Our Halloween Parties didn’t have much to do with Halloween. Many of us remember these as the best parties we ever attended or hosted. Like most such events, it probably had something to do with dressing up in a costume (required). So many parties, so many pictures, so many beers. The origins of our Halloween parties are unknown to all but a few. Some trace the beginning to The First Memphis Halloween. A great party by any measure. Perhaps The First Halloween Party of Modern Times.

But the first Halloween party was held a year (or two?) before on a farm somewhere near Cape Girardeau, Missouri. I remember the party as having been organized by Marcy Fern Smith, a roommate of Joann’s. Or it might have been friends of Marcy. The photographs above are from the Cape Halloween party.

• 1974: East Moreland, Memphis, TN
• 1975: Carol Drive, Kennett, MO (Allan and Steve’s)
• 1976: Carol Drive, Kennett, MO (Allan and Steve’s)
• 1977: Barbara Drive, Kennett, MO (Allan and Steve’s)
• 1978: Barabara Drive, Kennett, MO (Wedding Reception)
• 1979: Ann Hicklin’s
• 1980: Ann Hicklin’s
• 1981: Dr. Peck’s Office

We took a lot of photos but the cameras were often cheap and the photographers were almost always drunk.