Pumpkin Palooza
Detail from Crepe Paper (pumpkins, witches, turkeys); Dealer's Catalogue of Tags and Specialties, 1913–1914; Dennison Manufacturing Co.; courtesy of Smithsonian Libraries.
This animated image of googly-eyed pumpkins was created from a detail of decorated crepe papers available in the Dealer’s Catalogue of Tags and Specialties, 1913–1914 by Dennison Manufacturing Co.—part of the Smithsonian Libraries’ Trade Literature collection. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, Halloween became a popular national holiday in the U.S., and crepe paper was commonly used for decorating.
From more information about pumpkins, the traditions surrounding them and even a pumpkin pie recipe, visit Smithsonian Gardens. For more seasonal collections visit the Smithsonian Spotlights Autumn Views and Things That Scare Us.