Games played in the 1860s

Whoever caught the most rings during this time period would be declared the winner. Marbles have been a popular children's game for centuries.

In earlier years, marbles were made of clay or stone. However, in the late 19th century, marbles made of glass became popular. There were many games that involved marbles, but the most popular one is still common today. Known as "ring taw," it was played by making a circle on the ground using chalk, string or drawn into the dirt.

The largest marble, called a shooter, was held out, while all the other marbles were placed inside the circle. Children crouched down around the circle and took turns flicking the shooter into the circle. Any marbles knocked out by the shooter were kept by that child. When all the marbles were out of the circle, the child with the most marbles in his possession won the game. A few board games, such as checkers, chess and backgammon were common even before s. However, it was during the s that many new board games were made.

Most board games during this time period were used to teach or improve a child's mind. They were allowed to disguise themselves by putting hats or turbans on their heads, shawls around their shoulders, walking in a crouched position, etc. Blind-Man's Buff was played by blindfolding a participant who was to catch and identify one of the other participants.

If the "blind man" identified his subject that person then took his or her place and the "blind man" then joined those whom the subject sought to catch and identify. The 19th century version of Hide And Seek was somewhat different than most children are used to today.

One child leaves the room and the others then hide some simple object such as a thimble or key. When it has been hidden the children call the other participant back into the room and he or she is to find the hidden object. Her playmates coach her by calling "Warm", "Getting Warmer" etc. Once the participant has located the hidden object the activity is repeated with a different child being the one to seek the hidden item. Hunt The Ring is played thus: All those playing sit in a circle and hold onto a ribbon which passes all around.

A ring is slipped on the ribbon and while all hands are in motion passing the ring along the ribbon the hunter in the center must guess where the ring is. The new player who is caught with the ring becomes the hunter for the next round. I Spy was played by blindfolding one child while the others hid.

When they had successfully hidden themselves they called the blindfolded child who then removed the blindfold and attempted to find the hidden children. Upon so doing she would call "I spy Mary" or whatever the child's name might be. Mary would then try to run to the place where the child had been blindfolded before she reached it herself or was then to take the blindfolded participant and continue the game. The familiar Pat-A-Cake played during the midth century was as it is known today to babies everywhere.

Participants would clap the hands together while reciting this verse:. See-Saw was played by placing a board across a fence or piece of wood with a child on each end. As one rose the other came nearer the ground. Mid-Victorian children were given soap bubbles to play with using a piece of reed or quill for the "wand" through which to blow the bubbles. When the bubble was blown slightly shaking the "wand" would release the bubble to float through the air.

A tin cup or other container to hold the soapy solution is all else that is required. A length of hemp rope and a smooth surface is all that is required for Jump Rope. Two children may swing the rope while a third jumps, or simply pass it back and forth underneath the jumper's feet. La Grace was introduced in Germany and spread to other countries. Participants held two sticks with which they attempted to catch and toss a round ring through the air.

The hoop was generally decorated with pieces of ribbon to add interest. Shuttlecock and battledoor was recommended as a source of exercise to promote girls' health. Catherine Beecher in her Miss Beecher's Domestic Receipt Book suggested this game and skipping rope as alternatives to playing the piano to promote good health, and The Ladies' Repository suggested that parents join in such games to promote mechanical skills in their children.

This game is very similar to badminton in that the Shuttlecock, sometimes called a bird, was a ball with feathers stuck into it, and the battledoors were used to keep the shuttlecock in the air by hitting it back and forth to each other.

It was said a good player could pass the shuttlecock to a partner a thousand times or more. Children played with a cup and ball toy which consisted of a wooden cup on a stick with a ball tied to it. The object was to toss the ball upward and catch it in the cup. Folk versions of this are still enjoyed today. Bead work was thought of as a satisfactory activity for a young girl. Note beads would have been glass. Necklaces strung of beads, bracelets, purses, etc. The beads were strung on either tiny ribbon, linen thread, or something of the like such as wool yarn.

Many young women probably learned the rudimentary methods of beadwork while pursuing such a childhood activity. Beaded purses were produced throughout the early and mid-l9th century. Older girls might spend their leisure time making doll dresses, pin cushions, sachets, needle-books, pen-wipers, embroidery, patchwork, purses, trim work to include tatting and other trims , rug making, knitting, etc. Publications such as Godey's often contained directions for such projects, and they varied in level of simplicity so that most children could find something within their grasp.

The practice of young girls making samplers to showcase their fine sewing skills began well before the 's. Such samplers often included pictorial scenes, alphabet, numbers, and a variety of fancy stitches.

As the practice progressed Biblical verses and sentimental verses were often added. Many of the stitches and directions for things such as needle books can be found in The Workwoman's Guide. Dolls went through several phases by A doll form the 18th century might have been carved from wood with blown glass eyes and pretty gowns to wear. Paper dolls were available by the 's. This elegant game was considered to offer young ladies both proper and correct exercise.

Although considered a game for girls, boys would also play grace. Originally, marbles were made from baked clay, stone and flint. Marbles were also sometimes made from actual marble. Children -- both boys and girls -- in the s would usually play with glass marbles.

Although players competed in tournament marbles in the states, trying out for regional or even national championships, children in the s played with marbles for the simple pleasure of beating their friends.

Virtually growing up in a computer repair shop, Naomi Bolton has held a passion for as long as she can remember.