WHEREAS, Halloween night is recognized as a festive occasion all over the world; and
WHEREAS, small children go out dressed as spooks and goblins to trick or treat; and
WHEREAS, Centenary Avenue in Cleveland, Tennessee is where the most recognized “goblin” in Bradley County comes out; and
WHEREAS, all the residents along Centenary promote a fun and safe Halloween for all little girls and boys by giving out treats and opening their homes as “spook houses”; and WHEREAS, “Tall Betsy” is the main attraction and spookiest spook on Halloween; and
WHEREAS,
She comes out only on Halloween
On Centenary Avenue she can be seen.
Tall Betsy is the “Lady in Black”
For scaring “night-owls” she has a Knack.
Now if you’re good and go home early,
You won’t get ‘et by this gruesome girlie.
But if you linger ‘til after ten,
We want you to know you’re a “has-been.”
Cause Betsy will tuck you under her arm,
And you can bet, that’s cause for alarm.
To Fort Hill Cemetery she will go,
To her mausoleum, with you in tow!
If you don’t escape before sunrise
I warn you now you’ll be her prize.
She’ll have you for breakfast, I do not jest,
You’ll be on the menu, not as her guest.
Your bones she’ll dump in that old well,
At Arnold School, and no one will tell.
Your parents, they’ll worry and fret,
They’ll search all over for you, I’ll bet
So, go home early on Halloween night,
And November 1st you’ll be all right.
Trick or treating is so much fun,
But if you see Tall Betsy, you’d better run.
Now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, that it is only fitting and just that “Tall Betsy” be proclaimed as the official Halloween goblin of Bradley County with all the rights and privileges pertaining hereto.
Dated: May 24, 1989
