Delaware, U.S., Marriage Records, 1750-1954
Past In Review from 11-09-2004
100 years ago
Oct. 29, 1904
Hallowe’en Customs
What to Do and How to Dress the Parts of This
Quaint English Holiday
Hallowe’en, or All Hallowe’en, which occurs on the night of October 31, is the eve of the vigil of All Saints, or All Hallows Day, November 1st.
It was formerly believed that of all nights of the year, this is the one upon which supernatural influence most prevails. The spirits of the dead wander abroad, together with witches, devil and mischief-making elves and in some cases, the spirits of living persons were believed to have the temporary power to leave their bodies and join the ghostly crew. Children born on this day were believed to preserve through their youth the power to converse with the airy visitants.
Hence it is the night of all nights for divination. Impartially weighed against others, it is perhaps the best time in the whole year to ascertain just what sort of husband or wife one is to be blessed with. Hallowe’en is a curious recrudescence of classic mythology, Druidic belief and Christian superstitions. On November 1st, the Romans had a feast to Pomonia, the goddess of fruits and seeds, and it was then that the stores laid up in summer for use in winter were opened. Hence the appropriateness of the use of nuts and apples at this time. November 1st, or thereabouts, was also the great autumn festival to the sun, which the Druids celebrated in thanksgiving for their harvest. There are many Hallowe’en observances to prove it to be of Druidic origin, the chief of which is that in many parts of Ireland, October 31st was known as Oidche Shamhna, or Vigil of Saman.
We are told that on this night the peasants in Ireland assembled with sticks and clubs and went from house to house collecting money, breadcake, butter, cheese, etc. for the feast. A curious little book called “The Festyvall” (1511) mentions a custom obsolete even at that date. “We rede,” it says “in olde tyme good people wolde on All Halowen daye brake brade and dele it for all crysten soules.” But what was once a ceremony of belief has now become a thing of sport, so that now its observances are all jest which young people play upon. …
75 years ago
Oct 31, 1929
De Molay newshound notes
Howdy folks. This is station JRB broadcasting the latest De Molay news direct from the editorial rooms of the De Molay Newshounds. These boys are the latest products of the ever active Duncan Beard Chapter of Middletown. Just for your further and future info, the yare Joe, Ree, and Berky. And can they spread news? Just read on a little further and you shall see.
First, and oh boy! How we love it, a De Molay Hallowe’en party. That momentous occasion takes place on Nov. 4. just mark that on your book girls and keep your dates open for that certain De Molay who never fails to call. If, by an chance he should fail, just call Station JRB. Will they co-operate? Don’t ask.
Now that you know all about that, we come to a more serious side of the De Molay life – Installation. On November 7 the Wilmington Chapter will install the officers of the local lodge in their respective chairs. This is to be a Public Installation in the Presbyterian Church – open to all. The De Molays want every one to keep this date open for them. It is free and will give you a better insight into the work that the De Molay is doing among the boys of your town. It is really a duty that you attend to be sure and be there – November 7, Presbyterian Church.
This winter you are going to hear a lot of the De Molays. Just as a starter they have organized a basketball team with which to beat the High School team. Pardon us, we mean with which to play the High School.
We could write on for pages but we do not wish to take too much of your time so we will stop for a time to give you a chance to read other parts of the paper, but in the meantime, don’t forget the
De Molay Newshounds
50 years ago
Oct. 28, 1954
Lions Club Addressed By Albert S. Barnes
Report Was Given On Progress Of The Show “You Can’t Beat Fun”
The Middletown Lions Club held its regular meeting at the Park Grille, Monday night with President Harry A. Schagrin presiding.
The guest speaker was Albert S. Barnes, Supervisor of Customer Information of the Diamond State Telephone Company. Mr. Barnes fascinated the group with his, “Mighty Midget,” the transistor, which is a minute device that will eliminate the vacuum tube. He had with him a “Dick Tracy wrist watch radio” as well a many other marvelous scientific devices. He forecasts many new innovations in telephone long distance calls. Guest of Leonard Hamson was Mr. Jay C. Davis, who will be the master of ceremonies at the Lions play “You Can’t Beat Fun” Thursday and Friday nights. …
