15 Halloween Costumes From the 1970s

NYPL Gallery
NYPL Gallery / NYPL Gallery

Photographer Larry Racioppo captured a variety of children's costumes as they roamed the streets in the mid-'70s. The results are a bit creepy, but ultimately endearing.

1. "The Tin Man"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

A tiny Tin Man from The Wizard of Oz takes a break. He accessorized with a timeless plastic pumpkin bucket.

2. "The Bionic Woman, Bambi, and Cinderella [masks on]"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

It's a good thing that their shirts give some indication of who they are supposed to be, or else there would be a lot of nameless tiny blonde women running around.

3. "Bat Girl, St. Ann, and Wonder Woman"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Three girls pose in their costumes.

4. "Pussycat and friends"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Halloween in the '70s was a great time for children with surprisingly on-point makeup.

5. "[Superman]"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Superman did not wear a mask, but bonus points for hair.

6. "Lucy and friends"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Lucy fell in with a bad crowd.

7. "Three boys with tear makeup"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

When does their next album drop?

8. "Rubber Devil"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Somehow this disintegrating rubber mask manages to be creepier than the goriest masks on sale today.

9. "Dr. Zaius [mask on]"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Dr. Zaius, Dr. Zaius. ♫

10. "Frankenstein and friend"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Frankenstein's Monster and Skeleton make a good pair.

11. "Bacigolup"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Before there was Mario, there was Bacigolup.

12. "Spider Woman and sister"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Spider Woman is very lucky to have a princess push her in her stroller.

13. "[Group of Trick-or-Treaters]"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

The pterodactyl looks like Alec Baldwin in BeetlejuiceWhy does it have teeth? 

14. "The Ghost"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

When there are no sheets available, a veil and rubber band will work in a pinch. Thanks Mom!

15. "Space Warrior and Bride"

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Larry Racioppo, NYPL

Why be one character from Star Wars when you can combine them all into one super character?