Halloween Mischief Gone Too Far

It seems as though some youth took the Halloween pranks a little too far in Westminster (Carroll County) in 1881. The Democratic Advocate outlined some of the damage caused — and possible consequences — for those responsible.

“Breaking window-panes, daubing houses with mud, tearing away and breaking doorsteps and yard gates and fences, throwing corn into the faces of ladies and gentlemen on the streets, opening doors and throwing it into houses, is not Halloweve fun, it is malicious mischief that deserves severe punishment,” reported the newspaper.

“Those who destroyed property on last Monday night, All Halloween, need not be surprised if they will have to answer for it in court, as some citizens are determined to prosecute them if they can ascertain who they are. They don’t object to fun, but are decidedly adverse to having buildings defaced and property carried off and injured.”

Source: Democratic Advocate, November 5, 1881