 The games that entertained families from the 1840s to the 1920s offer a fascinating window on the values, beliefs, and aspirations of our changing nation. During this period, the United States experienced a shift from predominately agrarian to urban living. Leisure times as well as incomes were rising, and middle class families encouraged their children to play games that would develop skills and provide moral instruction.
The New York Historical Society Museum has commissioned a series of faithful reproductions on ceramic tiles that creates a timeline of these forgotten games. True colors are locked into the 1/4-inch tile substrate (do not permanently place in direct sunlight; do not wash with abrasive materials or harsh detergents). Each decorative piece comes with (removeable) mounting hardware on the reverse.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Game of District Messenger Boy.
(McLoughlin Bros., circa1888)
In this 'rags-to-riches' game, players tried to work their way up the corporate ladder, from messenger boy to American president.
|
|
|
|
|
Game of Base-Ball.
(McLoughlin Bros., circa 1886)
One of many tabletop baseball games during this period, this game featured painted metal game pieces in the form of baseball players.
|
|
|
Bulls and Bears: The Great Wall St. Game.
(McLoughlin Bros., circa 1883)
Based on the vicissitudes of the stock market, players in this game could became speculators, bankers and brokers.
|
|
|
The Sociable Telephone.
(J. Ottman Lithography Co., circa 1902)
This game helped teach the proper etiquette and social interaction for the new technology of the telephone at the turn of the 20th century.
|
|
|
Gems of Art.
(Selchow & Richter Co., circa 1880)
Many board games of this period were educational in nature. This game tested the players' knowledge of the classics of art.
|
|
|
