Trick Or Treating With Dad

October 31,1966, Gloucester, Massachusetts

When I was a kid trick or treating usually consisted of walking the block with my sister at dusk & returning with a few pieces of candy which I would consume over the next week.  One Halloween was different. The boat my dad worked on, “The Grace and Salvatore” was in from fishing. With a warm October night off, Dad was happy to take me out to trick or treat. ” We’ll get some great candy” he said, handing me a pillow case to use for a bag.

My dad took me door to door through Prospect, Mason St., & Middle Street. It seemed like he knew everyone & each door we knocked on we were greeted warmly. “Duke! Come va, oggi?” would be the greeting we’d receive. I’d get a fistful of candy corn, chocolate bars, and licorice sticks while Dad was given a shot of whiskey. We returned home around 8:30pm that night. Dad was singing & very happy. I had a pillow case full of more candy than I knew existed.