Toys of the 1900s - From Wooden Tops to Whirligigs

By Susan G Mathis

At the turn of the 20th century, children's playtime was filled with the simple joys of handmade toys. In 1900, an array of charming and timeless playthings captivated the imagination of youngsters across the globe. From the humble wooden tops to the whimsical jumping jack man, these toys were not just sources of entertainment but also treasured artifacts of a bygone era.

Wooden tops were a ubiquitous sight in the hands of children during the early 1900s. Crafted from wood and often hand-painted with vibrant colors, these spinning marvels were propelled into action with the help of a string and a quick twist of the fingers.

Games of chance and skill were prevalent in the 1900s, with dice and teetotum being popular choices. Wooden dice were used in various games that tested luck and strategy. The teetotum, a spinning top with numbered sides, added an element of unpredictability to games, making them both entertaining and educational.

The yo-yo, with its timeless appeal, quickly became a sensation. The whirligig, a delightful and whimsical toy consisting of a spinning propeller mounted on a stick, the whirligig was set in motion by the wind or a twirling motion from the child.

The bilbo catcher, a skill-based toy, challenged children to improve their hand-eye coordination. Consisting of a wooden cup attached to a handle by a string, players aimed to catch a small wooden ball in the cup as it swung back and forth. The bilbo catcher not only entertained but also honed motor skills, making it a valuable plaything for development.

The jumping jack man added a touch of theatricality to playtime. Comprising a jointed figure attached to strings, pulling a cord caused the limbs to move, creating a whimsical dance. The jumping jack man brought a sense of animation to the toy box, allowing children to bring their imaginations to life. In A Summer at Thousand Island House, the children play with these toys.

What’s your favorite childhood toy? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on February 19th for my next post.

ABOUT A SUMMER AT THOUSAND ISLAND HOUSE

Addison Bell serves children of the Thousand Island House guests on Staple’s Island. While thriving in her work, Addi’s vivacity attracts the attention of the recreation pavilion’s manager, Liam Donovan, as well as the handsome Navy Officer Lt. Worthington, a lighthouse inspector, hotel patron, and single father of mischievous little Jimmy. When Jimmy goes missing while in Addi’s care and former President Chester Arthur finds the child a stowaway on his fishing boat, her job and reputation are endangered. How can she calm the churning waters of Liam, Lt. Worthington, and the President, clear her name, and avoid becoming the scorn of the community?

ABOUT SUSAN

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.