Alphabet Blocks, Used by Edsel Ford, 1898-1903

01

Artifact Overview

By 1900, many American toy companies mass-produced colorful wooden alphabet blocks. These blocks belonged to Henry and Clara Ford's son, Edsel. Along with letters, they feature images of animals with their names printed below. Words on the blocks encouraged children to think about letter sounds and spelling while they played.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Alphabet block

Date Made

1898-1903

Place of Creation

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

44.160.65

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Wood (Plant Material)

Color

Blue
Red
Yellow (Color)
Black (Color)

Dimensions

Length: 1.75 in
Width: 1.75 in
Height: 1.75 in

Alphabet Blocks, Used by Edsel Ford, 1898-1903