Growing up in Detroit, the night before Halloween was called Devil’s Night. Pranks were pulled. Eggs thrown at houses. Windows waxed. Over the years it developed into violent acts. In 1984 firefighters responded to over 800 intentional fires on that one night. I remember my ex going over to his mom’s house on Cabot Street and John Kronk on the West Side of Detroit and watering down her roof before dark. The house was brick, but the roof needed to be protected.
In 1986 the city enacted curfews and community watch programs. Within a few years a marketing campaign started calling October 30 Angel’s Night with citizens patrolling, porch lights on, and people watching out for people. Things began to calm down and about 10 years later I’ve heard that peace had settled in.
When I moved to Indiana, I was very surprised that no one had heard of Devil’s Night. What?!?! Seemed to be a Detroit thing like genuine loose burger coney dogs, Buddy’s pizza and Vernors which are all so much more fun and not harmful unless you possibly partake in a coney eating contest. smile
Anyway, I am grateful it has calmed down in my hometown and that the idea never seemed to spread. Tonight I know there are parties and events for families. Might be the night to go drive around and see all the Halloween decorations. So many and so elaborate. Getting as elaborate as Christmas decorations. All the giant skeletons, ghosts, tarantulas and more.
Hoping we may get some trick or treaters in our apartment building tomorrow night. We are prepared. May they all have fun, stay safe and not get too scared.
