Back in the twenties, there were no treats, just tricks. Volunteer firemen set fire to houses abandoned on unprofitable farms, so as to make a few bucks putting out the fire. Rockets left over from the Fourth of July were laid down in gutters, setting fire to a hundred yards of accumulated leaves. Outhouses were tipped over. A favorite of mine was taking heel plate off shoe last, tucking it under shingle of house with long strong thread attached, hiding, and stroking taut thread with rosined piece of leather. It would make a noise that sounded as though the wall was being destroyed. Owner would come out, not be able to see anything, go back into house. Repeat ad lib.
It was not until the early thirties that an elderly couple from Chicago brought the treat idea to our town. We thought they were trying to trick us, meaning to beat the bejesus out of us if we let them get ahold of us.
When we found out they were sincere, the new custom was avidly accepted by the kids. Not necessarily by all adults. I remember a Saturday Evening Post cover, showing some kids being frightened by householder opening door wearing a threatening devil mask.
How about somebody else recounting Halloween anecdotes?