The buzz, also known as the whizzer and whirleygig are ancient toys. Prehistoric flat discs of stone are familiar finds for archaeologists working from the north-east woodlands. In the Southeast Canyon de Chelly in Arizona the flat discs there have been made from wood, hide, gourd, pottery, bone and shell. The Atsina of Montana, the Oglala of Dakota and the Mono Native Americans of California used a knuckle or knee bone as a buzz disc, cords were made from sinew, cotton or wool. The flat discs of wood or gourd were often engraved or painted with designs. These designs create new patterns and optical illusions as the toy spins. The European Colonists of N. America played with a similar toy sometimes called " the button game ", because a large button was used as a disc.
The origins of Bilboquet may have been in Italy, although a similar game was played in Greece. As early as 1585 it was mentioned in the writings of Pierre de L' Estoile. The game was for the upper classes and royalty of the time. By the 18th Century, the French aristocracy were playing in the courtyards with great passion. Marie Antoinette's daughter's ball and cup were made of engraved ivory. When the game arrived in America is unknown, but writings reveal that by 1767 it could be found in most nurseries. By 1771 it was often advertised by toy makers in American newspapers. The ball and cup game continued its popularity during the Civil War and often the soldiers made their own.
The precise origin of the spinning top is disputed among the experts. Clay tops from many ancient cultures have been recovered, but wooden tops from earlier ancient cultures may have been decayed time. Egyptian children played with tops as far back as 2000-4000 BC. Cato the Roman statesman recommended the game to parents as a more suitable pastime for children than dice. By the 14th Century tops were very common especially in England. They may have been connected with an early Christian Church ceremony. Every Parish had its top design and in the days before Lent top races were held between the parishes. A top that had stopped spinning was said to be sleeping, from this derived the expression " to sleep like a top "
The age of the yo-yo is under hot debate between historians and archaeologists. Some scientists have located a vase decorated with what they believe to be an Ancient Greek boy playing with a yo-yo. ( c. 500 B.C.) Other scientists argue that the yo-yo originated in China. and was brought to France around 1790, then on to America. Others believe it came into America with the colonists. Easy to carry it was a popular toy during the Civil War.
Often found in the Appalachians , The Jacobs Ladder is an illusion toy. To create the illusion the outermost block is grasped by its edges and tipped forward to touch the second block. This triggers the tumbling action. Tip the top block and touch the second block again. Continue this back and forth motion and an endless illusion of tumbling down the ladder is created.
One, two, buckle my shoe; three, four, open the door; five, six, pick up sticks; seven, eight, lay them straight; then a big fat hen! Pick-up sticks are also known as Jackstraws, woodpile, spillikins, and four-five-six. The age of this children's game is unknown. The game is very old perhaps originating in China. A version of pick up sticks has been played for thousands of years by the Eskimo and the Haida. Native Americans taught a version to the early European colonists. The game is referenced in the Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes published in the early 1800's. The pleasures of a game of pick up sticks are still enjoyed in America today.
The age of jackstones is unknown. We do know that Celtic and Saxon children of the British Isles ( Pre-Norman Period ) played this game of skill. It appeared in America during early Colonial times and the ball was made of wood, not rubber. The game continued its popularity through the Civil War,and the westward movement of the pioneers and is still popular today. The rules remain the same.
Hopscotch is one of the oldest games in the world. It is probably played in more countries than any other game. The rules are much the same worldwide, but the drawing of the diagram is different depending on the country of origin. The game has been played in America since the 1700's and the rules are similar to English Hopscotch. The word " hopscotch" is derived from "hop" meaning to jump and "scotch" meaning to scratch the ground. It is thought that the game was brought to Western Europe by the Roman army.
Marbles is one of the world oldest games. It was a common game in Ancient Egypt and Rome. In America, marbles traces it's roots to Colonial Times and the rules of to-day are the same. To "Knuckle down to taws" was a phrase used by Colonial boys. Taws was another name for the shooter marble.
The exact age of the game of dominoes is unknown. It is thought that present day Dominoes originated in France and Italy in the middle of the 18th Century. Apparently they were introduced into England by the French prisoners towards the end of the 18th Century. The game spread to America during Colonial times. The standard Domino set is comprised of 28 pieces and the rules today are as they were in the late 1700's.
The pop gun was a favorite of colonial boys. The exact age of this toy is unknown, but it is spoken of in print dating back to the early 1700's. Many of the guns were handmade from tree limbs by their owners. During the Great Depression the pop gun was popular as it could be made from freely available material.
The ring puzzle is an ancient African game. It had arrived in America by the 1700's and has led to many variations of entanglement puzzles. It is sometimes called " the yolk puzzle " .
Bracelet making is a very ancient pastime. Native Americans were weaving bracelets before the arrival of Europeans. Weaving patterns are included along with a completed bracelet. Fun and easy to learn.
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TRADITIONAL TOYS
Tenpin bowling is a game thought to have originated in medieval Europe , it was brought to America by the Dutch . Ten solid, turned maple pins 3 inches high with 2 large marbles and a drawstring bag. Instructions are included for tenpins and ninepins.
" A legacy of Quality fun passed down from generation to generation and still fun to-day "
Mckanes's Toys all come polybagged with authentic history and original rules, all our toys include interpretive text. Although the majority of these games and toys are familiar, they are often very ancient in origin. In essence they represent the best sellers over many generations. The Tops date back to 266-1400 B.C.; the marbles to the great Roman Empire. Most loved toys and games existing today have survived the cultures that created them. Naturally, the majority of these games were introduced to America during Colonial times and traveled west across the country with the first wagon trains. passed down from the children of yesterday to the children of today and tomorrow. Mckanes was founded over 25years ago by the late Gayle McKane, over the years we have supplied toys to America's National Parks, the Smithsonian, Henry Ford Museum and very many unique toy stores nation wide. Gayle's Daughters, and husband Joe continue with the family tradition.
