1

The doctor said so

Image: Vinicius Amano

It's not news that alcohol was completely banned across the country from 1920 to 1933. But, you know, every law has its loophole. It's said that during Prohibition, some doctors took advantage of their authority to prescribe a peculiar medicine: whiskey! Well, if the doctor prescribed it, what could the cops possibly argue?

2

The queen

Image: Daniel Vogel

Women also played an important role during Prohibition on both sides of the law! One of the most notorious was Cleo Lythgoe, a.k.a. the "Queen of the Bootleggers." As her nickname suggests, she was one of the most successful bootleggers of those years. That's right! She built an empire, running a major underground operation that supplied alcohol to secret bars.

3

Clever marketing

Image: April Klein

Although they feel like something recent, marketing strategies have been around for a long time. In fact, even during Prohibition, clever sales tactics flourished by exploiting the nation's circumstances. This was the case with the so‑called "grape bricks," blocks of concentrated grape juice that came with some rather peculiar warnings, such as "NOT to dissolve in water, add yeast and store in a cool place for 21 days, or it may ferment and turn into wine."

4

NASCAR

Image: Simon Hurry

Although it may seem like nonsense, NASCAR's origins are closely related to bootlegging during the Prohibition era. The "moonshiners" were those who transported illegal alcohol. These drivers were skilled, relying on speed and sharp maneuvers to outrun the law. Those same driving techniques later helped give rise to stock car racing.

5

Sacramental

Image: Rey Proenza

Prohibition was full of loopholes. But undoubtedly, one of the most obvious ones was the allowance for sacramental wine. Since wine used in church masses was permitted, it led to more people attending certain services, and even the rise of some pseudo-religions!

6

A payment issue

Image: Mackenzie Marco

Prohibition agents were in charge of enforcing the dry law. However, there was one big problem the authorities overlooked: these agents were poorly paid. That small detail helped the illegal liquor trade thrive. Since agents weren't well paid, bootleggers found them easy to bribe.

7

Risky times

Image: Nick Fewings

The fight against alcohol sales was far from easy, and historical records suggest that, as a result, the authorities took some drastic measures. One of them was the decision to add highly toxic chemicals to the alcoholic beverages circulating at the time! But here's the most surprising part: many people knew -or at least suspected- and still drank their gin and tonic anyway!

8

A lot

Image: Sérgio Alves Santos

We know that Prohibition gave rise to the famous speakeasies, and we know there were a lot of them, but how many? Well, because they operated in secret, it's hard to know exactly how many speakeasies existed across the country. Still, one fact gives us a clear picture of that time: Speakeasies actually outnumbered the bars that existed before Prohibition.

9

The man in the green hat

Image: JOSHUA COLEMAN

Bootleggers were everywhere, even where you'd least expect them. During the Prohibition years, there was one man who operated as the main bootlegger of Congress. He was nicknamed "The man in the green hat" as a reference to his trademark green fedora.

10

After sunset

Image: Anna Asryan

In Detroit, the Police Department grew tired of constantly chasing smugglers down the Detroit River. As these chases were extremely risky and often ended in accidents, the Detroit Police Department adopted an unofficial policy: "No active chases after sunset." As you can imagine, this gave smugglers a lapse of time each night to move without worry.

1

Thomas Jefferson’s mockingbird

Image: Library of Congress

Did you know that one of the first animals to live at the White House was a bird? Dick was Thomas Jefferson's mockingbird and the president loved him so much that he let him roam freely in his office. Dick would sing in the Oval, perch on Jefferson's shoulder, sit on his desk, and even take food directly from the president’s lips.

But Dick wasn’t the only curious animal to inhabit the White House in the early 19th century. In fact, Thomas Jefferson had more than thirty pets, including two grizzly bear cubs. These cubs were a gift from the Lewis and Clark expedition, delivered by explorer Zebulon Pike. However, the bears didn’t stay at the White House for long, as Jefferson decided it was best to send them to a museum in Philadelphia.

2

John Quincy Adams’ alligator

Image: Library of Congress

Jefferson wasn't the only president to own fairly unusual pets during his presidency. According to lore, John Quincy Adams kept a pet alligator in the East Room of the White House. Although there’s no way to prove it, the story goes that the alligator would slither around and even chase visitors.

While the tale of the alligator may be a myth, one thing is certain: President Adams' wife, Louisa, kept silkworms. The worms lived in mulberry trees on the White House grounds, and Louisa used to harvest their silk to feed her sewing hobby.

3

Abraham Lincoln’s goats

Image: Mathew Benjamin Brady, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Lincolns had a variety of animals, including a couple of dogs, a rabbit, a horse, and a turkey. However, perhaps the most curious pets that lived in the White House during Abraham Lincoln’s presidency (1861–1865) were two goats named Nanny and Nanko .

Lincoln let their sons, Willie and Tad, keep their pet goats in their rooms, granting the animals total freedom to roam the Executive Mansion . The Lincoln family was so fond of Nanny and Nanko that the president would even send updates on the goats’ wellbeing when his wife and children were away. In one letter, he wrote: "Tell Tad the goats and father are very well—especially the goats."

4

Rutherford B. Hayes’ Siamese cat

Image: Mathew Benjamin Brady, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Like the Jefferson family, the Hayes family also received some First Pets as gifts from well-wishers, friends, and foreign officials. It was publicly known that First Lady Lucy Hayes loved animals, so the U.S. Ambassador to Siam (now Thailand) gifted her a kitten. This cat became the pet of First Daughter Fanny Hayes and holds the distinction of being the first Siamese cat to live in the United States.

Another Siamese cat, named Miss Pussy, later joined the family, becoming part of a diverse collection of animals. This included two hunting dogs, Juno and Shep; Otis, the miniature schnauzer; Dot, the cocker spaniel; a goat; a mockingbird; pedigreed Jersey cows; four canaries; and several carriage horses.

5

Teddy Roosevelt’s hyena

Image: National Portrait Gallery, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Teddy Roosevelt's brood brought a proper zoo to the White House at the dawn of the 20th century. His large, young family and their pets often captured substantial public attention, frequently appearing in periodicals and newspapers of the time.

The Roosevelts cared for an eclectic collection of animals, including badgers, mice, raccoons, pigs, parrots, dogs, cats, baby bears, snakes, a one-legged rooster, a kangaroo rat, a macaw, and a Shetland pony named Algonquin—who once had the pleasure of riding the White House elevator. But the top prize goes to a spotted hyena named Bill. A gift from the emperor of Ethiopia, Bill was taught tricks by Roosevelt and was even allowed to beg for scraps at the dinner table.

6

Woodrow Wilson’s sheep

Image: National Portrait Gallery, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Some animals that spent time at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue had a greater purpose than just being pets. For example, some presidents kept pets for a cause or to set an example. During World War I, President Woodrow Wilson allowed a flock of 48 sheep to live on the White House grounds. The sheep not only kept the lawn trimmed, reducing maintenance costs but their wool was also sold to benefit the Red Cross .

In addition to the sheep, Wilson had a cat named Puffins, chickens, a bull terrier named Bruce, a songbird, and a ram named Old Ike, who was known for his unusual habit of chewing tobacco.

7

Calvin Coolidge’s raccoon

Image: National Photo Company Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

President Calvin Coolidge, who served from 1923 to 1929, kept several non-traditional pets at the White House . The Coolidges had a variety of animals, including dogs, canaries, Ebenezer the donkey, and Smoky the bobcat. Even more exotic animals were gifted to them by foreign dignitaries, such as Billy the pygmy hippo, two lion cubs named Tax Reduction and Budget Bureau, a wallaby, a small antelope, and a black bear.

However, First Lady Grace's most renowned pet was a raccoon. The raccoon was initially given to the Coolidges as a contribution to their Thanksgiving meal, but Grace managed to save it. She named it Rebecca and had a special tree house built for her.

8

Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Scottish terrier

Image: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Perhaps one of the most famous pets to live in the White House was President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Scottish terrier, Fala. Roosevelt's presidency came during a very difficult time in history—World War II. For this reason, Fala became a faithful companion not only to the president but also to all the American people.

Fala’s original name was Big Boy, but Roosevelt renamed him "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill" after a Scottish ancestor. In the early 1940s, Fala participated in a campaign by donating his toys to promote scrap rubber collections for the war effort. He also starred in an MGM short-subject film about the war.

9

Warren G. Harding’s Airedale terrier

Image: National Photo Company Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Pets have played a significant role in humanizing presidents and shaping public perceptions, as seen with Franklin Roosevelt and his loyal Fala. The same holds true for Warren G. Harding’s presidency. Harding and his wife, Florence, were avid animal lovers, and during their time in the White House, they kept several canaries, dogs, and even a squirrel named Pete.

But the spotlight went to Laddie Boy, a photogenic Airedale terrier that was perceived by the public as an extension of Harding's campaign slogan, "Return to Normalcy." Laddie Boy had his own cabinet chair, attended meetings, greeted official delegations, and even participated in press conferences and news briefings. He also "hosted" the 1923 Easter Egg Roll while the Hardings were away, further endearing himself to the public.

10

George H. W. Bush’s English springer spaniel

Image: National Archives and Records Administration, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As we have seen, some presidential pets were as famous as the leaders they accompanied during their time at the Executive Mansion. When George H. W. Bush was elected president in 1988, a springer spaniel named Millie became the new First Pet. The following year, Millie had six puppies and quickly won the hearts of Americans across the country.

Millie's popularity was so great that First Lady Barbara Bush appeared on the cover of Life magazine with the dog and her puppies. Barbara later published Millie's Book , a bestseller that narrates a day in the White House from Millie’s perspective. The book was a huge success, selling thousands of copies.

1

Choose a villain

Image: Paige Cody

If reason were to govern our thoughts on the matter, no one could deny that seeing people of all ages dressed up as their favorite villains is a weird thing. We’ll discuss the treating part later, but let’s get into the costumes first.

This tradition has deep roots, and it goes all the way back to the Middle Ages and the ancient festival of Samhain. Now what was the purpose of the costumes? People used to believe that spirits roamed the earth on this particular night so, dressing up in costumes was the way to ward off these phantoms. Quite original, don’t you think?

2

Apple bobbing

Image: Nathan Dumlao

Among the spooky traditions, there is also one that relates to romance and love: bobbing for apples, and we’ve got Great Britain to thank for it.

In this game, an apple represented a potential husband, and, faith for young women who wished to marry was settled by how many attempts it took her to retrieve an apple. One bite meant jolly matrimony. Two bites, a not-so-long-lasting courtship. And three… Well, that relationship was doomed altogether.

Samhain was celebrated at the end of the harvest, and when Irish immigrants brought their costumes to America, this game fit fall festivities to perfection becoming a beloved Halloween game.

3

Jack-o’-lanterns

Image: Szabó János

Who is Jack, and why was he immortalized in a Halloween lantern? Well, it is all, of course, part of a curious legend. As the story goes, Jack tricked the devil twice. The first time, he tricked the Devil into becoming a coin and then, by making him promise not to claim his soul. However, all these tricks only brought nasty consequences—neither hell nor heaven wanted him.

So what happened? He was left to wander the earth with only a burning coal inspiring a carved-out turnip to light his way.

Turnips were just the start for the Scottish and Irish, soon they turned to beets and potatoes, and the tradition took the shape of pumpkins for Americans.

4

Trick or treat yourself!

Image: Nick Fewings

We’ve discussed the costumes, so let’s dive into the sweets. What’s the origin of knocking on doors and asking for candy?

When the Catholic Church established All Souls’ Day, in the Middle Ages, the costume tradition remained and a new one was added: knocking on doors and offering prayers for the dead in exchange for food. This was a practice called "souling."

But souling also suffered some changes and, in modern times, it evolved into what we know as "trick-or-treating," an activity in which children go door-to-door promising mischief if they don’t receive candy. Now you know this, we bet you’ll always give treats away!

5

Black cats, good or bad?

Image: Adél Grőber

In some cultures, spotting a black cat is a one-way ticket to destruction. In others, a black cat is a good luck omen, a sign that you’ll even find love. However, in America, black cats are part of the first group and have become a key symbol in Halloween celebrations and decorations.

Why is that? Because, in the Middle Ages, these poor animals were associated with witches and witchcraft. They were believed to have powers and to be connected to the evil spirits roaming the earth. True or not, they certainly add to the eerie atmosphere of Halloween, don’t you think?

6

Black and orange

Image: Bee Felten-Leidel

Have you ever wondered why we use these particular colors during the Halloween season? Well, the choice was not random at all, it has to do with the meaning behind orange and black.

For one, orange is related to the autumn season, and the end of the harvest (the original time of the Celtic celebration).

Black, on the other hand, brings in the spookiness and the mystery that we all love about Halloween night. It represents the color of the night sky, the shadows, and all things that add to the eerie atmosphere of the evening.

7

Haunted houses

Image: Bee Felten-Leidel

This tradition reveals the true essence of the Halloween spirit: to get as many scares as one can in a single night. All across America, on October 31st, families get their houses ready to invite people over for a thrilling experience.

Haunted houses aim to evoke tension and fear through ghostly figures, spooky decorations, dimmed lights, and chilling sounds with special effects. Have you ever visited one?

8

Bonfires

Image: henry perks

Bonfires, another tradition inherited from the Celtic celebration, are less common but they are still a Halloween tradition. As you can imagine, the original intention of the bonfires was to ward off evil spirits and to honor the Gods.

In the more modern Irish and Scottish traditions, the bonfires were part of a protective and communal custom that later made its way to America. In turn, this tradition has only remained to add warmth and a sense of togetherness to the holiday.

9

Candy Frenzy

Image: Mary Jane Duford

If you ask any child, candy is the best reason to celebrate Halloween. And we can’t blame them— they get to dress up, knock on doors, and get dozens of candies they will later exchange and eat in the company of their loved ones.

In our country, it’s not just the children or the houses who get ready for Halloween—the Marketing industry does too! Every year, countless candy brands (any brand really) adapt their products to make them Halloween-themed. The season kicks off when your local supermarket hangs those spiderwebs up and you start spotting black and orange packaging all over!

10

Scary stories

Image: Nika Benedictova

After collecting all the candies that were rightfully theirs for dressing up, children and young adults all over the country get together to end the night devouring their treats and immersing themselves one last time in the eerie atmosphere: It’s time for the spine-tingling tales.

No Halloween celebration is complete without a good dose of scary stories, fables of ancient times with mysterious characters and details that send shivers down the listeners’ spines. Why? For the sake of fear, after all, Halloween night is all about the supernatural!