Hallmark Halloween Part 3: 1970's
Hallmark
Vintage Halloween Collectibles
Part 3: 1970's
As with Hallmark Halloween Part 1: 1950’s and Hallmark Halloween Part 2: 1960’s the final entry considering the history of vintage Halloween collectibles by Hallmark (Ambassador, etc.) comes to a close with Hallmark Halloween Part 3: 1970’s All entries are part of a study by the archive librarian to get a better grasp on assembly, honeycomb, and pop-ups pieces created by Hallmark Cards, Inc. (1950-1980). This is all in regards to a research article (on a different topic of The THR, V3 to appear in THR’s bookstore). As with “Decrypting Dennison: Serial Number Guide Featuring Autumn Publications” (THR, V2), this entry into "later years" is pursued to exhaustively verify changes over the decades.
Shown here (and above) are details from a pop-up book
A Visit to a Haunted House (1972) by Hallmark.
A Visit to a Haunted House (1972) by Hallmark.
Vintage Hallmark Halloween
Party Decorations: 1970's
As the previous decade (1960's) comes to an end, Hallmark appears to approach the 1970's with changes in envelope style, and in general disposition from eerie to cheerful. If the author is to guess, it could be Hallmark during the 1970's is spooked by a cultural impressions of Halloween that has become too dangerous? Whatever the reason, the following does not question aesthetics, but focuses more on the general direction of packaging and formats. If readers know of designs during this time with spookier Halloween vibes, please send a note, or comment.
Below are a few items referenced in the 3-part vintage Halloween collectibles guide. Learn more in the blog entry over at The Halloween Retrospect: Hallmark Halloween: 1960's (that includes much notation on the company's direction including a less specific nature of items to October's festivities)
Above, Witch and Haunted House Centerpiece
by Hallmark is one of few Halloween centerpieces.
by Hallmark is one of few Halloween centerpieces.
Above, Tom Cat Centerpiece (1972) by Hallmark
is exemplary of a change in style during the 1970's.
is exemplary of a change in style during the 1970's.
Above,Skeleton Home Decoration by Hallmark
is one of a few exceptions that stays spooky.
is one of a few exceptions that stays spooky.
Above, the Great Pumpkin Centerpiece features Peanuts
(Linus, Snoopy, Woodstock) and dates to the 1970's.
(Linus, Snoopy, Woodstock) and dates to the 1970's.
Above, Happy Hauntings Centerpiece is devoid of
jack o'lanterns as seems intended for all-year fun.
jack o'lanterns as seems intended for all-year fun.
Above: Front cover of spooky-natured pop-up book
A Visit to a Haunted House (1972) by Hallmark.
A Visit to a Haunted House (1972) by Hallmark.
Above, The House on Haunted Hill
by Springbok Puzzles then w/Hallmark (1973).
by Springbok Puzzles then w/Hallmark (1973).
The Halloween Retrospect Series
While waiting for the next volume - be sure to see those that came before (listed below). The books offer bunches of more info than that which is found on the blog. Get the books for more data, sources, posters, and other inserts...
Article samples from guidebook Volume 2, THR.
Volume 2 of The Halloween Retrospect:
$25.00 + tax/shipping. (Etsy THR Bookstore)
The Halloween Retrospect, Volume 2 continues the tradition of researching America’s past Halloween marketplace. The guidebook’s feature article examines Dennison publications with significant finds from Framingham History Center. As well, V2 offers information on B. Shackman & Co, E. Rosen Co., and certain German imports (see cover art).
Article samples from guidebook Volume 1, THR.
Volume 1 of The Halloween Retrospect:
$25.00 + tax/shipping. (Etsy THR Bookstore)
The Halloween Retrospect, Volume 1 is the first in a series of new guide books (in digest form) to offer critical perspective of the traditional narrative surrounding vintage Halloween markets, and by result offering important information to collectors in the field.