Photos, videos and docs of Alan Mays, with the keywords: "parties"

Opening Party Ticket, Fox's Hall, South Worcester, N.Y., December 15, 1887

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 10 May 2026 05:19:57 +0000

A Victorian-era ticket with a unique border and striking typefaces.

Typefaces: Bank-Note Italic Ornamented, 1875 ("Opening Party") , Mystic, 1882 (“Fox's Hall, South Worcester, N.Y.”).

Thanks to Florian Hardwig for identifying the typefaces.

Opening Party at Fox's Hall, South Worcester, N.Y.

Thursday Evening, Dec. 15, 1887
Music by Belcher's Full Band.

Yourself and lady are respectively invited.

Bill $1.50.

J. D. Beard, Manager. E. Fox, Prop'r.

Halloween Party Invitation, Lancaster, Pa., October 31, 1912

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 03:10:50 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Eight years after Alice Graybill and her sisters held their Halloween party at 718 North Plum Street in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the 1920 United States Federal Census recorded that the Graybills still lived at the same address. Alice was 31 years old in 1920, and she worked as a weaver in a silk mill. The census listed Alice as the owner of the home and the head of the household.

There were six family members living at the house on Plum Street that year:

-- Alice W. Graybill, 31, single, head of the house, weaver, silk mill
-- Susan W. Graybill, 29, sister, weaver, silk mill
-- Ada W. Graybill, 27, sister, cleaner, silk mill
-- Weidler Graybill, 25, brother, machinist, machine shop
-- Marie Graybill, 15, sister, winder, silk mill
-- Grace Graybill, 12, sister, no occupation listed

So at the time of their Halloween party in 1912, Alice and her sisters would have been about 23, 21, 19, 7, and 4 years old (perhaps they allowed brother Weidler at age 17 to attend, too).

Alice eventurally married, and as Alice Graybill Harrington (1888-1969) she lived to the age of 80.

For some other early twentieth-century Halloween invitations, see:

-- Witches Watch Halloween Party Invitation, October 31, 1914
-- A Halloween Masquerade Invitation! October 23, 1920
-- Greetings for Halloween—Invitation for Revelry on Mystic Halloween, 1923

Yourself and friend are cordially invited to attend
A Hallowe'en Party

to be given at the home of
Alice Graybill and sisters

On Thursday evening, October the thirty-first
nineteen hundred and twelve

No. 718 North Plum Street, Lancaster, Pa.

R.S.V.P.

Sophomore Barn Party Ticket, East Petersburg, October 27, 1920

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 03:10:42 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

David Bachman Landis of Landis Art Press (formerly Pluck Art Printery) printed this Halloween party ticket for the sophomore class of a local high school or college. Perhaps it was for students at Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and they may have taken the special 7:00 p.m. streetcar from Lancaster to East Petersburg, which is located about six miles away. Or possibly it was for a group in East Petersburg itself.

Compare this ticket with two others that Landis that printed, one for a dance held two days later--Hell'o'een Masked Dance Ticket, Lancaster, Pa., October 29, 1920--and another for a dance that took place two years later--Black Cat Dance Ticket, Lancaster, Pa., October 27, 1922.

Soph. Barn Party

East Petersburg, October 27, 1920.

Special car leaves square 7:00 p.m.

Price per couple, $.150 [$1.50?].

A Halloween Masquerade Invitation! October 23, 1920

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 03:10:48 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

I'm guessing that a masquerade held near the end of the month of October in the year MCMXX (or 1920 in Arabic numerals) would have had something to do with Halloween. One of the classes—juniors, sophomores, or freshmen—at an unidentified high school or college evidently created this invitation to ask the seniors to come to a party "garbed in costumes appropriate for th' occasion."

Also, someone used a pencil on the invitation to darken the masquerader's ruffle and add lines to some of the squares in the plaid clothing design.

A Masquerade!

When? Saturday, October 25, MCMXX at 7:30 o'clock.

Where? In the Conference Rm., News Bld'g.

Hark, ye seniors: come garbed in costumes appropriate for th' occasion.

Happy Tinted Birthday

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 03 Mar 2019 05:26:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park monthly topic of birthdays (submit a photo on this topic each week in addition to—or instead of—a photo for the weekly topic).

A tinted photo of a stylish birthday celebration.

Hearty Partiers (Cropped)

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 04:58:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

The woman on the left is holding a ratchet noisemaker. A BPO[E] (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) flag is draped over the shoulder of the woman in the middle. The woman on the right is holding a mask.

Take a look at the full version of this real photo postcard to see the entire group of partygoers.

Hearty Partiers

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 07 Jan 2019 04:58:04 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A Vintage Photos Theme Park photo for the theme of the secret lives of grown-ups (adults letting loose and having fun or possibly behaving badly with other adults; all in good taste, of course).

Printed on the back of this real photo postcard: "Novelty Studio, 1118 First Ave., Seattle."

These three couples are ready for a party. The woman on the left, who's a little out of focus for some reason, is holding a ratchet noisemaker. The man in the back on the left is holding a BPO[E] (Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks) flag that's draped over the shoulder of the woman in the middle. The woman on the right is holding a mask (mouse over the image for a better look at the noisemaker, flag, and mask). The man on the right has some sort of flag tucked under his right arm, and all of them except that man are wearing party or regular hats.

Were they attending a New Year's party at an Elks Lodge?

Haunted Birthday Party, Sept. 1955

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 21 Oct 2016 20:47:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park for the topics of spirit photography / ghostly images / haunted houses (post up to 3 images on any combination of these themes).

Representatives from the spirit world have seemingly materialized just in time to sing "Happy Birthday" in what is actually just a double exposure.

See my Ghosts and Hauntings album for more spooky photos.

Halloween Party Invitation, Lancaster, Pa.

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Fri, 16 Sep 2016 18:37:22 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"You are invited to attend a Hallowe'en party to be given by the employees of the Lancaster Stanley-Warner Theatres at the Capitol, Saturday nite, November 1, 11:30 p.m. This invitation admits one. Fifty cents."

For other vintage Halloween party invitations, see Witches Watch Halloween Party Invitation, October 31, 1914, Halloween Party Invitation with Bat and Witch, Come to a Hallowe'en Party, and Yooooo Are Invited to a Halloween Party (below),

A Halloween Party at the Set of Sun

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:03:26 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"A Hallowe'en party! Oh, that's the fun / We'll join it at the set of sun."

Breakfast in the Women's Dorm

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 08 Jan 2015 17:58:10 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A breakfast photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park.

(In selecting images for the VPTP, I normally attempt to find a new photo that I haven't previously posted on Ipernity. But the frig was bare when I went to look for breakfast, so I'm reheating this pic for this week's theme.)

An early photo mounted on cardboard captures a group of young women in a student dormitory room (note the bed with folded blanket at lower right). These fourteen ladies have apparently crowded into a single room to share breakfast. Many of them are holding doughnuts, and one--standing in the corner at right--is eating a banana. Some of the students are pretending to feed each other, and a number of them have their eyes closed, possibly due to whatever the photographer used for a flash.

Various photos and artworks adorn the walls, including a print hanging in the upper right-hand corner that's derived from Heinrich Hofmann's painting of Christ in Gethsemane (1890). The blinds on the window at the back of the room are pulled down, and what seems to be an American flag is partially hidden in the folds of the curtains.

There wasn't any caption or description on the photo, unfortunately, and we may never know what special occasion or celebration it was that prompted this dorm-room get-together.

Whirl-O Halloween Fortune and Stunt Game

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 27 Oct 2014 15:31:57 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Don't forget to make time for stunts during your Halloween party! This handy dandy Whirl-O spinner makes it easy. Who wouldn't want to "Whistle 'Yankee Doodle' with a saucepan on your noodle" or "Throw ten feet, never fail, three potatoes in a pail"? You'll find out who can "Squirm and wiggle, then laugh and giggle" or who's more likely to "Keep a straight face for a while, let nobody make you smile."

Of course, you'll have to prepare ahead of time. In addition to a saucepan, potatoes, and a pail, you'll need some string, a broom, a blindfold, an apple, some balloons, needle and thread, and a bunch of other stuff.

Check out the full list of stunts below. You may want to practice each one before the party so that you can demonstrate for your guests.

--------

Whirl-O Halloween Fortune and Stunt Game

Take a string and where you stand, tie a knot with just one hand.
Ride a broom around the floor, come back where you were before.
Leap like a frog and give a croak.
Walk a strait line to the end, never slip or descend.
Turn blindfolded ten times round point to your love.
On your tip-toes nice and fine, cross the room in one strait line.
Push an apple, nothing more, with your nose across the floor.
Stand up and bow, and moo like a cow.
Squirm and wiggle, then laugh and giggle.
Try your wind and see how soon you can burst a toy balloon.
Take a needle, shove thread in it, all in less than half a minute.
Throw ten feet, never fail, three potatoes in a pail.
Swing an apple on a string, bite it on the second swing.
See if you can show this knack, tie a bow behind your back.
Whistle Yankee Doodle with a saucepan on your noodle,
Bite and chew as fast as able five marshmallows from the table.
Keep a straight face for a while, let nobody make you smile.
Stand on your toes and wiggle your nose.
Spin like a top until you have to stop.
Make a spoon linger on your little finger.

Halloween Ghost Party Ticket, Reading, Pa., 1954

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 09 Oct 2014 16:35:03 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Ghost Party, Saturday evening, October 23rd, at 9:00 o'clock, Harmony Maennerchor, 204 Lancaster Avenue. Admit one ghost, $1.50."

See also Ghost Party Ticket, Reading, Pa., on Fonts In Use for Florian Hardwig's discussion of the typefaces (Metropolis Light, Stylescript, Goudy Oldstyle, and Bernhard Gothic) used on this card.

Witches Watch Halloween Party Invitation, October 31, 1914

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 29 Sep 2014 15:41:48 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Witches Watch - Oct. 31st, '14. 8:00 p.m. - Masks! 2439 No. Eleventh Street. Admission - 25¢. ea. Guess you know who all!"

Handwritten note on the back of the invitation: "George: Let me know if you come and how--singles or doubles! Marg. Hunsicker, 2852 N. Orkney St."

A hundred-year-old Halloween party invitation! The flustered jack-o'-lanterns appear to be printed die-cut pumpkin shapes, but I'm not certain whether the witch silhouette was cut by hand or from a die. After using Google to search for the addresses (2439 N. Eleventh Street and 2852 N. Orkney Street), I believe that the location is probably Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

I was surprised to discover that I couldn't find any precedent for the term "Witches Watch." I assumed that watching for the appearance of witches would be a common activity--and party theme--during the Halloween season, but the only reference to a similarly named event that I was able to locate came from the Spokane Daily Chronicle, Oct. 21, 1937, p. 3: "'Witches' Watch Halloween Ball. Chewelah, Wash., Oct. 21--(Special.)--Witches and pumpkins of paper decorated the Masonic hall Wednesday night when the Eastern Star held its invitational dance. Refreshments were served."

Or perhaps I have it all wrong--maybe the witches are the ones who are doing the watching. Or--on a sillier note--could it refer to a timepiece worn by witches? Any other sightings of "Witches Watch" out there?

Three O'Clock in the Morning

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 02:38:02 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A Vintage Photos Theme Park photo for the theme of outdoors at night.

Handwritten note on the back of this snapshot: "3 oclock in the morning."

Five women and three men pose for a photo at three o'clock in the morning. A handmade "welcome" sign on the door includes a drawing of two skull and crossbones.

Evening Basket Sociable Invitation, Maytown, Pa., October 12, 1895

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Thu, 03 Jul 2014 01:40:12 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

"Basket. Yourself and friend are cordially invited to attend an evening sociable, complimentary to Mr. Clayton W. Souders, on Saturday evening, October 12, '95. Meet at his home, near Maytown, at 7 o'clock. Committee: Mary K. Felker, Lizzie H. Farmer. Should the weather be unfavorable the sociable will be held the following Wednesday evening."

Kadin's Birthday Cake, Goofy Ball, and Other Toys

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Wed, 16 Jul 2014 16:05:35 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

A birthday cakes photo for the Vintage Photos Theme Park. For another fun birthday cake photo, see Happy Birthday to--Hey, Are You Taking My Picture?

After enlarging this snapshot, I was able to determine the birthday boy's name--Kadin--from the decoration on the cake, and one of the cards revealed that he was celebrating his second birthday as he posed with his gifts.

Kadin's 1950s-era toys include the kaleidoscope he's holding, a metal spintop next to his left foot, some sort of metal cylindrical push toy to the right of the top, an inflatable Goofy Ball, and a drum (mouse over the image to see my notes).

The room's decor features boldy decorated cushions leaning against the wall behind Kadin and a square-base table lamp positioned on the end table on the right-hand side.

Birthday Offering, Cookman M. E. Church, Oct. 15, 1912

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:16:34 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1896 and 1910 (below).

Birthday Offering, will be held in the Social Hall of Cookman M. E. Church, October 15, 1912, by the Epworth League in honor of the 45th birthday of George W. Young.

Upon this card, a little sack,
We give to you with pleasure;
Please either send or bring it back,
Having filled it from your treasure.
To put in pennies were are told,
As many years as you are old;
And if your name in public be read,
We promise the number will never be said.
Refreshments will be served to all,
and we kinly invite you to make a call;
And earnestly pray that the Lord will bless
And crown the work with abundant success.

The proceeds are for the benefit of the society.
If not convenient to attend, please forward sack with your offering.

Birthday Party, Nantmeal M. E. Church, Sept. 15, 1910

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:16:36 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1896 and 1912 (below).

The Mite Society will give a Birthday Party, Thursday evening, Sept. 15th, 1910, in the Nantmeal M. E. Church, Rev. J. S Tomlinson, pastor.

This birthday party
Is given to you;
We hope you will come,
And propose if you do,
An agreeable time.
Some good things to eat
And besides many others
A musical treat.
As we could not secure
The number of candles
To let your light shine,
We send this fandangle;
Put safely within it
As many round pennies
As years you are old.
Your light will be bright.
If you send it or bring it.
While we will keep dark,
If you wish, what's within it.
The Mite Society
With greetings most hearty,
Feel sure you will come
To your own birthday party.

Birthday Party, Parryville Methodist Church, Feb. 18, 1896

nobody@ipernity.com (Alan Mays) — Sun, 22 Nov 2015 06:16:38 +0000

Alan Mays has posted:

Church groups and other organizations used variations of this poem to invite members to "Birthday Party" gatherings that were both social get-togethers and fundraising events. See additional examples from 1910 and 1912 (below).

Birthday Party, in the Methodist Church, Parryville, Tuesday evening, February 18, 1896, at seven o'clock. Invitation.

This "Birthday Party" is given for you, 'tis something novel, something new.
We send to you a little sack--please either send or bring it back
With as many cents as you're years old, we vow the number will ne'er be told.
Methodist people with greetings hearty, fell sure you'll attend your own birthday party.

Benefit of the Ladies' Aid Society of the Methodist Church. Cake and coffee free.