By Lindsey Hedrick and Mady McColm

Halloween in college is usually the result of thrift store finds or a throw together costume you hope people will understand (check out Mady’s article to succeed in this art). Maybe buying a bag of variety candy and watching marathons of Halloweentown, Saw and Hocus Pocus is more delightful (especially since the day of Spook falls on Tuesday). A Tuesday Halloween is not ideal, but whatever you do make the best of this frightening time of year.

What IS Halloween?

According to History.com, Halloween has been known as many things in the past; All Hallows Eve (the day before Saints Day/All-hallows/All-hallowmas), Samhain (the day before the Celts New Year where they believed ghosts of the deceased returned to earth), All Souls Day (seen in the Christian religion where individuals celebrated by dressing up in saint, angel or devil costumes around bonfires) and finally Halloween.

Halloween originated in Europe about 2000 years ago. Halloween began to emerge in America by immigrants (in the nineteenth century, especially Irish immigrants), European ethnic groups and American Indians. There would be public events held where neighbors would tell stories of the deceased, tell fortunes, dance around and sing. Colonial Halloween was similar, but more emphasis on ghost stories was made.

The trick-or-treat concept came from the Irish and English traditions. People would go around neighborhoods in costumes asking for food or money, eventually this became the concept of trick-or-treating.

Beginning in the 1800’s, Halloween was widely celebrated and known as more of a community event where neighbors would gather and spend time together. Parties became popular, and people would dress up in costumes, play games and eat food.

Festivities Happening on Campus

Wondering what ways you can celebrate this spoopy holiday on campus? Never fear! Here’s some great options for costume contests, movie nights, and pumpkin painting.

Alpha Psi Omega and Mu Theta have partnered to present a Halloween Extravaganza on October 28 at 7 pm in Lydy 126 (theatre design lab). This event is open to theatre and music students. There will be snacks, Hocus Pocus, and free pumpkins and pumpkin carving kits to those that RSVP. For questions about this event, contact Mitch Johnson at mjohnson02@drury.edu.

Humanities House Spoopy Pumpkin Painting, Monday October 30, 6 PM at the Humanities House (517 E Calhoun). Pumpkins, paint, brushes, and candy will be provided by the Humanities Society. This is a free event open to the entire Drury community. For more information, contact Mady McColm at mmccolm@drury.edu.

Halloween in the Halls will be Tuesday, October 31st from 5-7 in each residence hall. This event is open to any Drury student and is extended to other community members. Traditionally, children from the area attend this event, and it features a competition between Sunderland, Wallace, and Smith for the best decorations and interactive fun from with the Residence Life Association.

Halloween Costume Party at the Shewmaker Studio on Halloween day. From 11am- 1pm there will be pizza, candy, and games available. Grand prizes available for winners of the costume competition.

Scary Places in Springfield and Surrounding Areas

Looking for some actual chills and scary vibes? According to websites and local knowledge the compiled five places in and around Springfield have sparked attention of actually being haunted. Brave enough to venture there? Tweet your thoughts about how spooky your time there was at @drurymirror!

1. Pythian Castle

The Pythian Castle (also known as The Pythian Home of Missouri), in Springfield was built by the Knights of Pythian, this castle has served as an orphanage, a prisoner of war camp, and a hospital during World War II. Claimed to be haunted, Pythian Castle does history tours, haunted events, and you can even book a night locked in the castle. For more information, visit http://www.pythiancastle.com.

2. Crescent Hotel

The Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas was first built in 1884. The Crescent Hotel has served as many different things such as a resort hotel for the carriage set, college for young women, a hospital, and now serves as a hotel and spa. The Crescent hotel offers many accommodations such as ghost tours, spa treatments, self-guided tours and much more. For more information, visit  https://www.crescent-hotel.com/eureka-springs-hotel.shtml.

3. Walnut Street Inn  

The Walnut Street Inn built in the mid 1890s is located near downtown Springfield (off of Walnut). The Inn has served previously as the McCann-Jewel House. The Inn is divided into numerous different rooms based on its history. The Rosen Room is said to be where a paranormal presence has been spotted. It’s been reported by staff and people who have stayed in the Inn that this female ghost watches over people when they sleep. For more information on booking a stay, visit http://www.walnutstreetinn.com/.

4. Lander’s Theatre

Opened in 1909, Springfield Little Theatre has some dark history. Chuck Rogers, technical director of SLT, claims that he has seen people and then they have vanished. Although many of the stories of hauntings come from legend or stories, the number of people who have reported seeing some paranormal activity cannot be disputed. To learn more, visit http://ksmu.org/post/springfields-landers-theatre-said-be-haunted#stream/0

5. Drury University

And yes, even our own campus somehow seems to be abound in ghostly activity. Clara Wallace Thompson, former Drury student and lover of music, is rumored of haunting somehow both Clara Thompson and Wallace Hall, both named in her honor. Ask any music student who has spent late nights in practice rooms in Clara- they will usually have stories to tell. Some claim they have even spotted the ghost in Stone Chapel. For more information, check out http://newsroom.drury.edu/dunews/tag/ghost/