1927 Halloween Costume Party Photo James A. Bailey Estate Mount Vernon NY

This is an original large-format black and white photograph showing a Halloween costume party at the former James A. Bailey Estate in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1927.

The photograph shows approximately 35 men and women gathered inside the mansion, many wearing elaborate fancy-dress costumes. The group includes guests dressed in 18th-century and colonial-style clothing, Middle Eastern-inspired costumes, Pierrot/clown attire and other theatrical costumes.

The reverse is hand inscribed:

“Halloween Party at the Bailey Estate on Lincoln Ave, Mt Vernon / Mother & dad & friends / 1927”

“Mother & dad” were Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Kevan of Mount Vernon, New York, providing provenance for the photograph.

The location has an interesting connection to American circus history. The Mount Vernon estate was the former home of James Anthony Bailey (1847–1906), the noted circus proprietor of Barnum & Bailey fame. His mansion, known as The Knolls, was built in 1904. Following Bailey's death, the property later became the Bailey Park Country Club in 1922.

The former Bailey Estate was subsequently redeveloped as the Park Lane residential complex, constructed beginning in 1928. As this photograph is specifically dated Halloween 1927, it records a gathering at the Bailey Estate immediately before the property's redevelopment.

The unusually elaborate costumes provide an excellent record of Halloween fancy dress during the late 1920s.

Measurements: 7 3/4" × 10".

Condition: The photograph is mounted on its original card backing. There is dried glue residue on the card and along the top and bottom edges of the photograph. The bottom margin has been irregularly trimmed. The image remains clear with good detail. Original handwritten identification and date on the reverse. Please refer to the photographs for condition.

An unusual and well-documented 1927 Halloween photograph with Mount Vernon and James A. Bailey Estate history.