"A Christmas Dinner" Board Game, 1897

Summary

By the late 19th century, traces of the modern, secular celebration of Christmas had crystallized. Among these customs was preparing a special holiday dinner. Parker Brothers capitalized on this popular tradition, creating the game A Christmas Dinner in 1897. In the game, players spin a spinner and then move their counters around the board, hoping to land back on their original plate.

By the late 19th century, traces of the modern, secular celebration of Christmas had crystallized. Among these customs was preparing a special holiday dinner. Parker Brothers capitalized on this popular tradition, creating the game A Christmas Dinner in 1897. In the game, players spin a spinner and then move their counters around the board, hoping to land back on their original plate.

Artifact

Board game (Game set)

Date Made

1897

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2009.151.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Cardboard
Paper (Fiber product)
Wood (Plant Material)

Technique

Lithography

Color

Multicolored

Inscriptions

Printed on game board, from left (Santa): 5 / HEAD OF THE TABLE / 2 / 1 / 6 /5 / 3 / 2 / 6 / 1 / 5 /3 / 1 / 4 / 2 / 5 / 4 / 6 / 2 / 5 / 1 / 3 / 4 Printed on inside of lid: RULES FOR PLAYING THE GAME OF / "A CHRISTMAS DINER." . . . Printed on box lid top: "A CHRISTMAS / DINNER" / Copyright 1897. PARKER BROTEHRS / SALEM, MASS. U.S.A. Printed on spinner / indicator: PARKER BROS. GAMES / 1 / 4 / 2 / 5 / 3 / 6

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