Great Pumpkin First Mention

Charles Schulz first introduced the Great Pumpkin in a Peanuts comic on October 26, 1959.

“Don’t you know? This is the time of year when we all write to the 'Great Pumpkin' and tell him what we want for Halloween.”

Linus Writes Letters

Linus writes letters to the Great Pumpkin while Lucy questions his actions.

“The 'Great Pumpkin' loves little children. I can see him now, rising up out of the pumpkin patch with his big bag of toys!”

Next Day's Strip

Schulz released a similar strip the following day with Linus discussing the Great Pumpkin.

Charlie Brown's Skepticism

Charlie Brown tells Linus he's crazy after multiple strips.

“You’re crazy.”

Great Pumpkin's Absence

The Great Pumpkin never appears in reality or responds to letters.

1960 Pumpkin Patch Question

Charlie Brown asks why Linus believes they're in the right pumpkin patch.

“It just occurred to me that there must be ten million pumpkin patches in this country… What makes you think we’re in the right one?”

1961 Historical Record

Linus cites specific Great Pumpkin appearances in 1959 and 1960.

“On Halloween night in 1959, the Great Pumpkin appeared in the pumpkin patch of Boots Rutman in Connecticut.”

57 Pumpkin Cards

Linus has sent out 57 pumpkin cards by the time he's convinced Lucy.

“It would be economically disastrous for me not to believe it!”

Lucy's Pumpkin Patch

Lucy starts her own pumpkin patch to attract the Great Pumpkin.

1964 Election Storyline

Schulz created a multi-week storyline about Linus running for class president in 1964.

Great Pumpkin Destroys Campaign

Linus mentions the Great Pumpkin during his final speech, ending his campaign.