Isms: Views on life in rural America

“Clothes make a statement. Costumes tell a story.”

I read this quote, by author Mason Cooley, recently and it made me think about Halloween traditions and costumes from my childhood and ones my kids wore.

Mom loved Halloween. She’d decorate our house with pumpkins and black cats and ghosts. Then, on Oct. 31, she’d create a tablescape by the front door, with a kitschy orange plastic pumpkin overflowing with candy, black taper candles and a notebook with parchment paper, so trick-or-treaters could sign in. Years later, she added a black cauldron with a spooky light illuminating inside.

Mom dress...