Wooden puzzle, ca. 1870

Handmade of walnut

This intricate child's puzzle was cut by hand to separate into ten different pieces, including two shaped like a sled and a rocking chair. People made toys and games for their children out of readily available and inexpensive materials, and wooden toys were undoubtedly the most common. Once the chores were done, a toy like this puzzle would have occupied inquisitive children for hours as they disassembled it, played with the various pieces, and reassembled it to put it away.

Gift of Miss Avis Hubbard, Mason City, IL (760014)

Toys | Wood

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96