Universal Monster Army

Collecting Monsters => Vintage Monster Toys => Topic started by: horror1o1 on August 03, 2012, 10:05:35 AM

Title: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 03, 2012, 10:05:35 AM
Is there a book or site that collects all the Ben Cooper/collegeville type mask and costumes. These are big icons in my childhood's halloween and even though I couldn't own them all i would like to see them when ever i want.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 03, 2012, 08:54:01 PM
wow no responses?
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: 1975 on August 03, 2012, 09:23:11 PM
Plaidstallions has a couple catalogs, other than that I don't know why there isn't a "coztumecollector.com". Rubber mask collectors seem to be better organized.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Ghost on August 03, 2012, 09:42:47 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZBWM8DC2L._SS500_.jpg)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Mord on August 03, 2012, 09:57:45 PM
LOVE the vacuuform masks. That's all we could afford as kids.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 04, 2012, 05:46:26 AM
Quote from: Ghost on August 03, 2012, 09:42:47 PM
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZBWM8DC2L._SS500_.jpg)

I've seen this book online before but read some so so reviews. Have you checked it out before?
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 04, 2012, 05:48:28 AM
Quote from: Mord on August 03, 2012, 09:57:45 PM
LOVE the vacuuform masks. That's all we could afford as kids.

ya we couldn't afford much either. I had several of these and lots of home made costumes. I also had a lot of used garage sale mask that time eventually ate up.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 04, 2012, 06:00:40 AM
Also I seen a mask that looked kinda like a incredible melting man but it was Ben Cooper or Collegeville. Been trying to track it down.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Wicked Lester on August 04, 2012, 06:26:51 PM
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15262.0 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15262.0)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 04, 2012, 06:33:34 PM
Quote from: Wicked Lester on August 04, 2012, 06:26:51 PM
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15262.0 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15262.0)

Thanks Lester i actually have seen this and I think I may have asked you a question about a frankenstein and a werewolf on a shelf? But any who I was looking for a bigger range. I mean there is some great stuff on this link but there are so many mask it barely scrapes the surface.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Ghost on August 04, 2012, 10:52:46 PM
Quote from: horror1o1 on August 04, 2012, 06:33:34 PM
Thanks Lester i actually have seen this and I think I may have asked you a question about a frankenstein and a werewolf on a shelf? But any who I was looking for a bigger range. I mean there is some great stuff on this link but there are so many mask it barely scrapes the surface.

Here you go our own Toy ranch and a few others should give you several Ben Cooper/Collegeville/Halco masks to look at for awhile.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toyranch/sets/72157607064280847/with/2819626208/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toyranch/sets/72157607064280847/with/2819626208/)

http://www.flickr.com/groups/universalmonsterarmy/ (http://www.flickr.com/groups/universalmonsterarmy/)

Hmm the other links seem to not be working at the moment. Anyway search for Brechtbug Halloween Costumes Vintage Photos

and Nightowlghoul Ben Cooper and Collegeville Costumes and Masks in Flickr or just Ben Cooper, Collegeville, and Halco in the search bar at Flickr.

Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 05, 2012, 05:49:49 AM
Quote from: Ghost on August 04, 2012, 10:52:46 PM
Here you go our own Toy ranch and a few others should give you several Ben Cooper/Collegeville/Halco masks to look at for awhile.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/toyranch/sets/72157607064280847/with/2819626208/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/toyranch/sets/72157607064280847/with/2819626208/)

http://www.flickr.com/groups/universalmonsterarmy/ (http://www.flickr.com/groups/universalmonsterarmy/)

Hmm the other links seem to not be working at the moment. Anyway search for Brechtbug Halloween Costumes Vintage Photos

and Nightowlghoul Ben Cooper and Collegeville Costumes and Masks in Flickr or just Ben Cooper, Collegeville, and Halco in the search bar at Flickr.

Thanks for the link That was a nice collection
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: BANE on August 11, 2012, 12:18:04 PM
Many of the plastic masks are reproed right here in Mexico.  I have some in the cafe shown here...  http://monstercafesaltillo.blogspot.mx/2012/08/freaky-friday-monster-cafe-style.html (http://monstercafesaltillo.blogspot.mx/2012/08/freaky-friday-monster-cafe-style.html)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Dr.Terror on August 11, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
Yes there is

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518QN4EP1FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Costumes-Treats-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764314106 (http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Costumes-Treats-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764314106)                Totally kick ass book!  Mine is dog eared I've read it so mant times


Also check out Plaid Stallions, their site has lots of old Cooper and Collegevile catalogs to look at.


P.S.   Dressed for Thrills, su-u-u-cks.   95% linen mask era crap.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 11, 2012, 03:14:23 PM
Quote from: Dr.Terror on August 11, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
Yes there is

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518QN4EP1FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Costumes-Treats-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764314106 (http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Costumes-Treats-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764314106)                Totally kick ass book!  Mine is dog eared I've read it so mant times


Also check out Plaid Stallions, their site has lots of old Cooper and Collegevile catalogs to look at.


P.S.   Dressed for Thrills, su-u-u-cks.   95% linen mask era crap.


Sweet man thanks for the heads up.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on August 16, 2012, 09:08:37 AM
Quote from: Mord on August 03, 2012, 09:57:45 PM
LOVE the vacuuform masks. That's all we could afford as kids.

All I had too. I bought a new one every year though - and kept not a single one!  :o

A buddy of mine wore the same rabbit mask every year. I'm going to ask him if he still has it.

:)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on August 16, 2012, 09:13:12 AM
Quote from: Hepcat on August 16, 2012, 09:08:37 AM
All I had too. I bought a new one every year though - and kept not a single one!  :o

A buddy of mine wore the same rabbit mask every year. I'm going to ask him if he still has it.

:)

ya i think i wore mine out.lol!
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: dlhenderson on August 16, 2012, 09:24:21 AM
My first costume had a soft rubber mask. It was skeleton I think. I still remember the smell of it. My parents referred to the mask as a "dough-face".
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on August 16, 2012, 09:27:29 AM
Quote from: Dr.Terror on August 11, 2012, 01:26:04 PM
Yes there is

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518QN4EP1FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Costumes-Treats-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764314106 (http://www.amazon.com/Halloween-Costumes-Treats-Schiffer-Collectors/dp/0764314106)               

Totally kick ass book!  Mine is dog eared I've read it so mant times

And one I'll have to get!

8)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on March 21, 2013, 06:31:37 PM
I just received the above book in the mail today! It's comprehensive, well organized, and crammed full of coloured pictures! All and all it's a fabulous book and I highly recommend it to anyone who ever went trick or treating.

tynhrt
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: marsattacks666 on March 21, 2013, 06:35:53 PM
Quote from: Hepcat on March 21, 2013, 06:31:37 PM
I just received the above book in the mail today! It's comprehensive, well organized, and crammed
full of coloured pictures! All and all it's a fabulous book and I highly recommend it to anyone who ever went trick or treating.

tynhrt
;D


Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horror1o1 on March 21, 2013, 06:46:25 PM
Quote from: Hepcat on March 21, 2013, 06:31:37 PM
I just received the above book in the mail today! It's comprehensive, well organized, and crammed
full of coloured pictures! All and all it's a fabulous book and I highly recommend it to anyone who ever went trick or treating.

tynhrt

I need to get it.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Radioactive Rod Whitenack on March 21, 2013, 07:49:05 PM
Hepcat is right, I've seen that Halloween Costumes book and it's very good. I can also confirm that the "Dressed to Kill" book on Halloween costumes sucks Wolfman nards. It's not worth the glossy paper it's printed on.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on October 24, 2018, 01:25:32 PM
Does anyone know of any more recent books on kids' Halloween costumes?

???
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Devlin on October 29, 2018, 06:38:08 PM
Don't think I saw anyone mention what I would consider to be the best info source: http://monstermasks.blogspot.com/ (http://monstermasks.blogspot.com/)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: horrorhunter on October 29, 2018, 09:00:20 PM
Quote from: Devlin on October 29, 2018, 06:38:08 PM
Don't think I saw anyone mention what I would consider to be the best info source: http://monstermasks.blogspot.com/ (http://monstermasks.blogspot.com/)
Thanks. Just favorited that site.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on October 28, 2021, 01:21:41 PM
Here's a newly published 200 page book on the tacky yet extremely cool kids' Halloween costumes of yesteryear including a history of Ben Cooper, Inc.:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Book_on_Halloween_Costumes.jpg)

8)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: PlaidStallionsGuy on October 28, 2021, 06:14:21 PM
I wrote the forward on this one.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Sir Masksalot on October 28, 2021, 07:21:03 PM
Quote from: PlaidStallionsGuy on October 28, 2021, 06:14:21 PM
I wrote the forward on this one.

I look forward to reading your foreword, word for word.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Mike Scott on October 28, 2021, 07:26:18 PM
Quote from: Sir Masksalot on October 28, 2021, 07:21:03 PM
I look forward to reading your foreword, word for word.

I only read the first 4 words of the foreword.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Earth 2 Chris on October 29, 2021, 07:33:23 AM
It's a great book, and Jason Young has been designing some of the packaging on the recent Mego figures.

Chris
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: marsattacks666 on October 29, 2021, 06:55:26 PM
Quote from: Hepcat on October 28, 2021, 01:21:41 PM
Here's a newly published 200 page book on the tacky yet extremely cool kids' Halloween costumes of yesteryear including a history of the Ben Cooper, Inc.:

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Book_on_Halloween_Costumes.jpg)

8)

I heard about this book through the Plaidstallions YouTube channel.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Doh! on October 30, 2021, 03:38:21 AM
Thanks for the tip! I ordered it here for about $36 shipped:

https://houseofmysterioussecrets.com/an-old-school-halloween
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Doh! on November 16, 2021, 01:54:03 AM
Haven't finished reading it yet, but the pictures are awesome! I just wish the book itself was bigger: it's only about 8.25 x 5.25". I got a chuckle out of the foreword when it mentioned cutting your tongue on the small mouth hole in the masks -- I totally did that as a kid! 

As memory serves, I had:

Devil
Skeleton
Spider-Man
Tinman (with Tooter!)
Planet of the Apes Warrior
Fonzie

Great memories.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on November 16, 2021, 11:16:53 AM
Does the book cover Collegeville costumes or is it overwhelmingly focused on Ben Cooper?

???
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Doh! on November 16, 2021, 10:05:25 PM
Strictly Ben Coopers. I don't think I had any others as a kid so this is fine by me.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Wolfman on November 17, 2021, 11:21:45 AM
I just got a Ben Cooper Lurch. It's a cool costume that also has the Thing on it.

JP
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Earth 2 Chris on November 17, 2021, 12:51:43 PM
QuoteDoes the book cover Collegeville costumes or is it overwhelmingly focused on Ben Cooper?

Just Ben Cooper.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on November 17, 2021, 02:57:27 PM
Quote from: Doh! on November 16, 2021, 10:05:25 PMStrictly Ben Coopers. I don't think I had any others as a kid so this is fine by me.

I've learned in the past few years that Ben Cooper was the company that dominated the kids' Halloween costume market from the 1950's to the 1980's. Collegeville was a distant second. Collegeville nonetheless has its own fan base these days as evidenced by this poll:

http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=20324.0 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=20324.0)

Sandman78 for one is such a stalwart Collegeville backer that he has his own shrine dedicated to Collegeville costumes:

http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15262.225 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15262.225)

I know that Ben Cooper's offerings dominated the Halloween costume space in the major five-and-dime chains such as Woolworth and Kresge which leaves me wondering whether Collegeville's focus was on mom-and-pop retailers. Or did Collegeville which was based near Philadelphia have certain regional niches where it was particularly strong? Does anyone remember where they bought any Collegeville costumes?

While many Ben Cooper as well as Collegeville costumes appeal to me, what troubles me is that the An Old School Halloween title of the book implies broader coverage of the subject than one strictly devoted to Ben Cooper. I understand that both Jason Young and the publisher wanted the title and cover to appeal to as broad a potential market as possible, but I imagine a Collegeville fan who picked up the book would be very much disappointed/annoyed.

???
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Hepcat on November 29, 2021, 10:43:37 PM
Quote from: Earth 2 Chris on November 17, 2021, 12:51:43 PMJust Ben Cooper.

I can personally recommend this book which provides more comprehensive coverage of kids' Halloween costumes from the last half of the 20th century:

(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518QN4EP1FL._SL500_AA300_.jpg)

:)
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Doh! on November 30, 2021, 01:38:30 AM
I have this book, too! Quite worth picking up.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Dr.Terror on December 01, 2021, 01:25:36 AM
The "Halloween in a Box" documentary is free on Youtube.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfT9kYg4bjU&t=2843s
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: marsattacks666 on December 01, 2021, 01:47:18 PM
Quote from: Dr.Terror on December 01, 2021, 01:25:36 AM
The "Halloween in a Box" documentary is free on Youtube.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfT9kYg4bjU&t=2843s

Finally.
Title: Re: Ben Cooper/ Collegeville book or site?
Post by: Doh! on December 02, 2021, 09:50:34 PM
As much as I love our digital age, I wish they'd release that onto DVD or BluRay.