It’s that time of year again, the time when the well manicured yards of Indy turn into cemeteries, fields of pumpkins and displays of cobwebs and spooky creatures. It’s Halloween 2021 and this year, more than ever, those who celebrate are doing it with vintage flair!
Many of us have decorations that we have accumulated through the years. But, if you are new to the Halloween experience you can find everything you need at the local antique malls, thrift stores and possibly by paying a visit to Grandma’s attic.
Halloween blow molds from 1956-1970 are in high demand this year. Top mid 20th century manufacturers include Union Products, Empire, Bayshore Industries and Renzi, each of which made a wide selection of pumpkins, ghosts and monsters. Early issues were one solid piece made of celluloid but as the years of manufacturer progressed, vacucell and fiberglass became more common. The bulk of those pieces that have survived will be vacucell molds which were made in two pieces and held together with staples on the sides. Most blow molds were made with a small light that fits in the base of the mold. With the passage of time these will quite often be missing, but don’t let that stop you from purchasing a piece you love. These new (and safer) lights are available online for $3-$5.
From the 1970s come a wide range of jointed and flat die-cuts. Some of these are fragile and need to be hung in a window while other have a hard surface backing and can be used outdoors if partially protected from the elements. Beistle die-cuts are among the most popular with their jointed skeletons, black cats and pumpkins at the top of the “must have” list for Halloween 2021. In 2012 the Beistle family reissued many of their die-cuts from 1920-1950 with a line they call “Vintage Biestle”. Unlike the original works, which can run you $50-$100 each, the new line offers the same creepy persona in the $3-$10 range.
Inflatable yard art from the 1980s has emerged as one of the top selling decorations on eBay for 2021. Witches, bats and black cats are in demand but they take a backseat to the number one seller, Frankenstein. As common sense would dictate many of these 40 year old decorations have become punctured through the years so check out any piece you are considering very carefully and just in case, keep a small air compressor handy.
If your yard display is still lacking that “wow” factor try adding a black light or strobe light. For best effect with a black light, pick up some bright colored florescent paint to use on your tombstones and skeletons. Adding a strobe light makes a great special effect, especially if you have a few “live” monsters in your yard.
Some of the best vintage decorations are the ones that have been handmade and handed down through the family. My grandmother had a huge spider that she put on the front porch roof every Halloween and when she was finished with it, it went to my parents and then to me. It eventually met its demise, but for many years it was the center of our yard display. If you don’t have a giant cobweb, floating ghost or a ten foot spider from your grandma, then round up the kids and make a decoration that is uniquely yours.
Now for the finishing touch! Make that spooky yard come alive with music. Go vintage with “The Monster Mash,” classical with “Phantom of the Opera” or dig out your copy of the Michael Jackson/Vincent Price collaboration “Thriller” and you will have the whole neighborhood dancing! Until next time . . . Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com
