Dear HRPS Members and Friends,
I used to think of "The Holidays" as beginning with Thanksgiving and going through New Year's Day or January 6 or 7 for some. I think we need to back that up to include Halloween now, as here in Nevada, Halloween = Statehood Day (though the official holiday is usually celebrated before the 31st).
More significant though, is the amount of effort and money that goes into Halloween decorations that start as early as September. According to one source, we now spend almost a third as much on Halloween as we do on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa combined.
While my generation remembers the costumes we made (not bought), and which neighbors made homemade treats (popcorn balls, donuts) vs. candy, and which houses gave small candies vs. a whole Hershey bar, today's remembrances may well be about how the house was decorated and what kind of displays were in the front yards of all the houses. (My neighbor goes full out with ghouls, gourds, goblins, lights, spiderwebs, tombstones, and caskets.)
Vintage Halloween 40 or 50 years from now, may be as much about quaint light displays and yard decor as what character's costumes were worn.
Thus, history evolves, which is why at HRPS we are dedicated to preserving the memory of what was, before it gets forgotten.
People in their 80s and 90s have living memories that stretch back during and even before WWII, with the old timers of their youth spanning back to the 19th century. This treasure trove of knowledge is rapidly disappearing, so as you gather with family and friends over the next couple of months, take the opportunity to share stories, ask questions, and absorb all that knowledge.
And if you're getting serious about collecting and preserving your family history, we've listed a few resources for you.
Speaking of memories, you can create some new ones by booking a ride on one of the historic V&T Railroad's special holiday excursions. Book early as these sell out fast. Details below.
We have two new Lifetime Members to welcome this month - Linda Doerr, and Gary Foote. Linda is a relatively new member of HRPS. Gary is the grandson of Harry Foote, founder of Harry's Business Machines in 1928. Thank you for your support of HRPS!
Our last program of the year before we take a break in December is historian and former District Court Judge, Chuck Weller. Mr. Weller has written a history of Nevada's participation in WWII. It should be an interesting presentation, and a great way to honor Nevada veterans this month!
