Colonial Toys and Games

Many toys and games that were invented and widely used in colonial times are still used and popular today. The majority of the toys in that time were cruder versions than what we have today because they had to made out of corn husks and rags. Making toys was a group activity since every family had five to eight children. They worked together and played together and thats how some of our most famous games were developed. Famous games that originated in the 1700’s include :Hopscotch,Jacob's,Ladder Leap Frog,Bow & Arrow,Blind Man's Bluff, and See-Saw. Toys that were invented during this time include: the Yo-Yo, Jump Rope,Kites,Playing Cards, Rocking Horses,Pick-Up Sticks, Marbles, and Puzzles. These toys kept kids entertained while their parents were out in the field. Some would say that having to rely on yourself to make and maintain your own entertainment source is what gave kids the work ethic they needed to take over the farming and other jobs when they grew up. A big board game during that time was called Nine Men’s Morrice and it could be played on a board or some paper or even just drawn in the dirt so it was very easy for kids to play. Each player needed nine markers. You could use anything for your markers, players used beans,corn,stones, and so on. The object of the game was to make three rows of markers on a line and to stop your opponent from doing the same. It was very simple and easy to find materials for so it was widely popular for a span of time. Another popular game or activity during this period were riddles. They were a more intellectual form of entertainment and were almost the same as they were today. People tried to come up with and share their riddles. Many of these toys and games have been the base of toys and entertainment nowadays and were incredibly important for the children of that time.