Ghost Tales, Local History and More to Celebrate Halloween in Pittsburgh

“From pop culture to folklore, it’s a city that feels comfortable with its shady corners,” Sean Collier writes for Pittsburgh Magazine.

In a recent article, Sean tried to answer the question, “Why does Pittsburgh like to be afraid?” And that’s a good question – that’s absolutely true, we love good thrills. This is evidenced by haunted houses, scary festivities, local history. And, of course, there are also the classic horror films made here by George A. Romero to help strengthen our fear-filled good faith. But our love of the paranormal goes much further than modern pop culture and means; this actually stems from the long-standing influence of immigrant folk traditions. Read more about this in this article «Scream City: Why Pittsburgh likes to be scared».

So, my beauty … Do you like shock and chills? If so, you’ll enjoy all of these Halloween-themed stories below.

Let them talk to the pumpkin

🎃 Does anyone remember Izali’s Party Slices? We got information about this Friday’s flashback, thanks to our friends at the Heinz History Center. (📸: @historycenter)

Party treats were a major part of Izali’s holiday treats until 1978. Like a chocolate-coated Klondike, the pieces for the parties were wrapped in foil and eliminated the need to scoop ice cream at the party. There were standard flavors, but the most popular were slices that had shapes inside. The tradition began with Isala bricks, which mixed different flavors into two or three layers. A process was then developed to also add a shape that could be seen at the ends and when it was sliced.

The real parties began in the late 1950s, when machines were allowed to sell ice cream pre-cut and already wrapped. Flavored centerpieces of pumpkins, shamrocks, hearts and trees – surrounded by vanilla – became the main element of Isali’s holiday treats until 1978.

Brian Booth’s new book “Isaley’s Ham, Klondike and Other Tales Behind the Counter” is now available for purchase at Heinz History Museum Store.

🕸️ All Halloween-themed headlines

👻 There is a lot of paranormal activity in Pittsburgh. Ghostly PittsburghA walking tour of the city center visits a list of familiar ghost stories over the centuries: The Frick Building, Omni William Penn Hotel, SW Randal Toyes and Giftes, Bridge of Sighs, Union Station and – not surprisingly, here – Allegheny Morgue County. Learn more about these horrific stories at the link. ➡️ (Pittsburgh Magazine)

🍫 Clark Bars, Mallow Cups, Mike and Ikes – these are just some of the many candies made in Pennsylvania that are perfect for distribution to lovers. If you buy candy at the last minute (like me, so I don’t delve into it before Halloween), check out the full list to support local businesses. (Pittsburgh City Newspaper)

🍸 Will you be contacting any spirits on this Halloween? And by that I mean terribly delicious cocktails. Go to Night market in the city center for Halloween and cocktailtomorrow shop at vendors, enjoy live music and have drinks. Libyas include Purple People Eater from Gaucho Parrilla Argentina, Nicky’s Pumpkin Chaitini from Nick’s Thai Kitchen, Magic Trick from Penn Society, Bloody Margarita from Scarpino, Pumpkin Rum Punch from The Market Exchange, Witch’s Brew from The Standard and much more. (Pittsburgh City Paper)

🎃 You still have one weekend to experience the Phantom Fall Fest in Kenwood – rebranding of the infamous Phantom Fright Nights park. This year, Pittsburgh Magazine Reporter Oli Grazinger (self-proclaimed scary cat) survived a ghost town in our city and reported it. Take a look at their stories to find out which one you would dare to visit: Phantom autumn, The manor is one hundred acresor Fears. (Pittsburgh Magazine)

🎶 Much more than Monster Mash. Pittsburgh City Newspaper released it The official Halloween playlist, complete with jams on a horrible theme from local artists: “Stranger Things” Flower Crown, “The Death of Robbie Rotten” Ferelcat, “Metal Earth” Fortune Tellers, “Ursula” by Sleeping Witch and “Saturn, Ghost!” from Royal Haunts and more. (Pittsburgh City Newspaper)

⚰️ Pittsburgh is often considered one of the most “livable” cities, but can it be the deadliest? Pennsylvania reportedly had the highest death toll in films from all other states with 615 homicides in six films. this list is from CableTV.com. This is mainly thanks to director George A. Romero and his series “The Living Dead”. (Pittsburgh City Newspaper)

👻 Have you ever wanted to be a persecuting actor? Some locals are taking on this horrible task at ScareHouse, which they call “One of the scariest haunted houses in America”. This season, Pittsburgh Magazine Assistant Editor Sean Collier (a longtime fan of haunted houses) is set to inflict his frightened face and take part in the production – you can read all about it in this article. ➡️ (Pittsburgh Magazine)

🌚 Black cats are Halloween icons because of a long-held disrespect for disrespect, and because of this they are often adopted less quickly than other kittens. Be a “good witch” on this Halloween and save such a black cat Pittsburgh Magazine Pet of the week, cashmere. He is a shy boy who seeks a sacred heart to love him. (Pittsburgh Magazine)

🏠 Would you sleep in Buffalo Bill’s house? The house in Periopolis, where the “Silence of the Lambs” was filmed, is now a holiday rental with four bedrooms and small details that commemorate fans of the film. And in the basement – a partially restored underground lair of Hannibal Lecter with special effects. Terrible, right? (Pittsburgh Magazine)