook remembers when E. J. Peterson’s wagon was put tongue first under the tithing office. Others remember when ll of Minnie Clarks clothes on the clothesline were changed for that of other neighbors. William Hackings wagon was taken apart and reassembled on top of his barn. Alfred Anderson once stood guard by his gate, when a group of boys came along on horses, lifted the gate out from under him and rode off with it. Some other ghastly tricks consisted of turning over “out-houses”, running off with wagons and exchanging gates. All things were done in fun, but sometimes they seemed otherwise. Reba Cook, Darlene Elton and Ruth Cook once dressed up and walked into the Relief Society Presidency meeting at Paralee Stricklands, saying they were the Relief Society sisters from Tickville, arriving just in time for refreshments. They all had a good laugh and ate refreshments together.
The book also gives several more accounts of how some Halloween traditions went. Mamie Alena Calton Butterfield of Cedar Fort recalled, “, we had the most fun Halloween and Christmas parties. One year Lillian and I hid at the cemetery under a couple of sheets. We lay there for such a long time. Finally, Carl, Lillian’s husband came up and asked why we weren’t at the party. That year the kids never did make it to the cemetery.” Not all experiences were positive ones. It is said that Kenneth Le Strickland, also from Cedar Fort, had this experience. “One Halloween night Kenneth was wearing a mask and running behind a track. The track stopped quick and he ran into the back. It chipped two of his front teeth and cut through his lip.”
In the October 30th, 1952 issue of the Lehi Press it talks about a big party planned in Cedar Fort.
Cedar Fort Plans Hallowe’en Dance Friday. Cedar Fort’s big Hallowe’en dance will be held tomorrow, Friday, a good time promised to all who attend. There is always something extra about a dance at Cedar Fort. Carter’s orchestra will furnish the music and everyone is invited to don overalls or aprons and come out for an extra special evening. Dancing will continue from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Plenty of donuts and soft drinks will be on sale for the crowd. Proceeds will go toward the purchase of records for the ward record player as an aid to children’s entertainments. The dance is sponsored by M Men and Gleaners of the ward who are using the autumn and hallowe’en theme for a spooky setting. Follow the crowd to Cedar Fort for an outstanding evening.
Halloween can be fun, but it also can be dangerous. The Utah Health Department has several tips that will help make your Halloween a safe one.
Children are more than twice as likely to be hit by a car and killed on Halloween than on any other day of the year.Their Halloween Safety site gives us some guidance on making this Halloween a safe one. “Carry a flashlight or glow stick to increase visibility to drivers. Not only will these help drivers see you better, but they are a lot of fun too!” Other tips include using face paint instead of masks. Wear sturdy shoes to prevent falls and trips.
Tips for Drivers
- Drive more slowly and anticipate heavy pedestrian traffic on and near the road.
- Be sure to drive with your full headlights on so you can spot children from greater distances.
- Take extra time to actively look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs.
- Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully.
- Remember that children are excited on this night and may move in unpredictable ways.
- Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and pedestrians.
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.