#1 Introduction

Pastime for little fingers. Copyright 1881. Prints and Photographs Division. LC-USZC4-3216 (color film copy transparency) http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?pp/ils:@filreq(@field(NUMBER+@band(cph+3a46888))+@field(COLLID+pga))

How would today’s child occupy, amuse, or entertain themselves with out the use of electricity?

The journey to bring the “electric lighting system” to the average

American household took time,

but with Edison’s 1879 discovery came a whole new realm of possibilities.

Among them were the numerous inventions for children.

In 1958, the first “video game” unveiled on our toy shelves.

The American home was now invaded by a light-up, noisy,

and brilliantly advertised design.

Gadgets were the wave of the future. But with the wave came the current.

Childhood became a quick, lonesome existence.

How would today’s child occupy, amuse, or entertain themselves

with out the use of electricity?

What games, hobbies, and toys would they play with?

Let the urban/rural American child of our past be you guide!