Halloween Newspapers.com Dive pt. 1 with Sarah Marshall
Summary
Host Chelsea Weber-Smith and guest Sarah Marshall kick off a Halloween-themed series by playing a game where they search newspapers.com for obscure historical articles using specific keywords. They discuss an 1888 article detailing Mischief Night pranks, highlighting how girls were active participants in the chaos, and a 1976 piece where dentists discouraged candy in favor of fruit. The episode blends historical research with lighthearted banter about horror movies, seasonal traditions, and the cultural inversion of fear during the holiday.
Topics discussed
Introduction to the Halloween Newspapers.com special
Hosts introduce themselves and explain the game rules
Halloween plans, haunted houses, and bowling anecdotes
Revealing keywords and discussing the 'Weber' doorbell coincidence
Mischief Night history and an 1888 article on apple peeling
Sponsor reads for Quince and AG1
Reading the 1888 Mischief Night article: corn, gates, and cabbages
Discussion of an 1888 clam juice advertisement
Sponsor reads for Quince and AG1
1970s article on Halloween treats: toothbrushes vs. candy
Debate on horror movie preferences: Saw, Terrifier, and Midsommar
The 'Grins' monster sticker campaign and its failure
Sugar lobby influence on dental advice and trick-or-treating ethics
Sponsor reads for Quince and AG1
1900 article: Quakers moving due to a Phantom Dog
Fan fiction ideas and character time management in TV shows
1923 article: A man, a dog, and a missing ear
Part 2 teaser, credits, and sign-off
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