Over 6 decades ago, the world almost ended on New Year's Day...
This never-reprinted story from
Charlton's Space Adventures #1 (1953) was illustrated by Albert Tyler and Dick Giordano.
The writer (who was probably from Philadelphia) is unknown.
The
Mummers Parade is held
every New Years Day in Philadelphia.
Mummers tradition dates back to 400 BC and the Roman Festival of
Saturnalias where Latin laborers marched in masks throughout the day of
satire and gift exchange.
This included Celtic variations of
“trick-or-treat” and Druidic noise-making to drive away demons for the
new year.
Reports of rowdy groups “parading” on New Years day in
Philadelphia date back before the revolution.
Prizes were offered by
merchants in the late 1800s.
January 1, 1901 was the first “official”
parade offered about $1,725 in prize money from the city.