For Children Only
Life for Children in the 19th century was very different from ours today!! NO TV, NO COMPUTER GAMES, NO XBOX to help fill up the day meant that children had to invent games of their own. They loved to play outside games like Hide-and-Seek, Leap Frog and Marbles. Most games were homemade of simple materials.
Here are a few games to try at home:
Sardines:
One person hides while the rest count to _______ (# to be determined by players).
When the seeker finds the hider he/she must crowd into the same space and hide from other seekers. Soon all but one seeker will be crowded into the same space - just like sardines in a can. Silence is important! The first seeker to find the hider will be it for the next game.
Conqueror:
Two players spin their tops trying to make the tops bump into each other. The top that is able to knock another over, but stay upright will be the winner.
Whirlygig:
A simple toy can be made by threading string through two holes of a large button and tying the ends in a knot. Then place the button in the center of the loop of string and wind it up by spinning the button until the string is wound tightly. Pull your hands in and out and the button will wind and rewind.
19th century toys and books about the 19th century such as those listed here are available for purchase in the Bulloch Hall Museum Shop.
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