NEW Sixth reference for Halloween!
Announcing Halloween Artifacts, Volume 2: Festoons which is book six (!!!) in a two-year+ publication venture from the archive library of The Halloween Retrospect! This will continue the Halloween Artifacts series with large-scale full-color photographs spanning 114 pages. This bigger 8-1/2 x 11 format offers multiple views of familiar and unfamiliar vintage objects, together with data from past makers, vendors, and advertisers (aka 630+ primary sources) accompanying content as illustrative samples and THR’s thorough timelines.
10-21-2025 This newest reference for vintage Halloween collectibles is now available to purchase on THR’s bookstore via Etsy.
Volume 2: Festoon of the Halloween Artifacts series focuses on the magic mutability of tissue paper to become what vintage vendors promoted as festoons. This includes such wonders as honeycomb centerpieces, tissue garlands, hat crowns, and all kinds of general swag seen in the markets of vintage Halloween 1900-1970. Once again, across the main 100 page – the guide presents a gallery-area (leaving behind the postage-stamp scale of past publications). This time we see works by Beistle, Dennison, Hallmark, and Norcross. (naming those identifiable among others makers not well known to modern audiences).
When available the Halloween Artifacts, Volume 2: Festoons collectibles reference will appear in publications along with with more imagery, and an etsy checkout link. This author sells via THR Etsy Bookstore to control stock quality, manage applicable taxes as required, and ship in a sturdy box.
Available October 21st, 2025 – see publications.
The cover of Halloween Artifacts, Volume 2: Festoons features an antique honeycomb centerpiece by Beistle seen in the pages of the book. (Photograph & design by Wiley for THR).
Available October 21st, 2025 – see publications.
Volume Two: Contents
Halloween Artifacts, Volume 2: Festoons
Available as an 8-1/2″×11″ full-color 114-page book of big images together with synchronous data from novelty merchandise catalogs held in The Halloween Retrospect archive library.
Contents:
Foreword by Chris Conte (pg. 4) shares memories of holiday decorating traditions and the significance of tissue-paper honeycomb to create magic. Includes tips for modern collectors.
Contains collage of vintage Hallmark Halloween products packaging.
Contours, Crowns, & Flourishes The Magic Mutability of Holiday Tissue Paper Designs (pg. 5) is the author’s introduction that builds for readers a sense of an important material that lends both structural and decorative elements to Halloween objects.
Contains three photos to illustrate concepts.
Introduction Revisiting a Foreword from Research Series THR, Vol. 1 (pg. 6) returns to the first publication of 2023 (from THR) as background of author’s research. Includes: Positions for Context, Statement of Intent, Regarding Source, THR’s Archive Library.
Contains 4 photographs from the THR archive library.
Halloween Artifacts: Festoons THR’s Archive Collection Synchronized with Library Data (pg. 10) is the heart of this 100-page survey of tissue-paper formed as honeycomb centerpieces, patterned garlands, or wearable finery. Each item features a large photo, a sample from vintage sources, and a timeline of vendors (where available) for the collection of objects.
100 pages with photographs of vintage Halloween collectibles.
Sources & Additional Reading A Quick List of Additional References (pg. 113) reviews a small list of sources used throughout the book, and includes a list of additional research from THR.
10-21-2025 This newest reference for vintage Halloween collectibles is now available to purchase on THR’s bookstore via Etsy.
Other THR Publications
PLEASE NOTE: THR does NOT employ AI-generative technology. Content is created by human biological entities to ensure results engage accurate research with mindful artistry.
Follow THR on Instagram @halloweenretrospecs
Follow THR on Facebook Halloween Retrospect