Happy Halloween!

Long before the Great Pumpkin, Scream Queens, or Marvel Universe costumes, The Saturday Evening Post cover artists were entertaining Americans with the spooky, ghoulish, and adorable tricks and treats of Halloween.

Witches’ Night Out—Eugene Iverd

Duck and cover, trick-or-treaters. This coven flies with an arsenal of bats and jack-o’-lantern-bearing ghouls.

Eugene Iverd October 29, 1927
Eugene Iverd
October 29, 1927


Lighting the Pumpkin—Eugene Iverd

This classic cover captures the joy stemming from the first pumpkin lighting. Our only concern? The flammability of his costume.

Eugene Iverd November 3, 1934
Eugene Iverd
November 3, 1934


Witch’s Mask—Charles Kaiser

“Boo!” No one would ever guess there’s a curly-haired, doe-eyed girl behind the mask.

Charles Kaiser October 31, 1942
Charles Kaiser
October 31, 1942


Witches’ Night Out—J.C. Leyendecker

No need to fear this warty witch—looks like the chilly October air may put an end to her Halloween plans.

J.C. Leyendecker October 27, 1923
J.C. Leyendecker
October 27, 1923


Jester with Pumpkin—E.M. Jackson

A jack-o’-lantern fit for a king—served only on the finest silver platter, of course.

E.M. Jackson October 28, 1922
E.M. Jackson
October 28, 1922


Pumpkin in Wheelbarrow—J.C. Leyendecker

Bringing home the biggest pumpkin seems like a good idea, but the work of slugging it home might prove too much for this orange-cheeked young man.

J.C. Leyendecker November 29, 1913
J.C. Leyendecker
November 29, 1913


Trick-or-Treat—Ellen Pyle

The young lady on this Ellen Pyle cover can’t help but wonder why these two are always clownin’ around.

Ellen Pyle October 25, 1930
Ellen Pyle
October 25, 1930


Tricking Trick-or-Treat—Amos Sewell

There’s always one neighbor who emphasizes the trick in trick-or-treating.

Amos Sewell November 3, 1951
Amos Sewell
November 3, 1951


Trick-or-Treating in the Burbs—John Falter

Halloween lesson no. 1: A bathrobe, baggy sport coat, or pillowcase is suitable costume wear when coupled with a homemade mask.

John Falter November 1, 1958
John Falter
November 1, 1958