Variations on Trix or Treats
Sane Halloween Observer
Note: (2-1-2024) various dates are lined-through here (since the old 2015 entry) to reflect primary sources rather than secondary are now referenced. In the THR archive library, various sets are depicted in candy ads (1946-1954) in Sears catalogs. And while this may not definitively narrow years of availability, it does indicate that variations in regional distribution may have been a stronger factor. More primary sources are needed concerning the cards appearances to consumer. In the meantime these cards are discussed further in The Halloween Retrospect: Rosen Moon Pop for the new book The Halloween Retrospect, Volume 2 that presents new details from on-hand catalogs.A quick visual survey of known sets of Rosen's Hallowe'en Trix or Treats lollipop-holder cards (with variations of style shown here dating from the 1930's to the 1950's).
The
1940s (left) - 1930s (right)
The art and size of Rosen's cards were overhauled at some time during the 1940's-1950's. And while curiously the owl is a continued presence, there are instead four different accompanying cards featuring more fantastic Hallowe'en creatures such as ghosts, dancing skeletons, and witches (one witch as a slight variation of previous imagery). While minimal in comparison to previous art, the colors and imagery retain a magically creepy quality. (I'm "a sucker" for blue in Halloween color schemes).
1940s
One final set also dates to the 1950's appears below. The owl again returns, as do images from the original sets. Fairly rough imitations of the originals with colors schemes of wan oranges and browns, I might venture to say this latter set may be for completion-collectors only.
1950s