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Transcribed as originally published in the Youngstown Vindicator
105 Years Ago, 1921: "Gnomes, goblins, sprites, to honor King Kornstalk. Plans complete for Hallowe'en celebration downtown this evening."
"All Youngstown is invited to take part in the municipal Hallowe'en celebration scheduled for this evening between the hours of 7 and 11 o'clock. Federal St. between Champion and Chestnut Sts. will be closed to vehicular traffic and parking prohibited between these hours so the gnomes, fairies, goblins, witches, etc. may have free play to perpetrate their many strange pranks.
"The parade, to be lead by King Kornstalk Otto Oppenheimer, will form on Boardman St. in front of the Ohio Hotel. It is scheduled to start at 7:30. It will go west on Boardman to Spring Common, east on Federal to Champion, turn back on Federal to Phelps, North on Phelps to Commerce and east on Commerce to Wick, south on Wick to the Public Square where it will disband.
"King Kornstalk Oppenheimer has issued the decree that all is in readiness for the event and anticipations are that it will equal if not surpass any former Mardi Gras celebration. The celebration was authorized by city council, and a special committee appointed to make arrangements. The final preparations were turned over to King Kornstalk Oppenheimer. A band has been secured and in addition to taking part in the parade will participate in the Federal St. revelries.
"However, no rowdyism or destruction of property will be permitted by the police department. People who do not wish to participate in the Hallowe'en merriment must not be molested. Police will keep watch over the entire city and arrests are liable wherever there is an infringement of rules, but will give a free reign to the legitimate gayety.
"Slapsticks, talcum powder, paint sticks and ticklers are taboo during the Hallowe'en celebration tonight according to an order issued Monday morning by Chief of Police James Watkins. 'I want everybody to have a good time,' said the chief, 'and therefore all "rough stuff" will have to be cut out. I have instructed all police to arrest any person caught selling any slap-sticks, paint sticks or ticklers, and to take in any person caught throwing talcum powder or similar articles which cause damage to clothing.
" 'And you can say for me,' he added, ' that there will be ample police to take care of any emergency that may arise, as the entire second relief will remain on duty at their posts until after the parade and celebration are over, and the third relief will come out early and assist traffic officers in preserving order.' "
Compiled by Dante Bernard, museum educator at the Mahoning Valley Historical Society.